2020 Auburn wide receiver camp preview

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2020 Auburn wide receiver camp preview: The contenders

ByJason Caldwell

7-9 minutes

 

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AUBURN, Alabama--With the return of quarterback Bo Nix following a very successful freshman football season and the addition of Chad Morris as Auburn’s new offensive coordinator, the expectations are for more passing for the Tigers in 2020.

Getting back his top three receivers from a season ago along with a talented group of newcomers, Nix should be fired up about the possibilities for his targets this season. Let’s take a look at the wide receiver group coached by Kodi Burns heading into preseason practice, which is scheduled to start on Monday, the same day fall semester classes begin at Auburn.

The 2020 season is tentatively scheduled to start on Sept. 26th. Auburn and the 13 other Southeastern Conference programs are waiting for word from league officials on a revised schedule that features 10 conference contests and no games vs. non-league opponents.

Elijah Canion—Coming from south Florida high school powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, the same school that sent Shaun Shivers to Auburn, Canion is a dynamic wide receiver who has gotten bigger and stronger since his senior year. Checking in at 6-4, 213 pounds, Canion is a big-play threat who should have a great opportunity to see early playing time for the Tigers. Excellent in one-on-one situations, Canion’s ability to go up and catch the ball in traffic should pair him well with junior wideout Seth Williams in Auburn’s offense.

Ze'Vian Capers—A tall target at 6-4, 194 pounds, Capers needs to continue to get bigger and stronger, but he has got the frame to become a threat in the red zone for the Auburn offense early as a college player. Combining for 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in his last two high school seasons in Georgia, Capers has the ability to make big plays down the field and isn’t afraid to go up and get the ball in traffic. Don’t be surprised if he’s another one of the true freshmen to get on the field this season.

J.J. Evans—The Montevallo native is another physical receiver on the Auburn roster, measuring in at 6-3, 211 pounds. With more than 100 receptions, 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns during his final two years with the Bulldogs, Evans has the ability to make big plays down the field. Expected to line up as an outside receiver for the Tigers, Evans is a player who will have to adjust to the step up in competition, but has the skill set and physicality to make some noise if needed this season.

Elijah Canion could be a playmaker for Auburn. (Photo: Andrew Ivins, 247Sports)

Shedrick Jackson—Used as more of a blocker at the wide receiver position his first two seasons at Auburn, the 6-0, 201 Jackson has just four career catches for 46 yards to this point, but there is a solid chance that could change this year. With an increased emphasis on throwing the football and with Jackson’s physicality as a blocker on the perimeter, Auburn’s RPO game could be a great fit for him to become a more viable pass catching threat in 2020. He has played in 20 games for the Tigers with three starts.

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Ja'Varrius Johnson—After a sports hernia injury early last fall cost him the 2019 season, Johnson is ready to go this fall and could be a player who makes an immediate impact for the Tigers in Morris’ offense. Putting up monster numbers in a similar system at Hewitt-Trussville High School, Johnson could be a mismatch in the middle of the field with his quickness and route-running ability. Similar to former Tiger receiver Ryan Davis, Johnson could become a go-to guy for Auburn before his college playing days are done.

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Kobe Hudson—One of the top prospects in the state of Georgia for the 2020 class, Hudson put up monster numbers for Troup County High as a quarterback, but has natural wide receiver skills. A top recruiting priority for Coach Gus Malzahn since his sophomore year when he earned an offer from the Tigers, Hudson is one of several true freshmen who should have a chance to play this season. With a smooth stride and good cutting ability, Hudson looks like a good bet to wind up inside at slot receiver.

Kobe Hudson is a talented newcomer. (Photo: Jason Caldwell/Inside The Auburn Tigers)

Caylin Newton—The younger brother of former Auburn star and current New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, the 5-11, 201 grad transfer from Howard University played his first two seasons at quarterback before making the move to Auburn to play wide receiver. Redshirting last season, Newton put up huge numbers in two seasons as the starter for the Bison with more than 6,000 yards of total offense and 51 touchdowns. Expected to work as a slot receiver for the Tigers, Newton is a physical runner and that could be useful after the catch this season.

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Anthony Schwartz—Heading into his junior season he is one of college football’s fastest players and is still looking for the opportunity to become more of a vertical threat in Auburn’s offense. Last season he averaged just 10.7 yards per reception on his 41 catches with the longest gainer of 50 yards. That’s not good enough when you’re talking about someone with his speed. Look for Morris to use Schwartz down the field more, which should lead to more big plays in the passing game. If that happens it would be huge for the entire offense because teams will need to keep a safety over the top or risk giving up a touchdown.

Eli Stove—The grizzled veteran of the group, Stove heads into his redshirt senior season as one of the leaders for the Tigers. Coming off his best season at Auburn when he caught 37 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns, the Niceville, Florida native has 92 career receptions for 827 yards and three touchdowns. Also a very good runner, Stove has 48 career carries for 503 yards and four touchdowns. With his combination of speed and running ability, getting the ball to him in the open field will be a priority for Morris.

Seth Williams had the game winner against Oregon. (Photo: Adam Sparks / Inside the Auburn Tigers)

Seth Williams—Already on Auburn's top 20 list for both receiving yards (1,364) and receptions (85), the 6-3, 211 Williams is coming off a monster sophomore season during which he stepped up as the top target for Nix and the offense. Already with 13 career touchdown receptions, Williams has a knack for finding the end zone when he gets the opportunity. With the Tigers expected to open up things more in 2020, if Williams takes another jump forward in productivity he could find himself among the best wide receivers in the country when all is said and done. His combination of size, good hands and athletic ability make him an inviting target.