Auburn football: 3 wide receivers that can become WR1 in 2021

Auburn football potential WR1 #3: Elijah Canion

So far, in real game competition, Elijah Canion has proven the most in separating from the rest of the pack.

Canion showed up during the Tigers’ Citrus Bowl loss to Northwestern on New Year’s Day at Camping World Stadium. It was his first start of the season (and his career), and with the chips stacked against the AU offense given Northwestern’s top 25-ranked defense, Canion stepped up to the plate to be one of the lone bright spots on a day dominated by the Wildcats otherwise.

Ze’Vian Capers’ injury and Anthony Schwartz’ opt-out of the Bowl Game was the opening Canion needed to strike and stake his claim as Bo Nix’s new top target. Furthering that rapport during A-Day was crucial, and Canion once again showed out, per Josh Vitale:

"Elijah Canion, sophomore wide receiver. Ja’Varrius Johnson was the talk of spring practice, but it was the 6-foot-4 Canion who shined with six catches for 51 yards and a touchdown on A-Day, building on his breakout three-catch, 80-yard, one-touchdown performance in January’s Citrus Bowl."

Canion has the inside track to being WR1, and I’d put my money on him scoring at least one touchdown on September 4th when Jordan-Hare bears witness to an explosive return of Auburn football in its purest form: with 87,000+ fans screaming their lungs out while whiting out the stadium.