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Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Leadership at Running Back

Auburn will be blessed with two Seniors in their talented backfield this fall. Both of whom have played in pressure situations on the road and in conference play. That experience will be invaluable come this fall.

Cameron Artis-Payne, and Corey Grant both rushed for over 600 yards each last season. A season that saw another Auburn RB, Tre Mason, break Bo Jackson's single season rushing yardage record.
  "He ran for 1,816 yards this season, which broke Bo Jackson’s single-season school record of 1,786 in 1985, the year Bo won the Heisman. Mason’s total is third in SEC history behind Herschel Walker’s 1,891 yards in 1981 and Darren McFadden’s 1,830 in 2007." - from AL.com story

In 2014 however, the offense is projected to be much more balanced than the previous version which ran the ball over 70% of the time. Rushing attempts will be at more of a premium. These players will have to make their mark with every chance they get. Experienced and capable, Payne and Grant will each see plenty of playing time this fall.

The Redshirt Freshman Peyton Barber also is in the mix for playing time. Coach Malzahn has stated that Auburn will pretty much start the season as a "Running Back by committee" until one of them separates themselves from the others.

Having that early in the season, should result in stronger performances later in the season.

Listen as Corey Grant and Cameron Artis-Payne talk with the media during spring practices.




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