A new dimension

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AUBURN, Ala. | They're just freshmen but Kamryn Pettway and Chandler Cox are poised to make a big splash at the H-back position.

Auburn coach Scott Fountain wants his H-backs to be strong at the point of attack, be good pass blockers and catch the ball out of the backfield. Pettway and Cox are the first he's had at Auburn that can excel at all three.

"They both have that Jay Prosch mentality as a blocker, but they are both pretty good athletes that are used to having the ball in their hands," Fountain said. "I think the thing that both of them bring that we haven't had, we did not have with Jay, is they're fairly athletic as well.

"The big element I'm seeing out of them that I like is the toughness, the hard-nosed football you look for at that position. Also, I think they're going to be able to catch the ball and do some things with the ball after they catch it."

Pettway worked as a running back during his redshirt season last fall before getting a look at H-back during bowl practice. He was so impressive that a permanent move was made this spring.

If the season began today, Pettway would be the starter.

"I'd say Kam is probably a little bit in front just because he's had an opportunity to be in the wight room another year so he's a little stronger than Chandler," Fountain said. "Chandler's strength is he's a football-savvy guy that really picks up on things quick. There's not a ton of difference there.

"I think they're both going to play for us and in our 40 package where we use two of those in the game, you'll see them on the field quite a bit."

Cox is a true freshman that enrolled at Auburn in January. He played quarterback, fullback and linebacker at Apopka (Fla.) High School, winning two state championships.

"To be honest with you a lot of freshmen come in and it's going to take time, but he's really a kid that is a fast learner," Fountain said. "He has a brother that plays linebacker at New Mexico State and his dad played at Southern Cal. It's kind of in the family tradition to be good ballplayers. He's just a true ballplayer and he loves the game."

Auburn has just one scholarship tight end this spring in Chris Laye. Fountain hopes the redshirt freshman can contribute this fall.

"Chris is not exactly where we want him to be at this point but I think he's made some strides," Fountain said. "He'll be more of a hand down, blocking tight end for us.

"I want to see Chris be a little more firm at the point of attack, gotta work on his technique there, and also Chris needs to have a great summer in the weight room. He's about 250 pounds now and he's just got to keep working to get stronger."

Fountain is looking forward to adding tight end signee Jalen Harris this summer.

"Jalen, I really wish he could have been here this spring," Fountain said. "I think Jalen is that tight end we're looking for and that depth we're looking for.

"Jalen, the positive is that last year they fully implemented our offense at St. James so he played a lot of three-back and a lot of true tight end split-out. That part of it won't be a big adjustment for him. I think more or less the adjustment coming from high school to college is going to be his biggest thing. How quick can he make that transition?"