While the running game is locked down and ready to go this season, the Auburn football coaching staff spent a lot of time adding talent to help improve the Tigers’ passing game. With plenty of new faces in the wide receiver room, fans are hoping to see big plays through the air, something that has been lacking in the past few years.
But the wide receivers aren’t the only pass catchers to watch. The tight end group, which is primarily made up of returners like Luke Deal and Tyler Fromm, is expected to have a more expanded role in the offense this year. the tight ends are being asked to do a lot of different things, according to first year tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua, being a receiver or focusing more on the block.
While most of the tight ends are returners, the newcomer to the group has already established himself as the centerpiece of the operation. Rivaldo Fairweather, the first transfer head coach Hugh Freeze landed from the transfer portal on the Plains, has earned a lot of responsibility on the offense, per Auburn Undercover:
"“We are kind of putting more on his plate as far as the pass game and the RPO world,” the first-year tight ends coach said. “This spring, everyday, he’s doing something out there spectacular with the catches, taking the ball off the DB’s head, whatever it is. He’s been really, really impressive during camp with the work he’s doing in the passing game. Run-game wise, we’ve got to keep improving and keep getting stronger, but overall through fall camp he’s come a long way.”"
Aigamaua went on to say that the biggest adjustment for the tight ends so far has been the amount of running they’re having to do between all their routes, but the guys have been embracing their various roles and learning all the new techniques.
Rivaldo Fairweather is definitely a player to watch this season, as he will play a vital role in the new Auburn football offense in 2023.