Auburn Football: Five Breakout Candidates for 2020

Auburn has one of the most talented rosters in the country, but one of the least proven. Here are five Players that could be stars in 2020.

Mark-Antony Richards, running back

Richards spent his freshman year getting up to speed on the college game. However, he has the potential to be the best running back in an extremely talented group of running backs in the SEC.

Roger McCreary, Cornerback

McCreary has already had something of a breakout season. He had 35 tackles, 11 passes broken up (sixth in the conference), an interception and fumble recovery. He also spent his sophomore season in the shadow of better known defenders. Just in the secondary. Noah Ighbenoghene, Javaris Davis, Daniel Thomas, and Jeremiah Dinson all overshadowed McCreary this season.

This depth did not stop him from producing, and losing this depth will allow McCreary to establish himself as the star of this secondary.

Zacoby McClain, Linebacker

Zakoby McClain is in the same boat as Roger McCreary. He was hyper productive in 2019, but was overshadowed by better known running mates Owen Pappoe and KJ Britt. Even through all that he still ranked third in the SEC in forced fumbles. He even had an interception, the 100 yard Pick-six that put Auburn up late in the Iron Bowl.

Tank Bigsby, Running Back

Tank Bigsby is the type of talent who can be elite the second he steps on campus. With that said, Auburn does not typically use freshman running backs right away. Bigsby is the type of back to change that. His frame is already suited to the college game, and so is his running style. This meaning. he is a strong, powerful runner who hits his hole hard and with purpose. This does not mean he is slow at all. Bigsby has plenty of speed to hit home any time he touches the ball.

Bigsby, Richards, Shaun Shivers, and Harold Joiner will make Auburn’s running game more of a strength than it has been in a long time.

Smoke Monday, Safety

It is finally time for Smoke Monday to be a star. He has been behind some serious talent at safety, but now has a position all to himself and talent to make a big splash. He has made plays both of his previous seasons, the best known being a pick-six in last years Iron Bowl.

Monday has all the physical tools needed to be elite, and he will when he puts it together with the mental aspect of the game.

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