Jatarvious Whitlow – Noteworthy
Auburn’s backfield fell short of expectations in 2018, with the program’s record streak of nine straight seasons with a 1,000-yard back coming to an end. There were multiple factors playing into that, including early-season struggles along the offensive line, some minor injuries that cost Whitlow some time in the backfield and a general shift in approach to the position, with the Tigers leaning more on a by-committee approach to running back instead of establishing a clear-cut featured option. Kam Martin led Auburn’s running backs in starts but still had eight games with single-digit carries. Still, the rising senior looked more comfortable in a complementary role alongside Whitlow, who led the team in rushing in his first season of action, and Shivers, who established himself as a solid third option during his freshman campaign. Whitlow has the chance to be the type of featured back the Tigers are accustomed to, so long as he can stay healthy. The redshirt sophomore has a compelling skillset, and former SEC Offensive Player of the Year Kerryon Johnson believes the Lafayette native has a chance to be even better than he was during his three seasons on the Plains from 2015-17. – Birmingham News
Darrell Williams – Noteworthy
Notably snubbed from postseason all-star games and the NFL Combine, Darrell Williams is not letting that stop him from making waves among perspective NFL teams. Williams, arguably the most versatile linebacker on Auburn’s roster during the last two seasons, produced the third-most tackles on the team in 2017 and second-most in 2018. Williams displayed a wide-range of talent from running downhill for run support to dropping back into pass defense. Despite all that, he saw his name left off all the postseason all-star games and watched six of his Auburn teammates receive invitations to the NFL Combine. The absence of Williams from those postseason opportunities was a shock to not just Auburn fans, but also to Williams and NFL scouts. “Really, a lot of people ask me,” Williams said. “Every scout I talk to asks me the same thing, like ‘What’s up with you not being in an all-star game, not being at the combine?’ Mostly, they were shocked that I wasn’t at the combine.” – The Auburn Plainsman
