There’s arguably no more competitive position group on Auburn’s roster than running back.
The Tigers seem to have a four-man battle on their hands for the starting job, but two, three or even all four of them may split the carries in 2025.
The experience of Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb may still give them a slight edge, but newcomers Durell Robinson and Omar Mabson II have both impressed during preseason camp.
“I think all the guys are competing at a high level,” offensive coordinator and running backs coach Derrick Nix told reporters on Monday. “I feel good about all of them so far.”
Nix added that it’s, “probably a little too early to tell” how deep the rotation will be during the season. However, from what AL.com has seen in practice, though, all four seem capable.
Based on what Nix told reporters, Alston seems to be the leader of the group as he enters his fourth season at Auburn. He was briefly limited during camp due to a heel bruise, but is back at full speed now.
“He’s had an outstanding offseason,” Nix said. “He’s not only gotten himself ready to play — mentally and physically — his body looks good, like he’s dropped some body weight. He’s done a great job of trying to lead this offense and really help lead this team.”
Cobb is at the top of the group with Alston, and is back to 100% after being limited early in camp with a fractured finger. When asked what he brings to the offense, Nix pointed out his speed and said he’d get more attention in a game where Auburn wants to get out on the perimeter.
The two newcomers, Robinson and Mabson, have both stood out despite not practicing in the spring. Expectations were higher for Robinson, though, who’s coming off a 731-yard season at UConn.
“It’s almost like getting an NFL free agent, so to speak,” Nix said. “Him being out this spring actually might have been a benefit. He had a chance to hone in and understand the offense before he had to really do it. And now this summer and into training camp, he has a chance to get his legs back under him.”
Mabson’s emergence has been one of camp’s biggest surprises. The freshman from Auburn High School reclassified, meaning he entered college a year early, skipping his senior year of high school.
“He’s a guy that takes pride in trying to learn the details, learn his assignments,” Nix said. “You see the talent he has and the time he puts into it, you expect the results he’s getting right now.”
