As Auburn begins preseason practice in a few weeks, one word comes to mind when you glance at the tailback depth chart: loaded. With so much talent in the backfield every year, it isn't surprising that Auburn is often referred to as "Running Back U."

The rich tradition of running backs at Auburn probably began in the late 70s with William Andrews, Joe Cribbs and James Brooks. As the Pat Dye era began, along came Lionel James and a guy named Bo. The Tigers continued to produce talent at the running back position for the rest of the 80s and during most of the 90s. When current head coach Tommy Tuberville took over the program in 1999, the Tigers were experiencing an unusual lack of talent in the backfield. Tuberville soon realized in order for him to be successful at Auburn, he would have to find running backs who could get the job done against tough defenses in the Southeastern Conference. Tuberville found an unknown tailback in junior college named Rudi Johnson. Johnson spent only one year on the Plains after he decided to skip his senior year to enter the NFL Draft. Tuberville's recruitment of Carnell Williams along with Ronnie Brown helped put Auburn back on the map as the nation's top running back school. Brad Lester takes over for Kenny Irons as Auburn's top tailback. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Kenny Irons continued the rich tradition of talented running backs on the Plains when he transferred from South Carolina in 2005. After two seasons as the starter at tailback for the Tigers, Irons will play alongside Johnson after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in April. Taking over for Irons is the speedy junior Brad Lester. When healthy, Lester has all of the tools to be an every-down back, but he's been plagued by injuries since he's been at Auburn and that will cause some to question whether or not he can handle the pounding he'll get as a starter. Even Irons had trouble staying healthy during his senior season last year. The good news is, Lester remained relatively healthy during the entire season in 2006 and has gained some weight during the offseason. With 104 carries for 510 yards and nine touchdowns last year, he should be confident enough to be Auburn's every-down back. If Lester can't stay healthy during the long stretch of 12-games, there is plenty of young talent waiting in line to take his place. Sophomore Ben Tate is currently behind Lester on the depth chart at tailback. Don't be surprised to see him lined up at the fullback position to show off his blocking skills and his ability to move out of the backfield to become an extra threat as a receiver. Last year as a freshman, Tate gained 392 yards on 54 carries and scored three touchdowns as the No. 3 tailback. The No. 3 spot will probably belong to both Mario Fannin and Tristan Davis. Davis is returning to his natural position after helping out in the secondary last year. Fannin spent last season on the scout team as a redshirt freshman where he made great strides after being a stellar quarterback in high school. The experience he gained on the scout team and his performance during spring drills will likely earn Fannin some playing time during the upcoming season. Carl Stewart returns as the starter at fullback. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Newcomer Enrique Davis adds even more depth to an already saturated backfield. Davis just graduated high school so he'll have to get accustomed to the speed of the college game in practice before he gets a chance to play. At fullback, or the "F-back" position, Carl Stewart is the starter again this year. Even though the fullback isn't typically a big part of the gameplan, Stewart made some important blocks for the tailbacks and was a factor as a receiver out of the backfield for the Tigers in 2006. Look for Stewart to continue to be an important part of the offense during his senior season. Phil Marion Coming next week: Offensive line coach Hugh Nall will have to replace four of last year’s starters on the offensive line. Also, Cole Bennett returns at tight end after missing most of last season with a broken ankle. Cox Is Healthy, Ready To Lead Offense In 2007