Tigers X - Number one Source to Talk Auburn Tigers Sports
Pat Dye Field => War Damn Eagle => Topic started by: djsimp on December 12, 2014, 01:24:05 PM
-
http://auburn.247sports.com/Article/Analyzing-Auburns-receiving-corps-without-Coates-and-Williams-33759338 (http://auburn.247sports.com/Article/Analyzing-Auburns-receiving-corps-without-Coates-and-Williams-33759338)
Analysis: Auburn receivers without Coates and Williams
Justin Hokanson
23 hours ago
Auburn passed for 2,768 yards this season and over half went to two receivers - D'haquille Williams and Sammie Coates.
Williams finished with 730 yards and five touchdowns, with Coates coming on strong after an early season injury to finish with 717 yards and four touchdowns. Coates' performance in the Iron Bowl was epic, going for 206 yards and two touchdowns - an Iron Bowl record for an Auburn receiver.
Now, they both face a tough decision. Return for their senior seasons with a new quarterback at the helm, but likely a more pass-oriented quarterback, or declare for the NFL Draft and start their professional careers.
Both Coates and Williams are projected anywhere from the first to third rounds, depending the scouting service you prefer.
In Gus Malzahn and Nick Marshall's first season, Coates was a huge difference maker in the Tigers' offense. Coates was arguably the top deep threat in the nation catching seven touchdowns and racking up 902 yards. It's hard to quantify the difference Coates' ability to stretch the field meant to the best rushing attack the SEC has ever seen in 2013. Auburn won the SEC championship and nearly won the BCS national championship, thanks in large part to Coates' talents to keep the safeties honest.
Then comes Williams, who arrived at Auburn last winter as the nation's top rated junior college prospect and a set of skills that Auburn hasn't seen at receiver in years, maybe ever. Williams' catch radius is extraordinary and his toughness is not in doubt, returning for the Iron Bowl after a MCL sprain weeks earlier to tally 121 yards receiving. Williams capitalized early and often this season over the middle as teams worried about the threat of Coates downfield.
Coates and Williams' finally came together in harmony in the Tigers' 55-44 loss at Alabama, as the duo combined for 327 receiving yards of Marshall's 456 passing yards and two of Marshall's three touchdowns. But the glimpse of what the duo was capable of together and healthy may be short-lived with only the bowl game remaining before one, if not both depart for the NFL.
And don't forget the impact senior Quan Bray made this season, finishing with 408 yards and four touchdowns. If all three depart, 67 percent of Auburn's receiving yards will leave with them.
While we wait on those answers, Auburn can't wait. The Tigers' coaching staff is already recruiting for spots that may not be open yet, while current Tigers' receivers are licking their chops to the opportunity that awaits next spring.
The future:
Melvin Ray - The junior started fast against Arkansas with 77 yards and a touchdown, but only caught five passes the rest of the season. Ray has the height and experience to develop into a playmaker for Auburn next season.
Ricardo Louis - Louis' production dropped off from his 325 yards in 2013, to just 195 yards and two touchdowns this season. In large part, that's due to the emergence of Williams. Louis was relegated to his speed sweep role, but has the speed and size to be a more prominent player his senior season.
Marcus Davis - Davis caught 23 passes for 217 yards during his true freshman season, including a touchdown in the season opener against Arkansas State, but seemingly disappeared at times this season, finishing with 11 receptions for 71 yards. Davis is a very good and very smart football player that will undoubtedly develop into an important receiver for Jeremy Johnson during his first season starting. Davis will gobble up the numbers that Bray was able to put up in 2013, in all likelihood.
Tony Stevens - This could be the receiver to watch during spring practice. Auburn doesn't have another tall, rangy wideout like Coates and Williams, other than Stevens. The former U.S. Army All-American has his opportunity teed up in front of him after Coates and/or Williams depart. With only six career catches, Stevens' time has come.
Dominic Walker - After redshirting in 2013, Walker barely played in 2014. At 6-foot-1, 217 pounds, there's lots to like about Walker, but we haven't seen anything to analyze during game action to this point. Walker, like Stevens, faces an important spring practice next year.
Stanton Truitt - The freshman earned some early playing time before being injured and redshirting. Truitt is incredibly similar to Davis, in that both have speed, quickness, and both played high school quarterback. Their skill-set is alike, so it will be interesting to see Truitt's impact in the spring. He has elite speed and that alone will get him on the field.
