Mario Fannin learned a lot of lessons in the past year, and not all of them were pleasant.
Much was expected of Fannin as a redshirt freshman in 2007, and it was obvious early that he had uncommon talent. But crucial fumbles in losses to South Florida and Mississippi State limited his playing time.
Fannin moved to slot receiver when new offensive coordinator installed his version of the spread before the Chick-fil-A Bowl. He caught a touchdown pass against Clemson, but he suffered an injury to his left shoulder in the first scrimmage of the spring and underwent surgery.
“I learned a lot about overcoming adversity,” Fannin told AuburnUndercover.com. “Basically, things happen. It’s better to not pout about it. In high school, that was something I did. I kind of dwelled on it during the game. Bad things are going to happen. You have to overcome them and go on with the game. I think that’s one of the things I’ve learned over the last year.”
Fannin is still working hard to strengthen his shoulder, and he says he expects to be full-speed when the Tigers open preseason practice on Aug. 2.
“Everything is going good with my shoulder,” Fannin said. “I’m just trying to get back in shape for two-a-days. I’m pretty close. I’m starting to lift now. I haven’t had any problems with it, but I’m taking it slow so I can make sure and get back.”
Fannin says he is unsure what his role will be in the coming season, though he knows he his main position will be as a slot receiver.
“Really, I don’t know,” Fannin said. “I just know they changed my position. That’s something the coaches said would work out best. The coaches know what they are doing. I’m just going to do my best and give it my all at whatever I’m doing.”
Fannin rushed for 448 yards and five touchdowns on 84 carries last season. He caught 18 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. He says moving from running back leaves him with mixed feelings.
“It’s kind of a bittersweet thing,” Fannin said. “It’s good, because they think this is the best place for me. I’m just going to go at it and go at it full-speed. If they tell me to get back there and catch a pitch, I’ll catch a pitch. If they tell me to run a route, I’ll run a route.”
Whatever his role, Fannin says he expects big things from the 2008 Tigers.
“Honestly, I think this is going to be one of the better teams we’ve had,” Fannin said. “Everybody has come together. Everybody knows what we have to do. Everybody is getting after it. Two-a-days will show how much we’ve improved.”
