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6 Tigers not named Bo Nix who are playing better than we expected

Dave Hooker

By Dave Hooker

Published:

Auburn’s loss to Penn State is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it could be viewed as a sign that the Tigers are on the right path.

Think about this: Auburn, under first-year coach Bryan Harsin, went on the road in a very hostile environment and nearly beat a top-10 opponent. Auburn was just one elusive score away. It’s not a win, but it’s also not time to become downtrodden with so much season left to play.

Bo Nix suffered another road loss, but he played relatively well. Nix completed 21-of-37 passes for 185 yards. Most importantly, he did not throw an interception. Nix also chipped in 6 carries for 29 yards. It may not have been spectacular, but his performance was solid, particularly given his road woes.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: This is just another column about how much Nix has improved from last season. Nope, that’s not the case. The is a column about the other Auburn players — not named Nix — who have taken to Harsin’s coaching and are helping the Tigers become more respected every day. Helping improve the chemistry counts on this list. Leaders are needed. Here are some that have also made a significant dent in the box score as well.

Here are 6 players that have helped Auburn to a respectable 2-1 start:

DT Marquis Burks

It’s long been said that JUCO players go to junior college for a reason, which implies they aren’t cut out for college. Burks defies that outdated logic. The transfer from Iowa Central Community College was able to get on the field last season and even recorded a sack against LSU. This season, Burks has become a force. The senior has 8 tackles, including 3 for a loss and 2 sacks, along with 2 forced fumbles.

RB Jarquez Hunter

It’s hard not to think about running backs when you look at Auburn. Bo knows. Tank Bigsby is the obvious headliner, but Hunter is helping keep the tradition alive this season. Hunter has 320 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on just 26 carries. I’ll do the math for you. Hunter is averaging 12.3-yards per carry. Not bad for a freshman. Hunter also has 3 receptions for 24 yards.

DE TD Moultry

Moultry may be named like an offensive player, but he’s all defense. Moultry has 14 tackles, including 4 for a loss and 2 1/2 sacks. Along with Burks, Auburn has an incredibly formidable defensive line with a penchant for turning in big plays.

WR Demetris Robertson

Robertson has been able to do a bit of everything this season. The senior has 11 catches for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. Robertson has also carried the ball twice for 43 yards and a touchdown. Credit Harsin for finding exactly what Robertson does best.

TE John Samuel Shenker

Shortly after being hired by Auburn, Harsin didn’t hide the fact that his offense would utilize the tight end position to its fullest. That was good news for Samuel Shenker. The senior has 11 catches for 108 yards and has provided leadership to a group of players that Harsin would be relying on. And yes, he’s also asked to block.

LB Chandler Wooten

Wooten is another centerpiece on defense. He already has 20 tackles, which leads all Tiger defenders, including 2.5 for a loss. The senior certainly shows up on the big stage. Against Penn State, Wooten had 6 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss.

Dave Hooker

Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South.

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