AUBURN, Ala. - Returning its quarterback and five leading wide receivers, Auburn's passing game figures to be a strength of the 2018 Tigers.
With a streak of 1,000-yard rushers that dates back a decade, identifying the next potential member of the 1,000-yard club will be a preseason storyline for a school known as" Running Back U."
In his first season calling plays at Auburn, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey delivered on his assignment to balance the Tigers' offense. In 2017, Auburn became only the eighth team in SEC history to pass (3,267) and rush (3,056) for more than 3,000 yards.
It all starts with Jarrett Stidham. The junior quarterback led the SEC in completion percentage last season, completing two of every three passes, with a 3:1 touchdown pass to interception ratio.
"I really do believe we're going to be just as good if not better," Stidham said.
Stidham's top target, Ryan Davis, led the SEC with 84 receptions last season. Darius Slayton averaged 22.2 yards per catch. Nate Craig-Myers will likely see an increased work load. While Will Hastings and Eli Stove work to return from knee injuries sustained in spring practice, freshmen receivers will get a chance to impress.
"I think we've got a lot of talent and we've got a lot of experience which is kind of crucial in my opinion in this league," Stidham said.
Junior Kam Martin gets the first opportunity to be Auburn's feature back after averaging 6.1 yards per carry last season.
Competition for that coveted role will come from a promising group that includes veterans and newcomers.
Redshirt freshman Jatarvious Whitlow impressed in preseason camp a year ago before an injury. Freshman Asa Martin enrolled in January, benefitting from spring practice.
Senior C.J. Tolbert earned MVP honors in Auburn's A-Day game. Incoming freshmen Harold Joiner and Shaun Shivers are also in the mix, while sophomore Devin Barrett averaged 5.6 yards per carry in limited action last season and has split time practicing at receiver.
"I think they're talented young men," Malzahn said. "It's just going to be a matter of who steps up."
Auburn's rushing and passing attacks will rely on a revamped offensive line. Tackle Prince Tega Wanogho and guards Mike Horton and Marquel Harrell, all juniors, have starting experience.
Redshirt freshman tackles Calvin Ashley and Austin Troxell will compete with graduate transfer Jack Driscoll and junior Bailey Sharp.
At guard, redshirt freshmen Brodarious Hamm and Tashawn Manning, and junior Tyler Carr, will look to break into the starting lineup. Kaleb Kim, Tucker Brown and Nick Brahms are competing for the center position.
Offensive line coach J.B. Grimes will look to identity his first and second units "as soon as possible" in preseason camp, Malzahn said.
"The good thing is we have talent up front," Malzahn said. "We're just inexperienced. And how quick that group can grow up and jell, I think will be a big key to our success offensively and team-wise."
Senior fullback Chandler Cox and tight ends Jalen Harris and Sal Cannella will also provide blocking and pass catching options.
"Our starting quarterback is back, and our coordinator is back," Malzahn said. "We do have quite a few of our skill guys. We were so close last year. We won the West, toughest division in college football. We were a game away from the final four, which is everybody's goal. We've got to figure out a way to take that next step. And that's challenging."
Under Malzahn, Auburn fans have witnessed the most explosive offenses in program history. In 2017, the Tigers scored 40 or more points in six SEC games for the first time.
"I really feel like we have a hungry team. Seizing the moment when you get that opportunity," he said. "You work so hard, you get to the SEC Championship game. It usually comes down to one or two plays. We've got to make those one or two plays. I think that's really the big picture."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer