With the start of a new season, the same old question remains unanswered for Auburn. Who will lead the rushing attack and carry Gus’ offense? In Malzahn’s six years at Auburn, there has been a different leading rusher each season. Some years like 2017, find the presumed front-runner leading the pack from start to finish, while others like the 2013 and 2015 seasons unveil unexpected heroes that rise to the occasion. Whatever the case, Gus Malzahn always finds one man to establish the run game in his rush heavy offense.
Going into this season, Junior Kam Martin appeared to be the answer for 2018. With the departure of SEC player of the year Kerryon Johnson, Martin remained the only back with considerable experience on the roster. His 453 yards on 74 carries made him the presumed favorite and with the conclusion of spring practice it seemed inevitable that he would get the start against Washington in the season opener.
Week one saw Martin get the start as well as 22 carries, but it was freshman JaTarvious “Boobie” Whitlow who captured everyone’s attention in Atlanta. His fourth quarter touchdown gave Auburn the 21-16 victory and created controversy in the Tigers’ backfield. A week two matchup with Alabama State built on this controversy, as Malzahn was able to open up his offensive playbook, giving multiple players a chance to prove themselves. Freshman Shaun Shivers debuted his talent with 117 yards and a touchdown, while Whitlow found 122 yards for himself.
With LSU coming into town for week three, it was unclear as to who would get the most carries. Kam Martin was listed as the starter going into Saturday, but a much different story unraveled in Auburn’s 22-21 loss. Martin finished the game with only two rushes for four yards. Whitlow had 22 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown, while Shivers recorded seven touches with a touchdown of his own. After the game, Gus Malzahn commented on his plan for Martin and Whitlow. “They’re both going to play, we haven’t named a main guy,” he said. However, the statistics paint a much different picture. At this point, it seems inevitable that Whitlow will be the go-to running back for Auburn. Martin’s mere two touches appear to make a strong statement, but Malzahn simply said, “We just felt like we needed to go with others guys at that point.”
If Martin only sees two carries on the biggest game of the year so far, it is hard to believe that he will remain the starter for much longer. Even if he does stay in that first slot on the depth chart, the Freshman Whitlow and Shivers will surpass Martin in carries this season. Much like Roc Thomas in 2015, Kam Martin’s time as the feature back may never come at Auburn. While he should remain a valuable tool for this offense, expect Whitlow to lead the charge in the upcoming weeks.
