Major departures, arrivals, and a key transition put the much maligned position group in prime position for a quick turnaround in 2022.
Offense was a major struggle for Auburn Football in 2021, and there was no shortage of reasons why. Inconsistency from the QB position, a litany of drops from pass catchers, and an offensive line that couldn’t create enough push in the run game all contributed to a mediocre Auburn offense in the biggest games of the season.
Bryan Harsin & staff addressed these issues aggressively with notable arrivals after some high profile departures in both the QB and WR rooms. WR in particular looks to be particularly competitive with a mix of veterans, 2nd year players, and incoming transfers on track to contribute immediately in 2022.
While starts may be in short supply among the returning players, on-field experience is not with Shedrick Jackson, Ja’Varrius Johnson, and Malcom Johnson Jr all seeing significant snaps in 2021. Incoming LSU transfer Koy Moore by all reports has arrived with the work ethic to break into the rotation immediately. Converted TE Sophomore Landen King has many Auburn media buzzing after a huge Iron Bowl TD and an impressive offseason of work. There seems to be high optimism about the incoming freshmen Jay Fair and Camden Brown as well.
A huge part of the puzzle is whether or not the QB position is settled early enough to generate some continuity between passer & receivers and build some positive momentum for the offense while the schedule is favorable. But there’s no doubt that the WRs left a lot to be desired last year as well. Can they step up their production? What is a reasonable expectation for Auburn’s WRs in 2022?
The War Rapport discusses this and more on the weekly Mid-Week Rapport, LIVE Wednesdays at 8pm ET/7pm CT.