While there wasn’t a lot to be excited about when it came to the offensive performance of the Auburn football team Saturday night against Arkansas, there was at least one thing that had to make you smile.
Anthony Schwartz.
The freshman receiver is progressing every week and has a chance to do big things this season.
While coaches often aren’t quick to hand out praise to freshmen, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey couldn’t help it Sunday night when meeting with media members.
Anthony Schwartz has been "a huge surprise," Chip Lindsey said. "He's probably a more polished receiver than I gave him credit for."
— Josh Vitale (@JoshVitale) September 24, 2018
We were hoping Schwartz would find a place in this offense this season. That’s happening. But we thought it would mostly come on jet sweeps, maybe even returning kicks.
An elite high school sprinter (he’ll do big things for the Auburn track team, too), Schwartz was a good receiver in high school, but I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect with him. He’s been sure-handed and reliable.
Here’s a look at his game-by-game progression:
Game 1 vs. Washington: No receptions or rushing attempts. But he was on the field when JaTarvious Whitlow picked up the game-clinching first down on third down late in the game. Lindsey sent him in motion in an attempt to draw at least some of the defense’s attention.
Game 2 vs. Alabama State: Three receptions for 67 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown. He ran one time for 3 yards.
Game 3 vs. LSU: Two receptions for 37 yards and one carry for a loss of 6 yards.
Game 4 vs. Arkansas: Caught three passes for 59 yards and ran twice for 9 yards. He caught a swing pass and took it 42 yards up the sideline and nearly scored.
His eight receptions are tied for second-most on the team and he leads the Tigers with 163 receiving yards (20.4 yards per catch).
Could he be the secret to opening up this offense?
That’s possible.
Every time he touches the ball, he’s a threat to go the distance. He’s that fast.
And he wants to help things improve on offense. Better yet, he thinks he can make it happen.
“I bring speed,” Schwartz said after the game Saturday. “I can stretch the field. I can open up the field. I can help the run game get better. I can help the underneath game get better. I can pretty much help everything get better for the whole team.”
Hey coaches, make sure Anthony is in on the game-planning this week.
He just might help Auburn blow the top off this offense.