AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn special teams coordinator Larry Porter was recognized Wednesday as one of 53 nominees for the Broyles Award, an award given annually to college football's top assistant coach.
Porter, now in his second season with Auburn, also serves as the H-backs/tight ends coach for the Tigers, but it's his work with the special teams that has stood out.
Under his direction, Auburn has improved in almost every category this season and ranks top three in the SEC in net punting (42.97 yards), kickoff coverage (17.44 yards per return), punt coverage (4.63 yards per return) and kickoff returns (22.93 yards per return). The Tigers are fifth in the conference in punt returns, averaging 12.29 yards per return.
Arryn Siposs has been a welcome addition from Australia as the sophomore punter has played a major role in the team's net punting and punt coverage numbers.
"He's been one of our MVPs overall," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said. "What he did the other day – we put our punt team backed up numerous teams, and his ball placement was great. He's a true weapon. I think he's one of the best punters in the league and I think he's got a chance to get even better."
The Auburn special teams units have also made a habit of blocking kicks this season. Junior defensive lineman Marlon Davidson blocked a field goal in three straight games last month while sophomore defensive back Jordyn Peters has blocked two punts, one of which was recovered for a touchdown. The five combined blocked kicks rank third nationally and are tops in the SEC.
The Tigers also scored on a kickoff return earlier this season when sophomore Noah Igbinoghene took one back 96 yards to the house against Arkansas in September.
The initial list of 53 nominees will be narrowed to 15 semi-finalists and then five finalists. The five finalists will travel to Little Rock, Ark., where the 2018 Broyles Award winner will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
Malzahn won the Broyles Award in 2010 when he was the Auburn offensive coordinator, and current defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was a finalist for the award last year.
Greg Ostendorf is a Senior Writer for AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @greg_ostendorf