The Auburn football team wrapped up their first preseason practice in full pads Wednesday morning. Running backs coach Larry Porter was available to the media for questions following practice. He talked about how he and the other offensive coaches are grading each player’s performance.
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“This is a place where we grade the guys at the bottom of the roster no differently than how we grade the guys at the top of the roster. Expectations are the same,” Coach Porter said.
One of the players hoping rise in the running back rotation after missing all of spring practice is sophomore transfer from USF Nykahi Davenport. Davenport played two years for Head Coach Alex Golesh and has experience in his offensive system. He also played alongside quarterback Byrum Brown. Davenport told Auburn Undercover how Brown has taken firm grasp of this offense.
“He is bringing this offense together. It’s very important. You can’t go nowhere without the quarterback. He control the whole show of our offense,” Davenport said.
After redshirting in 2024, Davenport started five games in 2025. He rushed for over 600 yards and scored seven touchdowns in his redshirt freshman campaign. The media asked Davenport what he has been doing in the offseason to get better.
“I have been looking at guys like Jeremiah Cobb, Tae, Bryson. I’ve been looking at all their play style. Just taking little different things to better my craft off their play style,” Davenport said.
Davenport is fighting for reps with those three guys he mentioned as well as sophomore Omar Mabson, who has been an early star in camp. Davenport feels the friendly competition inside the running backs rooms will benefit the team.
“Before meetings, we break it down on compete. Before we leave the running back room and come down here for practice we know it’s time to compete. Everyone just giving it their all,” Davenport said.
Coach Porter added there are other ways Davenport and his fellow running backs can get on the field this season, aside from carrying the football.
“I encourage every guy in my room, from Cobb to whomever to have a presence and make plays on special teams. I think those guys have welcomed that challenge,” Coach Porter said.
The Tigers have one more full pads practice tomorrow. They will then have a team scrimmage, inside Jordan-Hare Stadium, on Friday.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
