Malzahn wanted versatile and bigger running backs

AUBURN | Gus Malzahn got exactly what he wanted in Auburn’s two running back signees.

The Tigers signed Devan Barrett from Tampa (Fla.) Catholic and Alaric Williams from Southside (Ala.) High last Wednesday.

“We looked for that versatility, guys that were bigger, that could run and could catch the ball out of the backfield,” Malzahn said. “Both of these running backs that we signed are 200-pound guys and they both can run and have great ball skills.”

Barrett, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, rushed for 3,613 yards and 40 touchdowns on 416 carries in his high school career. He also caught four touchdown passes.

“I think it starts with Devan Barrett. He was the No 1 running back on our board from way back when,” Malzahn said. “He's got a unique skill set. Great vision. He catches the ball very well down the middle of the field, can really stretch the field.”

Williams, 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, committed in the summer of 2015 and stuck with Auburn throughout the recruiting process. In seven games as a senior, he rushed for 860 yards and 13 touchdowns on 89 carries, and caught seven passes for 258 yards and five more touchdowns.

Malzahn likes his versatility.

“Williams is another guy that’s been very loyal to us. He’s been committed to us for a long time,” Malzahn said. “As running back, slot receiver, he gives us a lot of flexibility and versatility to utilize him.”

Barrett was one of four players from the state of Florida in Auburn’s 2017 class, and Williams was one of 10 from Alabama. The Tigers’ 23 signees also included six from Georgia.

“Those are our three states we make our living in so real pleased with that,” Malzahn said.