Auburn football: 5 most underrated players of the Gus Malzahn era

Underrated  Auburn football players: Corey Grant

Unlike Holland, Corey Grant was never a star for Auburn. In fact, the Alabama transfer was never really a starter. Playing behind lead backs like Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne, Grant never had his chance to be the featured guy in the Tigers backfield.

Regardless, Grant was one of the most electric playmakers in the country during the 2013 and 2014 season despite limited snaps.

With reported sub-4.3 speed, Grant was a threat to take it to the house every time he touched the ball.

Auburn was the country’s top rushing team for the 2013 season, and while Mason and dual-threat quarterback Nick Marshall were a major part of that, Grant’s 647 rushing yards and six touchdowns that season made a huge contribution.

Not only that but, Grant did all that on just 66 carries. Grant’s incredible 9.8 yards per carry that season was better than any other running back in the nation and while his yardage dipped from 647 to 364 in his senior season, there’s no doubt that the speedy tailback was one of the most effective backups in the nation and an electrifying player to watch.

Grant’s elite speed also allowed him to be an effective weapon in the return game as he put up an average of 24.5 yards per kick return while also taking one to the house.