Could Prosch be the biggest difference maker this year?

[AUFriction 1,179]

Of all the players that left in 2010, I think that one player's departure may have made more of an impact than anyone expected... Eric Smith. Both Ben Tate and Mario Fannin made claims that he was the most undervalued player because of his run blocking abilities. Last year, without him, we had no blocking backs on our roster. Lutz, who I think is a better receiver than blocker, had to carry the h-back blocking load by himself. To make matters worse, he had little help from the O-line. 

With the addition of Prosch, we now have someone to fill the void left by smith's departure. Even if the O-line barely improved, that addtion alone should help spring a pretty potent rushing attack which would set up a good play action game. Could Prosch be the missing link that can take us back to great? Thoughts...

[Les81 0]

Yes.

[TheDob06 457]

Absolutely.  A big physical blocking back like Prosch will help trememdously.  Just think of that guy coming through the hole at the opposition's LBs.  Prosch will likely put someone on the ground on every play, which should open up some huge running lanes.

[DyeEraTiger 0]

As far as O players go, I say yes. As far as the entire team, I say CBVG.

[Velvet Beavis 15]

It is also a different offense than last year, so the comparison is not straight forward.  But yes, he will make a huge difference in my opinion.  But so will Leoffler, Frazier and a much improved O-line.

[BPI 0]

Lots of variable on the team, but I think our D-line will make the difference.

[2 corinthians 5:21 3]

Lots of variable on the team, but I think our D-line will make the difference.

Fully agree with this!  Having the ability to rotate fresh talented D-linemen in is what makes the SEC so potent IMO.  Look at LSU last year.  Consistent pressure from the D-line makes every other unit better too.  I think we will see much improved linebackers and much improved DB play as a result of the strong D-line.  Having to cover for 5 seconds instead of 7 makes a massive difference.  It's cliche, but great teams begin with strong lines on the offensive and defensive side.  I hope to see big lineman that absolutely wear out teams in the 3rd and 4th quarter.

[weagle110 0]

Yeah I think so, he sounds and looks like a mix of Reid Mcmillian, Brandon Johnson, Jake Slaughter, Heath Evans, Joe Morrow, Tommie Agee, on and on... Anytime Auburn has had a strong running game they have had that guy in front... Its one of the reasons I think that doomed Tuberville, hey only had Carl Stewart in 06-07 and you could see a huge difference. Then 08 came about without a good scheme or fullback, after that you had Eric Smith in 9-10 and no one last yr really...

[txtigerfan 0]

A fullback bigger and stronger than most linebackers will be huge for extending pass plays.

[Iron_chin_chiz 0]

Yup I think the combination of his play, his work ethic and his circumstances that led him to Auburn he will be an all time favorite by the time he leaves ( in two short years unfortunately )

[Tiger n Miami AU83 25]

No, he won't be the biggest difference maker. An important part of the offense I believe, but the biggest difference makers will be our left tackle and qb.

Looking forward to Prosch though. He will make a difference, he is just not the key to offense.

[yy4u 0]

Yes!  Right guy at the right place at the right time.....perfect storm.  Would not be surprised if he is Team MVP at season's end! 

[cooltigger21 0]

He could be. He will open up some huge holes for the rb, provide blocking in the passing game. His presence also frees up Lutzie to go back to being a big time target for the qb to throw to.

[au_weagle 0]

I miss having an in-your-face, smash mouth fullback. Jake Slaughter was the last real FB we had.

[IronMan70 3,321]

On offense, yes. Let me put it to you this way. Its not just that he is a FB but what a great talent he is at FB. In the Spring game I believe every rushing TD came off of a block by Prosch. He is going to be huge in helping the OL, the QB, the RBs and the opportunity for the TEs to get into the passing attack. I don't know if he will be THE biggest difference on offense but he is going to make a BIG difference on offense in many areas. Hopefully QB will be the biggest difference on offense and he will help the QB immensely.

Team wise, I have to agree with others who said the DL and CBVG will make the biggest difference in the team overall.

[Btiger1982 6]

Brandon Jonson is a good dude and I always admired his ability to play both ways.  He was a terror at Alma Bryant High school. He was very difficult to bring down without a gang tackle. One of the all-time greats at Auburn and one tough dude!

[Rednilla 5,447]

Of the newcomers, yes, I think he will make the biggest impact by far.

Biggest difference maker on the team (and I'm sticking to players here)? I'm going with either Jeff Whitaker providing a second steady force rushing the QB or Jake Holland, who I expect to make a Josh Bynes type of transformation between his sophomore and junior seasons.

[auburntiger77 0]

Yes, changes our style of play completely.. Lets Lutz play his normal position... we will move the ball, no doubt about it...

I am ready for some football...

[redfish999991345162870 0]

We still must have a significant improvement in offensive line blocking........Jay cannot do it all.......

[JDUBB4AU 5,287]

There's not a linebacker in America right that JDOZER wouldn't just crush ...6.0 260 ...I wonder what his all time best lifts are in the weight room ..Great kid great attitude and mean streak

[cctiger 578]

We still must have a significant improvement in offensive line blocking........Jay cannot do it all.......

I agree,Jay cannot do it all.His play at FB will help,alot.But, the o-line is going to be the key to a great season this year.The o-line has got got to gel.They are still going to be young.

[Rednilla 5,447]

We still must have a significant improvement in offensive line blocking........Jay cannot do it all.......

And yet the line is a unit, not a singular player. No, of course Jay cannot do it all, but his impact is magnified because he's leading the runner through the hole.

[Warbird82 160]

We still must have a significant improvement in offensive line blocking........Jay cannot do it all.......

And yet the line is a unit, not a singular player. No, of course Jay cannot do it all, but his impact is magnified because he's leading the runner through the hole.

...and he will be pass blocking.

...and he can play wicked special teams.

Oh, yes, Prosch will have the biggest impact on our team, you will just have a hard time seeing it in realtime...instant replay will be must see TV this year.

[autan 809]

JP could be the biggest difference maker on Offense, but he won't get the credit.  That will go to QB, RB, WR, and OL as a unit.  But that's OK.  He doesn't mind.  He's an Auburn man.

[WarEagle10 77]

I really hope not. I am sure he will be a HUGE part of our success on O. He is obviously a great football player, and from everything I have read about him he is even a better person. He also seems like a total team player, which you can never have to many guys like that. However, if your fullback is the difference maker, then your O doesn't have many play-makers. That being said, I do believe that we will be talking about him long after his days at Auburn are over. It has been a while since we had a great fullback. I believe Jay changes that this season!