Jaylon Denson - Remember the former 4-star receiver from Hoover, Alabama? Denson had a great fall camp last year and was starting, before an injury at LSU ended his season and Denson has barely been heard from since. Denson caught zero passes this season, but will have one final opportunity to live up to his potential in 2014. Denson is big, physical, and the coaches like his work ethic and attitude.
Myron Burton - After redshirting this season, Burton will try and get into the mix this spring. Burton had a knack for making tough catches during high school and on the camp circuit, and will bring a tough-minded attitude to the slot position.
D'Anfernee McGriff - The Top247 4-star athlete is being recruited to Auburn to be the next Ricardo Louis. McGriff measures 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and plays a multitude of positions in high school, including receiver and quarterback. McGriff will enter into a crowded race for playing time, but has some unique skills to bring to the table.
-
The future will have to be built on JJ's shoulders. We don't have any receivers on the field that can recreate what Coates and Williams bring to the table. But as long as we have guys that can catch the ball, I have no doubt our offense will keep rolling.
Look at 2010. Sure, Cam's running ability far outweighs what JJ will be able to do, but he didn't need NFL receivers to help him become the #1 overall draft pick.
-
The future will have to be built on JJ's shoulders. We don't have any receivers on the field that can recreate what Coates and Williams bring to the table. But as long as we have guys that can catch the ball, I have no doubt our offense will keep rolling.
Look at 2010. Sure, Cam's running ability far outweighs what JJ will be able to do, but he didn't need NFL receivers to help him become the #1 overall draft pick.
I agree but I certainly see several very capable receivers in that fold that can reach the Coates and Williams level. There is no doubt JJ can deliver and like you said, the offense will keep rolling. You couple that with Robinson being added to the mix with Roc and Barber, you perhaps have an even more dangerous offense then what we have seen the last two years. The real question in my mind is what happens to rebuild the OL.
-
I agree but I certainly see several very capable receivers in that fold that can reach the Coates and Williams level. There is no doubt JJ can deliver and like you said, the offense will keep rolling. You couple that with Robinson being added to the mix with Roc and Barber, you perhaps have an even more dangerous offense then what we have seen the last two years. The real question in my mind is what happens to rebuild the OL.
I see a QB being able to hit the receivers in stride better.
-
I see a QB being able to hit the receivers in stride better.
You aint kidding. Dude, the bowl game hasn't even been played yet and I am already anticipating with great delight the 2015 season. It will be glorious.
-
The UAB transfer will definitely help...he's coming to campus today. Sammie's decision to jump more than likely prompted this rescheduled visit. Remember this visit was scheduled to come some time after Christmas, if at all.
-
I think something else being overlooked is the change in receiver quality thanks to the coaching of Craig. I know some wouldn't mind seeing him jump over to OC if Lashlee leaves, but I've enjoyed seeing Auburn finally have multiple receivers that can make plays. Haven't seen this kind of pass catchers since 2005.
-
WR's won't matter, we are a defensive team now.
-
I know some wouldn't mind seeing him jump over to OC if Lashlee leaves...
I see this occasionally as well but why is that? Craig's a huge asset for us so I understand the broad appearance reasoning of "why" based on being an Auburn guy/experience/likely aspirations in coaching but... would that work?
And I'm not asking facetiously, I just don't know what makes Craig's 2 years with Gus equal to that of an OC understudy who's essentially been groomed as a disciple of the man for the last 14 or so years. And even so, I'm still not even sure just how much reign Gus gives Rhett over the offense to this day.
Then again, maybe that last part is why, even with limited time in the system, Craig could do just fine? Or me for that matter.
Then again, again, maybe this is one of those rare occasions where I just don't know enough on this particular matter... hence why I ask.
-
WR's won't matter, we are a defensive team now.
Let's slow down there pilgrim. Just cause there is a new chef in the kitchen don't mean the soup is gonna be that much better.
-
A new scheme and having people in the right places will make a world of difference. However, we're still several Jimmy's and Joe's away from being where we need to be.
-
A new scheme and having people in the right places will make a world of difference. However, we're still several Jimmy's and Joe's away from being where we need to be.
Bingo. Based on folks moving into playing parts, Did XCJE recruit at all?
-
Let's slow down there pilgrim. Just cause there is a new chef in the kitchen don't mean the soup is gonna be that much better.
Really wow, you do realize where you are right?!
-
And I'm not asking facetiously, I just don't know what makes Craig's 2 years with Gus equal to that of an OC understudy who's essentially been groomed as a disciple of the man for the last 14 or so years. And even so, I'm still not even sure just how much reign Gus gives Rhett over the offense to this day.
Who is this OC understudy?
