Who steps up at wide receiver?

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auburnwire.usatoday.com

 

Auburn Spring Practice: Who steps up at the wide receiver position?

Shea Brennaman

3-4 minutes

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I have a lot of questions about every aspect of Auburn football ahead of spring practice, but the wide receiver position is by far the most mysterious. This offseason the Tigers lost the majority of their wide receiver production in the departures of Seth Williams, Eli Stove, and Anthony Schwartz to the NFL.

It’s ‘next man up’ time and there are many fresh faces due to step up for the Tigers. I have no idea what the starting lineup is going to look like as that is Cornelius Williams’ job, but here’s everybody who’ll be competing:

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Canion is probably the most likely candidate to start in place of Seth Williams. He only saw action in two games last season but his breakout performance against Northwestern in the Citrus Bowl proved that no moment was too large for the young playmaker. He finished the bowl game with three receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown.

 

The upcoming freshman has a wonderful opportunity to rise through the ranks during spring practice. Presley finished his high school career at Mandsfield Summit High School in Arlington, Texas with 46 receptions for 1,212 yards.

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Capers finished last season with seven receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. He underwent a successful surgery this January after sustaining a foot injury against Northwestern, a timeline for his return is currently unclear.

The most experienced wide reciever returning to the Tigers. Jackson finished last season with six receptions for 84 yards including a 37-yard season long reception. In addition to Capers, Jackson brings great leadership potential to the table for the Tigers this spring.

The younger brother of Auburn legend Cam Newton transferred from Howard to Auburn last spring and attempted to transition from the role of quarterback to wide receiver. The talented athlete will have more time this offseason to transition as a contributor in this role.

Hudson finished last season with seven receptions for 70 yards. Hudson saw action in five games last season with the majority of his receptions against Northwestern in the Citrus Bowl. Prior to his arrival at Auburn, Hudson was named the No.1 receiver in the state of Georgia and nationally ranked at No.18 in the position.

Very quick receiver who got playing time against LSU last season. He was rated as a four-star prospect and earned accolades in track and field. By the way, Johson ran 55 meters in 6.26 seconds. Anybody whose missing the speed that Schwartz brought to the field should be very excited to see Johnson.

Before injuries sidelined him during his freshman year, Johnson completed his high school career at Hewitt-Trussville with 87 receptions for 1,683 yards. Johnson was able to return to action this past season for Auburn against Georgia, but did not see action as a starter.