Auburn’s first week of fall camp is in the books. Since there's been one day in pads so far, there wasn’t a lot of contact, but doing reps in your gear helps players get used to it. WR coach Kodi Burns got to speak to the media after practice, opening up about his players and what they’re trying to do at this camp.
Burns was asked about how feasible it was to have six to eight receivers get significant snaps due to the pace of the offense. He replied with confidence.
"Yeah, I think it’s feasible. I think that the goal is to build depth right? We have to develop these young guys. We have some guys with experience, but at the same time, it’s all about development in this camp. And as we continue to grow each and every day, get detailed more and more every single practice," Burns said.
“Man, that’s the goal to really be two deep at every position so when you’re in 11 personnel team and you’re two deep at every position, that gets you about six and you would like ideally anywhere from six to eight. So as we get two deep at every position, every single year at some point, you know, knock on wood, you want to be injury-free, but injuries do happen.”
That is sensible confidence right there. Playing in such a high-paced offense does have its strengths and weaknesses. They do play from the spread, so having the ability to have receivers of varying speed and size could continue to throw off teams as it has done for Golesh in the past. You can bash Billy Napier all you want, but it was a talented Florida team that still took the L on the field last September to his USF Bulls.
Kodi would be asked after about certain players like Jeremiah Koger.
‘I challenge him because he IS talented.'
That was the answer coach Burns gave when asked about how this offseason has challenged Jeremiah Koger.
"Listen, Jeremiah is a fantastic player and I challenge him because he is talented," Burns said.
“He’s done it already at a different school and proven himself of what the type of player he is and so my challenge to him is he’s got to grow from spring up until summer, up until now, he’s got to continue to grow and get better.
“He has responded really well this fall camp and I’m telling you, Byrum really likes where he’s at right now."
That is a major insight for Koger. If Byrum Brown is liking where he is going, that could develop into more playing time. Especially since he’s been challenged this summer with the sharp rise of the freshman star DeShawn Spencer.
‘The moment’s just NEVER TOO BIG for him’
When asked about Spencer, you could see Coach Burns crack a smile as he answered, because even he knows how talented he is. Former Saraland teammate, now rival Alabama star WR, Ryan Coleman-Williams, called “a workhorse” on SEC media day.
Spencer is easily the most sensible replacement for Cam Coleman, who looks to prove his worth at Texas this year.
“I tell you what, DeShawn Spencer is a guy that the moment’s just never too big for him. Coming from Saraland, obviously comes from an incredible program and what he’s been able to do so far none less than impressive," Burns said.
“Like, it’s incredible just the mindset that he has. He is uber detailed. He’s a guy that is like the best guys I’ve been around in the NFL also at this level. You can tell them one time they do it or you can show it to them and they do it, and he’s just got that it.”
What Coach Burns is saying is what I was saying when I warned not to be shocked if Spencer starts seeing the field early and often.
This kid is the real deal and is only going to continue to get better.
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