AUBURN (AL)- Auburn running backs coach Larry Porter is spending camp building what he hopes is a deep stable for his position.
THERE IS STILL TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR PRESEASON CAMP PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION DEAL
“I want the whole room (to be ready to play),” Porter told the media following Wednesday morning’s practice. “That’s what I work for every single day. You have to coach the guy at the bottom of the roster just as hard as you coach the guy at the top of the roster. We grade the guys at the bottom of the roster no different than we do at the top of the roster. That’s just how I approach it.”
Auburn has a mix of experience, size, speed and talent at running back.
From seniors Jeremiah Cobb and Tae Meadows to juniors Christian Barnette and Bryson Washington to sophomores Alvin Henderson, Omar Mabson II, Nykahi Davenport and Cole Gamble along with freshman Stuart Andrews.
Cobb enters the season as the bell cow. He rushed for 969 yards on 175 carries as a junior earning Third Team All-SEC honors.
“Obviously he’s an experienced guy which is what you need,” Porter said. “Because there’s no substitute for experience. He brings some experience in this league. His own personality, some confidence that we enjoy and appreciate and need as coaches.”
Mabson’s mentality and consistent work ethic has helped him open eyes early in camp. So much so that he’s been running with the twos at times.
“What Omar brings is a presence to this team. He comes to work every single day,” Porter said. “There are no days off. There’s no plays off. You know what you’re getting every single day out of that kid. And as a coach you can greatly appreciate that because that’s the expectation out of everybody on this team.”
Washington, who missed spring ball with an injury, is working his way back into the rotation. He transferred in from Baylor where started 23 of 26 games in three years rushing for 1,861 yards and 18 touchdowns.
“Now that he’s hit the grass you like what you saw,” Porter said. “As he continues to work and get more comfortable you’ll continue to hear more of his name. Much like Jeremiah (Cobb), he’s an experienced running back. In this world of transfer portal you’d much like production over potential.”
Henderson, a touted four-star touchdown machine out of high school, is earning reps as well. But it’s on special teams, like many young players, that he’s caught the staff’s eye this week.
“You can’t play four to five (RBs) a game but you can on special teams,” Porter said. “So if you want to bust it, you better fight to earn it every single day. I encourage every guy in my room from Cobb to whoever to have a presence and make plays on special teams. I think those guys have embraced it. Alvin made some plays out there today. So kudos to him.”
Ideally, the hope is for “3.5 to 4” backs to play. Still with nine in what Porter and the staff are developing in what they hope to be a deep table, the mentality stressed by the veteran coach is key.
“It’s tough to get four to five to three guys ready to play each week,” Porter admitted. “We have to operate in a way as well as in a space that you show that you’re next. You have a starter mentality that you have to approach every day with. And make sure we hold them to that standard.”
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
