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Auburn Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Oct 22, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pittway (36) celebrates a touchdown with fullback Chandler Cox (27) and quarterback Sean White (13) during the third quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 56-3. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pittway (36) celebrates a touchdown with fullback Chandler Cox (27) and quarterback Sean White (13) during the third quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 56-3. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson (21) and half back Kamryn Pettway (36) celebrate against the Kentucky Wildcats in the first quarter at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson (21) and half back Kamryn Pettway (36) celebrate against the Kentucky Wildcats in the first quarter at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Areas of strength

It’s easy to get caught up in the question marks at this point of the preseason, but it’s also important to note when a team has areas of strength capable of making a difference. For Auburn, the biggest strength entering the 2017 season is at running back.

Kamryn Pettway earned All-SEC recognition after he rumbled to 1,224 rushing yards and seven touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore last season despite missing three games due to a quad injury. He also didn’t receive a carry against Clemson in the season opener. A uniquely talented 240-pound ball carrier, Pettway could have jumped to the NFL after the season, but decided to return instead. Expect the junior to make life difficult for opponents again next season.

Kerryon Johnson is also a talented running back, which gives the Tigers one of the best one-two punches in the conference. Johnson led the team with 11 rushing touchdowns, and gained 895 rushing yards on 182 carries.

Also, like the defensive line last season, the secondary should be a strength for the defense in 2017. Last year, Auburn allowed 229.2 passing yards per game, which ranked ninth in the SEC. However, the Tigers were third in yards allowed per pass attempt (6.4), which ranked among the top 20 nationally.

Auburn will miss departed defensive backs Johnathan Ford and Joshua Holsey, but there unit should also offer veteran leadership for the defense and the team as a whole. Safety Tray Matthews returns after leading the squad with 76 total tackles last season. In a recent interview with the SEC Network, Malzahn highlighted Matthews as a team leader.

Stephen Roberts and Nick Ruffin will compete to start at the other safety position, and each should see significant playing time after playing in 12 and 11 games last season, respectively. Roberts made eight starts and recorded 52 tackles while Ruffin made three starts and 32 stops.

Next: Top 10 QBs in college football this spring

Cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Javaris Davis are a talented duo. The two Davises combined for 15 starts last season (10 by Carlton Davis), two interceptions (both by Javaris Davis), and 17 passes broken up.

Together, the talented secondary hopes to improve upon the 17 turnovers Auburn forced in 2016, which ranked 88th nationally. Given the Tigers ranked No. 6 in the country in pass breakups per contest last season, there’s a good chance they will.

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