Auburn football: Shaun Shivers looks like next big thing among Tigers’ history of smaller backs

Something about Shaun Shivers gives you the sense that he’s going to leave his mark on Auburn football over the next few years.

Maybe it was his first career carry in Week 1 against Washington when the freshman running back darted for seven yards on third-and-4.

Or maybe it was in the third quarter against Alabama State when he ran six times for 39 yards on Auburn’s 48-yard scoring drive.

Or maybe it was when he ran four times and picked up all 54 yards on a fourth quarter scoring drive and punctuated it with his first career touchdown last Saturday.

Or maybe you fell in love with Shivers the moment you saw him on the field. At 5-7, 173 pounds, he was swallowed up standing next to the Auburn offensive line.

But that didn’t matter. If anything, his size is a plus.

Shivers showed that he has that “it” factor and even though his 13-carry, 117-yard performance came against Alabama State, it likely has given him more opportunities moving forward.

Auburn has two backs in front of him in Kam Martin and JaTarvious Whitlow. Asa Martin may have dropped below Shivers after fumbling on his second carry against the Hornets.

Shivers displayed speed, elusiveness and an ability to bounce off tacklers.

Successful smaller backs are nothing new to the Auburn offense. Here’s a closer look at some of the best and most memorable to make stops on the Plains. Can Shivers one day make this list?