Auburn football ‘seeking more help in the portal’ at skill position

Auburn football is reportedly “seeking more help in the portal” in relation to the Tigers’ receiving corps according to Rivals’ Bryan Matthews — who believes AU needs an X receiver to make plays on the outside with Ja’Varrius Johnson serving as a game-breaker out of the slot.

“Ja’Varrius Johnson is a playmaker in the slot, but the Tigers need the same from the outside positions,” Matthews wrote. “(Malcolm Johnson) Johnson missed spring with an injury but is expected back this summer and could provide more of a deep threat. Brown, Moore and Mardner got a lot of work with the first-team this spring while Fair and Kelly showed improvement. Sorey could help out and Hart, who signed as a cornerback, will get an early look at receiver. Auburn is seeking more help in the portal.”

Tar’Varish Dawson, who left the Plains via the transfer portal, looked like another potential playmaker from the slot after catching a 39-yard bomb from Robby Ashford during the A-Day spring game on April 8.

Analyst bullish on Auburn football running back room

While the WR room is a massive question mark for the third year in a row, the running back room looks to be a stabilizing force for AU’s offense in 2023 — which is good since the Tigers could move to an RPO-heavy offensive attack under Auburn football offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery.

Matthews was complimentary of every back who has been practicing this spring.

“(Jarquez) Hunter has taken a leadership role at the position and is the No. 1 option,” Matthews wrote. “(Damari) Alston was one of AU’s most improved players this spring and looks to continue an excellent string of running backs. (Brian) Battie also impressed the spring and should be back in July after undergoing surgery. (Sean) Jackson had a good spring and (Jeremiah) Cobb is scheduled to arrive at the end of May.”