Chad Morris and Gus Malzahn may run offenses that are rooted in the same principles, but they have one major difference: using the tight end and running backs in the passing game.
Over the last two seasons, Auburn tight ends and running backs have totaled 117 receptions for 1,211 yards and 11 touchdowns. For comparison, LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Thaddeus Moss caught 102 passes for 1,023 yards and five touchdowns last season.
While it is unlikely Auburn will have similar production to perhaps the best offense is college football history, using the tight ends and running backs in the passing game would add another layer for opposing teams have to defend.
“I firmly believe, everywhere I’ve been, that you’ve got to evolve,” Morris said. “The great teams that we’ve had and have been a part of had great success in the passing game with the tight ends and the running backs. I think that’s something that these guys have taken a lot of pride in. Been extremely impressed with them. Now, we’ve got a long way to go — don’t get me wrong here, but these guys have done a great job of understanding what we’re asking them to do.”
This change has John Samuel Shenker expecting big things from the offense.
“This offense has taken flight,” Shenker said. “There’s a countless number of things we do only a daily basis that are so much different. They give variety to the offense in different ways, different looks and whatnot. So, it was a lot to learn in the beginning, but as you get through and realize how special this offense could be, who we have on our side, it gives you a great feeling going into the season.”
“I think those adjustments this year is catching more passes with two-backs and four-backs and just reps because in the past we haven’t really had to do that. I think we came along nice with it—Worm (Shaun Shivers) and everybody, they picked it up pretty well. It will definitely open up a lot of plays for us this coming fall.”
Serving primarily as a blocker the last two season, Shenker has just six receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns. The addition of Morris has Shenker and the rest of Auburn’s tight ends prepared to embrace a more complete role in the offense.
“Last year, we didn’t really have to learn routes and all that,” Shenker said. “It was just mainly play-based, what we had to know, but this year it’s been fun learning the entire offense and, any given play I could be at any position. so that was really an awesome change for me, getting to actually be able to learn the full offense this year and enjoy it while I do it.
“We’re really looking forward to it once the season starts. Yeah, it’s been awesome getting in the passing game a little bit more, not having to block all the time. It’s been a great little adjustment we’ve had this year, for sure.”