Auburn Football: 3 players poised to break out in 2020
Sophomore. DJ Williams. 842. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RB. 1. player
The running back position for the Auburn Tigers has taken a huge hit this offseason.
The first impactful loss was when Kam Martin finished his career at Auburn as a senior. The biggest loss, which was also the most surprising, was JaTarvious Whitlow announcing his decision to transfer from Auburn this past February. He played in 23 games in his first two years with Auburn while rushing for 1,550 yards and 16 touchdowns on 306 carries.
Finally, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kenny Dillingham announced his decision this past December to leave for the same position with the Florida State Seminoles.
The Tigers have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Kerryon Johnson in 2017. They will be looking for a solid and consistent running back to take the pressure off quarterback Bo Nix.
Last season, true freshman running back D.J. Williams rushed for 400 yards (second-most on the team) and two touchdowns on 84 rushing attempts (third-most on the team).
Williams has the more potential to contribute big performances than other running backs on the team. He would also be a great back in case the Tigers wanted to continue the RPO-style offense with Nix as the quarterback. Last season, Nix rushed the ball 97 times for 313 yards and seven touchdowns.
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Head coach Gus Malzahn will likely use a running back that is more patient than Whitlow was in his two years at Auburn. This will also be important with the Tigers having to replace four starters on the offensive line. Williams will be able to develop as the Tigers get more experience in games this upcoming season.