I'm saying that if Lashlee leaves Auburn for a head coaching gig, someone has to step in. Many out there assume it's Craig. Who else would it be?
Craig may only have two years studying under Gus, but who has more?
I agree that Craig probably isn't ready to be an official OC yet, but much like Kirby Smart at Alabama and Gene Chizik at Auburn (2004 version), the head coach is doing the legwork. Craig would switch to coaching quarterbacks and helping direct offensive operations during practice. Also gets to have more insight on gameday. But the offense would be exactly the same.
-
Who is this OC understudy?
I'm saying that if Lashlee leaves Auburn for a head coaching gig, someone has to step in. Many out there assume it's Craig. Who else would it be?
Craig may only have two years studying under Gus, but who has more?
I agree that Craig probably isn't ready to be an official OC yet, but much like Kirby Smart at Alabama and Gene Chizik at Auburn (2004 version), the head coach is doing the legwork. Craig would switch to coaching quarterbacks and helping direct offensive operations during practice. Also gets to have more insight on gameday. But the offense would be exactly the same.
It would surprise me if it's not Craig, when/if this takes place. That's assuming that Craig is still here.
Gus calls most of the plays and his offense seems to be a work in progress from year to year. It seems to me that the OC shares the workload under his guidance, so I definitely think that DC has the skills.
-
It would surprise me if it's not Craig, when/if this takes place. That's assuming that Craig is still here.
Gus calls most of the plays and his offense seems to be a work in progress from year to year. It seems to me that the OC shares the workload under his guidance, so I definitely think that DC has the skills.
Can't forget about Craig's recruiting either.
We will have a top three offensive mind (Malzahn), a top three defensive mind (Muschamp), ace offensive recruiter (Craig), ace defensive recruiter (TRob), and bagman-runner Rodney Garner on staff. We should have top five recruiting classes every year.
-
Who is this OC understudy?
I'm referring to Lashlee since he's been with Gus since his Springdale days.
As for who else, I have no idea. And I agree that no one any better suited than Craig, from a collegiate coaching experience standpoint, comes to mind. But if we're just throwing names around, Kodi Burns has followed an eerily similar path to Lashlee's under Gus and Sullivan (Player/Asst.@AU, Ark St, & Samford).
Working as an OC under an OC gets complicated from a public perception standpoint. With a perception that Gus handles a lot of those duties anyway, would Craig even want this particular OC gig... A job where he'd be perceived as being more of a placeholder rather than the hotshot play caller? Or is it better filled by more of an understudy/right hand man, a la Lashlee and, subsequently, Burns?
-
For the record, I don't disagree that logic would point to Craig stepping in, were we to lose Lashlee. Just curious if there might be other interesting directions.
But football season is over and I get tired of news on kids being murdered. So for now, there's not much to talk about besides this and who our next DC will be nope just this.
-
Have seen no WRs on the roster that would require special attention from a defense.
-
If you're pretty sure that Gus is really calling the plays, then a logical choice for OC if Lashlee left would be Ryan Aplin.
-
If you're pretty sure that Gus is really calling the plays, then a logical choice for OC if Lashlee left would be Ryan Aplin.
I want whomever JJ is comfy wiff.
-
If you're pretty sure that Gus is really calling the plays, then a logical choice for OC if Lashlee left would be Ryan Aplin.
That's crazy talk.
-
Can't forget about Craig's recruiting either.
We will have a top three offensive mind (Malzahn), a top three defensive mind (Muschamp), ace offensive recruiter (Craig), ace defensive recruiter (TRob), and bagman-runner Rodney Garner on staff. We should have top five recruiting classes every year.
Yup and all we need now is a mindset to crush opponents rather than play footsies with them.
-
A new scheme and having people in the right places will make a world of difference. However, we're still several Jimmy's and Joe's away from being where we need to be.
I would prefer Dequandre's and Jamell's over Jimmies and Joe's but I get your point.
-
I would prefer Dequandre's and Jamell's over Jimmies and Joe's but I get your point.
Well then, who is suppose to carry the Gatorade?
-
Well then, who is suppose to carry the Gatorade?
:huh: he's on the payroll might as well make him earn something.
-
:huh: he's on the payroll might as well make him earn something.
He is busy carrying clip boards.
-
He is busy carrying clip boards.
For what he is making he can do both.
-
Since Craig is the Co-OC, I'd think he'd step in to be OC if Lashlee were to leave and Aplin would step in to the QB Coach position.
-
Since Craig is the Co-OC, I'd think he'd step in to be OC if Lashlee were to leave and Aplin would step in to the QB Coach position.
