Lance Dawe of The Barn just called Christian Neptune the best receiver on Auburn's roster. Not the most improved, not a sleeper, but he called him the best. That's a bold claim for a guy who doesn’t seem to have the starting slot spot over DeShawn Spencer. Nor is he catching the eye of Joel Gordon after his comments yesterday as Chas Nimrod did. But after a healthy return from shoulder surgery, Neptune would do well to keep this momentum up.
After The Barn’s Kyle Rush mentioned Neptune as the player who needed to dominate, it was a good thing to see him come out today and convince others that he shouldn’t be slept on. I have been wrong before, so go ahead and prove me wrong, Christian Neptune. Take back the starting slot spot and keep winning these practices.
Neptune wasn't the only one settling questions at camp today. Omar Mabson II and Arlis Boardingham both locked down their spots, giving Auburn some much-needed clarity at two positions that were still up for grabs.
TE Arlis Boardingham and RB Omar Mabson II look like they are locked in
The tight ends got to lead a lot of the drills, and Boardingham seemed to hustle every time he got to take a rep. He just continues to make catches and looks like he is the No. 2 guy behind Jake Johnson. The initial challenge of Jonathan Echols is something that is just a year away. But it is nice to see some positions being solidified quickly. They may not make all the noise that wide receivers or running backs make, but they are a very important piece of Alex Golesh and Gordon's scheme. The way they are asked to chip-block and catch the ball, they have to be wild tigers out there.
Moving on to the other guy who looks like they’re locking down their roles. Omar Mabson II is just ‘that guy,’ as they call it. Every time you watch him take the snap, it’s always behind Jeremiah Cobb. That was done on purpose, especially after Golesh talked about Mabson II and being surprised that he is only 18 years old. When you watch him with the ball, it is encouraging to see him just looking like he is working harder. It is something you just have to see with your own two eyes. But after practice today, Golesh called Mabson II the definition of consistency, and that trust looks locked into that RB2 role.
It is exciting to see the energy that is overflowing with this coaching staff. The way they’re carrying themselves and the team, it just makes it feel like Auburn football is back. Sending the veterans out yesterday to engage the media showed who that trust is being left to.
It needs to translate to the field in the regular season for any of it to mean a damn. But right now, Tiger fans have plenty to feel confident about as fall camp continues on.
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