Devan Barrett's 'stock's going up'

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1. Auburn Football

Auburn freshman Devan Barrett's 'stock's going up' in competition for No. 3 running back spot

 

Updated on August 12, 2017 at 7:03 AMPosted on August 12, 2017 at 7:00 AM

Auburn wide receiver Devan Barrett (6) works on kick returns Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, during fall football practice at the Auburn Athletic Complex in Auburn, Ala.(Julie Bennett)

 

By Tom Green

tgreen@al.com

In less than two weeks, freshman running back Devan Barrett has made a big impression on running backs coach Tim Horton.

The former four-star prospect has caught Horton's attention early in fall camp as he tries to crack the rotation at running back and possibly vie for the No. 3 spot in the backfield behind Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson.

"Devan Barrett's stock's going up," Horton said Thursday. He's really doing a good job, so again, it's still just a little early but, boy, we're pleased with him. He's got a good skillset. He's in that mix."

The 6-foot, 185-pound pounder out of Tampa, Fla., has caught on quick since arriving on campus this summer. His speed and big-play ability has already drawn a comparison to fellow running back Kam Martin, though he has a few pounds and a couple of inches on his sophomore backfield mate.

It also has him battling for the coveted third running back spot that Auburn has been trying to fill since the spring. While the Tigers have a formidable one-two punch in Pettway and Johnson, Horton understands the need for depth at the position after injuries in the backfield hindered Auburn's offense down the stretch last season.

Barrett is competing against Martin, redshirt freshman Malik Miller, walk-on C.J. Tolbert and fellow freshman JaTarvious Whitlow. Martin and Miller have the most experience of the group, as both contributed last season, while Horton has repeatedly spoken of Tolbert's ability and the respect the former Dadeville product has earned in the meeting room.

Kerryon Johnson and the Auburn running backs run drills during fall practice

 

All five have been jockeying for position this fall, and Horton said the leader in the clubhouse varies on a day-to-day basis. Saturday's scrimmage will be another step toward figuring out that end of the equation.

Barrett rushed for 1,271 yards and 11 touchdowns in nine games as a senior at Tampa Catholic last season, and he was rated as the No. 11 running back in the 2017 class according to the 247Sports Composite.

Since arriving on campus, Horton said Barrett has added between 10 and 15 pounds to his frame while still maintaining his speed -- something that is often a concern for running backs once they get on a college weight training regimen.

"He's got a good gear now," Horton said. "He can stick his foot in the ground and accelerate."

It's more than just his physical ability that has garnered some praise from coaches and teammates, however.

"He's a very smart guy," Johnson said last week. "He's picked up the offense just as quick as I did when I first got here. So, I think he's put himself in a nice position. He brings a little something to the table, much like Kam."

What has perhaps impressed Horton most about Barrett is his willingness to take on contact, both in the run game and in pass protection. That's something that isn't always the case for freshmen, but it's a trait both Barrett and JaTarvious Whitlow have displayed through the first two weeks.

 

[johnnyAU 3,630]

12 minutes ago, aubiefifty said:

Auburn wide receiver Devan Barrett (6

??? Come on Tom