And this could be the best combination... Who knows?
-
Someone please tell me Harbison is gone.
-
Someone please tell me Harbison is gone.
He's not gone.
-
Did I miss something did Lashlee leave?
-
Did I miss something did Lashlee leave?
He missed the UGA game.
-
He missed the UGA game.
Yes but he gave a two week notice.
-
Thankfully, with GF's and Prowler's incredible inside connections, we don't have to ponder this question. It doesn't bother me at all to see a guy leave early for the NFL. "Early" is misleading because most of the time, if a guy is going to be in the top 3 rounds, you can tell before his junior year.
Anywho, I wish Duke the best and even though it was but one year, I'm thankful to have seen him play. He reminds me so much of me that it brings a tear. Jump up there and tear the ball away from 2 or 3 defenders kind of good. And then run up in the stands and slap they momma.
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/dhaquille_williams_sets_record.html (http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/dhaquille_williams_sets_record.html)
D'haquille Williams sets record straight as fans wonder about Auburn receiver's future
Print
Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com By Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on December 16, 2014 at 7:58 PM, updated December 16, 2014 at 8:13 PM
AUBURN, Alabama -- D'haquille Williams is not going anywhere -- yet.
The Auburn receiver is still contemplating whether to go pro or return for his senior season, but that didn't stop him from setting Twitter ablaze with speculation Tuesday with one simple message: "I have to do what's best for me and my family."
Williams has discussed his future with Gus Malzahn, offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and receivers coach Dameyune Craig in recent days. On the heels of Sammie Coates declaring for the NFL Draft on Monday, all eyes have turned to Williams as he ponders whether to declare for the NFL Draft.
"He's not quite sure what he's going to do yet," Lashlee said.
Williams, who missed practice Tuesday due to illness, echoed that stance in a follow-up message to fans on Twitter: "I said I have to do what's best for my family so that don't (sic) mean I'm going pro or coming back yet."
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper projects Williams as a late-first to mid-second round pick in the NFL Draft. Kiper's opinion, however, is not what Williams is paying attention to in the coming weeks. A round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board will have a big influence on his decision.
AUBURN, Alabama - Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee talks after practice Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, about Duke Williams possibly entering the NFL draft early. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com)
Williams' draft stock is on the rise following a seven-catch, 121-yard performance in the Tigers' 55-44 loss at No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 29. He was overshadowed by Coates' career night of five catches for 206 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but Williams made several difficult grabs on an injured knee that impressed scouts. Auburn's most consistent receiver leads the Tigers with 45 catches for 730 yards and five touchdowns despite missing two games with a sprained MCL.
"As a coach, if a young man is going to be a first or second round pick, specifically for-sure a first (round), and he's eligible, it's not crazy for him not to go," Lashlee said.
Lashlee pointed to the departures of running back Tre Mason and left tackle Greg Robinson last season. Robinson was picked second overall by the St. Louis Rams and Mason was selected in the third round.
"You try to educate them and just make sure they're listening to the right people because all kinds of people can get in your ear and you never know what they're going to say," Lashlee said.
-
Ok a question on the draft. From my understanding if you declare for the draft but don't have an agent (no money upfront) and you get drafted but don't like your spot or team you can go back to college. Correct?
Why not then wait till you get drafted and if you like it then hire an agent the next day?
-
Ok a question on the draft. From my understanding if you declare for the draft but don't have an agent (no money upfront) and you get drafted but don't like your spot or team you can go back to college. Correct?
Why not then wait till you get drafted and if you like it then hire an agent the next day?
no.
-
no.
Agree
-
Agree
All in favor?
-
All in favor?
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Blueye.JPG)
-
All in favor?
Harumph
-
This guy VVVVV right down there. That's the guy I'm talking about. from Joel Erickson at the dot I am a gay twerker that has no balls!!!! I also have no idea how to use the quote function to post stories, so I annoy the piss out of others. I like male genatalia in and around my mouth.
Bowl practices are an opportunity for a freshman asked to redshirt his first season on campus to finally show the coaches how far he's come.
During the season, redshirting freshmen often spend most of their time on the scout team, out of the offense and somewhat off the radar. In bowl practices, when teams tend to focus on younger players, those freshmen get their chance.
And at least one freshman is making a good early impression as the Tigers began practicing for the Outback Bowl.
"[Wide receiver] Myron Burton did some really good things," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said on Tuesday. "I was really impressed by some things he did."
