Not since 2002 has Auburn signed a five-star wide receiver. Is there any chance that the drought may end soon?
At a position where they lack history and must create some, the Tigers are in the running for numerous in-state talents.
It would be a major understatement to say that Auburn hasn’t historically produced outstanding wide receivers.
Terry Beasley, the all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns for Auburn University, competed from 1969 to 1971.
Red Phillips, a 1957 national champion who played while the position was still named “end,” and Frank Sanders, a rising talent in the early 1990s, are the only two former Tiger receivers to have at least 3,000 yards in the NFL. Sanders is still the lone first-team All-SEC receiver for Auburn, by the way. In 1994, he was awarded that honour.)
Only two Auburn players have had a 1,000-yard receiving season, and the more recent instance happened back in 1999.
The Tigers spent most of their history building their identity on running the ball and playing stifling defense, and any list of notable program alumni reflects that. Even in the stronger years through the air, the spotlight has been much more on the players passing the ball than the ones going out to catch it.
The Tigers’ offensive identity over the years can be linked to a lesser number of noteworthy receivers developed by the programme. The Pat Dye teams were run-heavy and frequently used the option. For the most part, Tommy Tuberville ran more traditional, pro-style offences. Gus Malzahn ran a smashmouth spread offensive both before and after the snap as quickly as possible, making him a household name.
Ground-and-pound football has typically been played at Auburn, with the exception of a few years when Terry Bowden took the programme to new heights.
That has to do with recruiting as well. Auburn hasn’t won the largest awards at the position in terms of recruiting, despite producing some talented players who went on to become strong college receivers and even some NFL Draft selections (current pro Darius Slayton was ranked among the top-15 wideouts in his class.
