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Power of positivity: Best-case scenarios for huge Auburn season in 2018

By Rob Maxwell

Darrell Williams had 2.5 tackles for loss. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Darrell Williams had 2.5 tackles for loss. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Darius Slayton emerged as Jarrett Stidham’s deep threat last season. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Wide receivers

You can’t expect Stidham to have a 3,500-yard, 25-plus TD season without good receivers and this is the best group Gus Malzahn has had since he took over the Auburn football program in 2013.

This position group has size, speed and experience. That variety will serve them well.

Last season, Ryan Davis established himself as Stidham’s No. 1 target. He caught a school-record 84 passes. Darius Slayton established himself as Stidham’s No. 1 deep target. He averaged 22.2 yards per reception.

Throw Nate Craig-Myers, Sal Cannella, Marquis McClain and any of four freshmen receivers and you have the makings of a monster season. And that doesn’t account for the injured Eli Stove and Will Hastings, who are limited while recovering from ACL tears. Both are way ahead of schedule and could be ready at some point this season.

National analyst has good idea about Auburn in 2018. light. Trending

Best-case scenario: Look at what the receivers did in 2010 when Cam Newton threw for 2,854 yards. He spread it around, but three receivers led the way: Darvin Adams (52-963), Terrell Zachery (43-605) and Emory Blake (33-554). Stidham will throw for more yards, Auburn will have its third all-time 1,000-yard receiver and at least one more who flirts with 1,000.

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