Mike Farrell Sports' JC Nevils foresees Jeremiah Cobb eventually becoming the lead running back in the Auburn football backfield during the 2024 season; labeling him a breakout SEC candidate in the process.
"Coming out of high school Cobb was highly touted in not only the state of Alabama, but the nation as well," Nevils prefaced before saying, "He ranked as the No. 9 back in the country and the state's top back. He certainly showed why in his first season and gave showed major glimpses of his talents.
"Cobb ended the season rushing for two touchdowns on an average of 5.2 yards per carry on limited touches. This upcoming season, he should be the lead back, and I expect him to take full advantage."
Cobb seemingly surpassed Damari Alston in Hugh Freeze's pecking order based on the carries doled out during the April 6 A-Day spring game. At this point, Jarquez Hunter is still RB1 on the Tigers' depth chart.
Can that change over the course of the 2024 season? Of course it can. The injury caveat is always present, but Hunter's production didn't soar in 2023 after Tank Bigsby's exit opened up more carries and goal-line opportunities.
Cobb has a legitimate chance to usurp Hunter, but plenty can happen between now and September that could shift this very conversation.
Auburn football RB room will have less heavy lifting to do in 2024 with vastly improved WR room
For the first time in a long time, the Tigers' receiving corps may be the offense's greatest strength over the RB room.
Cam Coleman's arrival alone means the WR room has the most talented player on the offense. Add the rest of the Freeze Four (Bryce Cain, Perry Thompson, Malcolm Simmons) plus transfer KeAndre Smith-Lambert and you have five legitimate weapons in the passing game for the first time since at least the 2020 season.
Payton Thorne needs to bring it all together under center, but if he can, there will be a two-pronged attack from the Tigers that opposing SEC teams may not be ready for.