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Iron Bowl rivalry extends to NFL: Former Alabama, Auburn WRs battling out for roster spot
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The Iron Bowl rivalry truly never dies for players from Alabama and Auburn.
Two NFL receivers are currently renewing that rivalry as they fight for a roster spot with the Kansas City Chiefs. Former Alabama WR Gehrig Dieter and former Auburn WR Tony Stevens are competing in training camp for a shot at an NFL roster.
Mark Inabinett of AL.com shared the details.
“The Chiefs have five rookie wide receivers, including Dieter and Auburn’s Tony Stevens.”
It appears Alabama’s Dieter currently has the upper hand on Stevens in terms of readiness.
“For me, I think right now what you see is there’s growth,” Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said about Dieter. “He’s had growth from where he was Day 1, and that’s the biggest thing you ask from these guys: ‘Can they grasp the system?’ We’ve had 10 installs and a lot of plays. So mentally right now we start putting a lot on them, and if they can handle that, then they can start physically playing.”
Dieter had 15 catches for 214 yards and four TD’s his lone season with the Crimson Tide after a stellar career at Bowling Green. Stevens finished his career at Auburn with 50 catches for 751 yards and five TD’s.
Dieter may have the edge when it comes to special teams as well, as his decision to finish his career in Tuscaloosa was based in part on his ability to learn what it took to become a special team performer at the next level during his season with Alabama.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
