Auburn football sophomore will have critical role for offense in 2022
When Auburn football Class of 2021 TE recruit Landen King first committed to the Tigers, an undeniable buzz was created.
Unfortunately, he largely stayed stuck to the pine during a season that lost hope once November started. King did, however, have an unforgettable one-handed TD grab during the 2021 Iron Bowl with Auburn football trailing Alabama 17-10 in overtime on third and goal.
The narrative is set to shift in 2022, though. Bryan Harsin and co. have committed to finding the perfect TE/WR hybrid role moving forward.
AL.com’s Tom Green believes the switch will lead to King having a ‘critical role’ in the Tigers offense:
"One potential playmaker who’s expected to see a more critical role in the offense this year is sophomore Landen King. The former three-star tight end has transitioned into a true hybrid weapon for the Tigers this spring, splitting time at tight end and wide receiver.At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, King is a big, versatile target who could be a major factor in Auburn’s passing attack this season. He had just five catches for 59 yards and a touchdown last fall, his lone score coming in the first overtime of the Iron Bowl, but he has looked impressive as both a route-runner and receiver during practices. Auburn certainly won’t show its entire hand with King in the spring game, but how he’s utilized Saturday could provide a clue as to how the Tigers plan to use him this fall."
Landen King could be a surprise star for Auburn football in 2022
When it comes to Tigers that could potentially break out during the 2022 season, Landen King’s name stands out on the offensive side of the ball.
Both Sean Jackson and Jordon Ingram provide big-play potential on the RB depth chart behind Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter, whose combined play in the backfield tailed off as the SEC slate progresses last season.
Defensively, soon-to-be freshman S Caleb Wooden and freshman DL Dylan Brooks project to be the young guns we’ll be highlighting this fall.
Auburn’s roster is veteran-heavy at the top of the pecking order, but the team’s success will depend on their depth, which features underclassmen with true star potential.