Burton, a 6-foot-3, 200-pounder whose father was a defensive end on Auburn's incredible 1993 team, arrived on campus off the radar as a three-star prospect playing behind a deep, experienced receiving corps.
Now, with Quan Bray graduating, Sammie Coates on his way to the NFL and the possibility that D'haquille Williams may also choose to pursue NFL opportunities, the Tigers' younger receivers will be in much sharper focus this offseason.
Burton still has a long way to go, but he's got the kind of attitude the coaches want to see.
"He's tough, he's a competitor," Lashlee said. "We take a guy who has been on scout team all year. He's coming back over, and we're calling plays and some of them he ran in fall camp and some of them he's never heard of, so we're kind of helping out with what to do."
Even if Burton's a little raw, he's been a battler in practices so far.
And that's the kind of mentality the Tigers want to see from a young player in bowl practices.
"Whether he does it right or not, now he's made some plays, but he plays hard, he plays physical, he doesn't get tired," Lashlee said. "I just like his attitude. "
-
This guy VVVVV right down there. That's the guy I'm talking about. from Joel Erickson at the dot I am a gay twerker that has no balls!!!! I also have no idea how to use the quote function to post stories, so I annoy the piss out of others. I like male genatalia in and around my mouth.
Bowl practices are an opportunity for a freshman asked to redshirt his first season on campus to finally show the coaches how far he's come.
During the season, redshirting freshmen often spend most of their time on the scout team, out of the offense and somewhat off the radar. In bowl practices, when teams tend to focus on younger players, those freshmen get their chance.
And at least one freshman is making a good early impression as the Tigers began practicing for the Outback Bowl.
"[Wide receiver] Myron Burton did some really good things," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said on Tuesday. "I was really impressed by some things he did."
Burton, a 6-foot-3, 200-pounder whose father was a defensive end on Auburn's incredible 1993 team, arrived on campus off the radar as a three-star prospect playing behind a deep, experienced receiving corps.
Now, with Quan Bray graduating, Sammie Coates on his way to the NFL and the possibility that D'haquille Williams may also choose to pursue NFL opportunities, the Tigers' younger receivers will be in much sharper focus this offseason.
Burton still has a long way to go, but he's got the kind of attitude the coaches want to see.
"He's tough, he's a competitor," Lashlee said. "We take a guy who has been on scout team all year. He's coming back over, and we're calling plays and some of them he ran in fall camp and some of them he's never heard of, so we're kind of helping out with what to do."
Even if Burton's a little raw, he's been a battler in practices so far.
And that's the kind of mentality the Tigers want to see from a young player in bowl practices.
"Whether he does it right or not, now he's made some plays, but he plays hard, he plays physical, he doesn't get tired," Lashlee said. "I just like his attitude. "
I know it ain't going to happen but I would rather see the young guys all play and get game experience for next year than to watch the Seniors. (Some of whom may take it easy in order to not get hurt)
-
I know it ain't going to happen but I would rather see the young guys all play and get game experience for next year than to watch the Seniors. (Some of whom may take it easy in order to not get hurt)
Was listening to sports talk at lunch and the host was basically saying TJ Traitor Yeldon isn't practicing because his ankle isn't 100%. He said it was fishy as hayull and he's tanking it right now.
-
Was listening to sports talk at lunch and the host was basically saying TJ Traitor Yeldon isn't practicing because his ankle isn't 100%. He said it was fishy as hayull and he's tanking it right now.
Usually with big time stars, I would say I don't blame them. But Yeldon? Dude would be lucky to go in the 3rd round.
He needs to show out against top competition in a high pressure environment.
-
Usually with big time stars, I would say I don't blame them. But Yeldon? Dude would be lucky to go in the 3rd round.
He needs to show out against top competition in a high pressure environment.
From watching him, I agree with you. But I just pulled up 4 different NFL prospect ranking sites (Including Mel Eddie Munster Kiper) and most have him top 3 behind Gurley and Gordon. I'm not impressed.
-
From watching him, I agree with you. But I just pulled up 4 different NFL prospect ranking sites (Including Mel Eddie Munster Kiper) and most have him top 3 behind Gurley and Gordon. I'm not impressed.
But do you care?
-
But do you care?
Well, it is on the sign. Yeldon may turn out to be a bada$$ pro. I'm certainly no expert but most of those that call themselves experts seem to think he'll go pretty high. I've just never thought he had that WOW factor. No explosiveness where he takes the handoff and is shot out of a cannon. He looks like he runs stiff legged and doesn't lift his knees. He'll probably be all-pro considering my talent evaluation skillz.