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Auburn football: Five really important offensive players vs. Washington

By Rob Maxwell

It didn't take long for Jarrett Stidham to emerge as a prolific passer and leader for Auburn in 2017. The Tigers look for even bigger things in 2018. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
It didn't take long for Jarrett Stidham to emerge as a prolific passer and leader for Auburn in 2017. The Tigers look for even bigger things in 2018. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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Darius Slayton emerged as Jarrett Stidham’s deep threat last season. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

WR Darius Slayton

Darius Slayton was a pleasant surprise last season.

He nearly doubled his receptions from his freshman season (15 to 29), more than doubled his receiving yardage (292 to 643) and increased his TD receptions from 1 to 5.

If he can make close to that sort of improvement in 2018, look out.

His role is important because his speed and down-field strengths keep safeties honest. Prior to Stidham’s arrival, Auburn’s down-field passing game was almost non-existent. Defenses stacked the box and forced the Tigers to throw it.

With an accomplished passer, defensive backs can sleep on Slayton. Whether or not he catches five or more passes Saturday or none, he will play a role in spreading the Huskies and opening running and passing lanes for the Auburn offense.

If some of the other receivers step up (Nate Craig-Myers, Sal Cannella, one of the freshmen), Slayton might even find himself in favorable one-on-ones and that’s a good thing for him and Stidham.

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