Things I Think I Saw: Auburn vs Liberty (backups)

[JMR 2,118]

Rather than spend time looking at Auburn’s starters working against an out-manned Liberty, I thought it would be interesting to look instead at some of the backup players, many of whom got some extensive playing time in this game. Some got in because it was Senior Day; some got in as a reward for sticking with the team all through the season and some got in because they are possibly future contributors. I tried to focus mainly on the latter group ...

It’s important to keep in mind that there’s not a lot of “development” work done with most backups during the season. With a fixed limit on practice time, most of that is spent trying to improve the starters and major contributors. So if a kid gets his chance to get on the field, the fact that he looks raw doesn’t necessarily mean he’s already reached his potential. With that in mind, here are a few things that caught my eye as I watched the backup players in this one……
 

• Austin Troxell has played lots this season, as a sixth offensive lineman and probably the top backup available for that group. He played some this week at both guard and tackle. I’ve watched Troxell closely all season, and his biggest problem is his footwork in pass protection. That part of his game still needs major work, but I do think he has improved overall as the season has progressed.

• John Samuel Schenker has played more and more recently, and got a good bit of PT this week. I liked his hands coming out of high school, and still do. But he has become more and more proficient as a blocker as he’s gained experience. This week he played both H-back and tight end, and I was encouraged by his play. At 6-3, 245, he has a chance to be a capable replacement for Chandler Cox at H-back, which is a key role in Malzahn’s run game. Schenker is one I’m looking forward to watching grow.

• Bailey Sharp has been around a while, and still has work to do. His footwork is not good, and should be better by now. Still, a dedicated off-season could enable him to be a player. Will be interesting to see what kind of progress he makes between now and next fall.

• I was pleased to see Asa Martin finally get some decent PT this week, and disappointed that Auburn has not made better use of his abilities this season. Martin has some quickness about him and runs hard. We could have used his help this season. Looking for good things from him in the future.

• Coynis Miller and Daquan Newkirk both have the size and athleticism to become factors on the defensive line. Miller in particular is a natural athlete.

• Tashawn Manning and Brodarius Hamm got some major time at the offensive guard spots, and I am encouraged by their physical talents. Like any offensive lineman who hasn’t played much, they looked a little tentative at times, and don’t yet have the confidence to just let it rip without thinking about it. But both are big and strong, move well, and I thought were more physical at the point of attack than some of our starters.

• I’m not going to include young studs like Jamien Sherwood and Christian Tutt in this group. Both have played extensively already, and look to be huge contributors going forward.

• I’ve heard good things about Zakoby McLain all season, and was able to get a good look at him this week. He’s athletic, with good speed, but needs a great off-season in the S&C program. Long way to go to replace DeShaun Davis.

• Lots of other guys got into the game, some extensively and some for just a few plays. But I’ve tried to mention the ones who caught my eye or that have been mentioned as doing well in practice.

Not much to be said about the next game. Alabama is very good, and deserving of their #1 ranking. To say Auburn will have to play well to stay in the game is an understatement. But, as well as Saban knows the Malzahn offense, Malzahn knows the Saban defense equally well. And it’s the Iron Bowl. Enough said. WAR EAGLE!!

 

[RunInRed 16,360]

Thanks @JMR!  Any thoughts on Malik Willis?

PC: Emily Efinger

PC: Emily Efinger

[JMR 2,118]

22 hours ago, RunInRed said:

Thanks @JMR!  Any thoughts on Malik Willis?

I thought Willis was much more unselfish with the ball than earlier in the year. His reads were spot on, and he threw the ball better. Not great, but better. Just needs more experience/confidence. 

[Linayus 676]

1 hour ago, JMR said:

John Samuel Schenker has played more and more recently, and got a good bit of PT this week. I liked his hands coming out of high school, and still do. But he has become more and more proficient as a blocker as he’s gained experience. This week he played both H-back and tight end, and I was encouraged by his play. At 6-3, 245, he has a chance to be a capable replacement for Chandler Cox at H-back, which is a key role in Malzahn’s run game. Schenker is one I’m looking forward to watching grow.

Tashawn Manning and Brodarius Hamm got some major time at the offensive guard spots, and I am encouraged by their physical talents. Like any offensive lineman who hasn’t played much, they looked a little tentative at times, and don’t yet have the confidence to just let it rip without thinking about it. But both are big and strong, move well, and I thought were more physical at the point of attack than some of our starters.

I'll be watching these for sure. I've liked what we've already seen from JSS and he definitely has soft hands so we could actually use him more in the passing game in the HB or TE role.

I really hope Manning and Hamm come along in the spring and earn spots on our o-line. I've been rooting hard for Hamm!

[Win4AU 4,052]

Glad to hear some nice things about the young Oline guys.  I know they have a ways to go but maybe the future isn’t all doom and gloom as many would lead you to believe.  I think a lot of people, myself included, thought Grimes would be able to flip a switch on this line but change takes time sometimes.  While the improvement hasn’t been as quick as many would hope at least it does sound like minor improvement is occurring every week.  Hopefully they ball out of their minds this week and give a healthy Boobee some lanes.

[baldeagle55 32]

As always, great job JR! Agree with you on Schenker, used properly and he has a chance to be an absolute stud these next couple of years.

[tigerman1186 537]

Coach....like the overview of the younger players...I mentioned this earlier in another post, but for the bowl game I would hope the coaches would play Willis, Gatewood and the other QB they signed in August to give them some experience but also get an idea who can play; especially is Kelly decides to come to Auburn...treat it like a NFL pre-season game with the QB's...give JS one series and bring the young QB in... 

 

 

 

[Roos 122]

Where is Calvin Ashley? is he still on the team? 

[bigbird 60,368]

8 hours ago, Roos said:

Where is Calvin Ashley? is he still on the team? 

... maybe

[Win4AU 4,052]

Jay Tate has been saying for a couple weeks that he’s not been on campus for awhile.  Sucks if true.

[RunInRed 16,360]

22 hours ago, JMR said:

I thought Willis was much more unselfish with the ball than earlier in the year. His reads were spot on, and he threw the ball better. Not great, but better. Just needs more experience/confidence. 

I just like his quickness.  Short of a stud tailback, I think it's part of the running game that Malzahn's offense is dependent on to be successful.  Saw flashes of it Saturday which were encouraging ...

[CodeRocket 410]

On 11/20/2018 at 11:42 AM, JMR said:

I thought Willis was much more unselfish with the ball than earlier in the year. His reads were spot on, and he threw the ball better. Not great, but better. Just needs more experience/confidence. 

Well coach, I am stating the obvious here, but the guy has to play to get both of those.

[JMR 2,118]

22 minutes ago, CodeRocket said:

Well coach, I am stating the obvious here, but the guy has to play to get both of those.

I meant for that to be my (subtle) point. Sad that we haven’t gotten him more PT this season. Sometimes we couldn’t afford it, but some times we could/should have.