After Gus Malzahn was named offensive coordinator, many wondered if the running game would still be a part of the offense. Not only was it a part of the offense, but the Tigers put up big numbers on the ground in 2009.
If you are familiar with Auburn football, then you know all about the rich tradition of talented running backs who have worn an Auburn uniform. Running the football down opponent's throats has played an important role in the Tigers' success over the years.
When the spread offense was installed back in 2008, it was feared that the running game would all but disappear from Auburn's offensive attack. It didn't completely disappear, it just seemed that way when the running game wasn't a factor throughout the season.
Naturally when Malzahn was brought on board by Gene Chizik to run the offense, fans thought for sure that Malzahn's offense would be the same pass-oriented offense that sputtered in 2008. Malzahn quickly assured the fans that his offense would be run first, pass second.
The majority of fans probably didn't believe Malzahn until they saw the stats from the first game against LA Tech. Ben Tate ran 20 times for 117 yards, while Onterio McCalebb had 22 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown. Tate wrapped up his senior year by rushing for 1,362 yards, which is the fourth-best single-season total in school history.
As the season progressed, the offense continued to rack up yards on the ground and Auburn finished the season averaging 212 rushing yards a game, the 12th best mark in the country.
Mario Fannin
(Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com)With Tate selected in the NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, senior Mario Fannin will take on the role of top running back. Fannin returns to his natural position at tailback after stints at receiver, kick-off returner, and H-back.
Fannin's career on the Plains has been somewhat disappointing with fumble problems in 2007, followed by a shoulder injury during his sophomore year in 2008.
Last year, Malzahn thought it would be best to use Fannin primarily at the H-back position, a hybrid of a fullback and a tight end, so he could give the Tigers another option at receiver. He was second on the team with 42 catches for 413 yards and three touchdowns.
While Fannin carried the ball just 34 times in 2009, position coach Curtis Luper expects the senior to have a breakout year after going through spring practice without any fumbles or suffering any injuries. If Fannin stays healthy as Auburn's every-down back and comes close to matching Tate's numbers from last season, the Tigers will be one of the top rushing teams in the nation in 2010.
Onterio McCalebb
(Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com)There are several reserves behind Fannin to keep the ground game rolling with sophomore McCalebb adding some weight in the offseason in hopes of staying injury-free in 2010. He's up to 175 pounds, with 185 his goal when the season starts. Last year, McCalebb gained 252 yards in the first two games, but was then slowed by an ankle injury which saw him gain just 313 more in the final 11 games.
Adding 10 more pounds before the start of the season will give McCalebb more durability and allow him to have more success against big defenders in the SEC. Plus, with newcomer Michael Dyer arriving in August, McCalebb will have to fight to remain the primary backup.
Dyer played at Little Rock (Ark.) Christian Academy where he set the state record with 8,097 rushing yards and 84 touchdowns. As a senior, he ran for 2,502 yards and 31 touchdowns. At 5-8 and 201 pounds, Dyer is a physical runner who can provide relief when Fannin and McCalebb need a break late in the game.
Taking over for Fannin at the H-back position will be Eric Smith. Smith is a versatile player that can carry the ball, block, pass protect, and run receiving routes from multiple sets. Last year Smith rushed for 99 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. He also added 18 catches for 226 yards and another touchdown.
Incoming freshman Ladarious Phillips is another option at H-back. At 6-0 and around 285 pounds, Phillips could be used in short-yardage situations and also block for tailbacks and protect the quarterback.
Phil Marion
Next week: Offensive Line
Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers
