AUBURN | It’s probably Auburn’s most worrisome position group.
The Tigers will enter spring practice with six scholarship wide receivers along with a former tight end for new wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard to try to squeeze out more consistency and more production.
It’s a group that totaled 33 drops in 13 games last season according to PFF, and its top returning wideout, Shedrick Jackson, caught 40 passes for 527 yards and one touchdown, an average of 13.2 yards per catch.
The rest of AU’s returning receivers including converted tight end Landen King combined for 36 catches for 469 yards and four touchdowns.
Jackson’s return gives the Tigers plenty of experience and leadership at the position, two important factors for a group that needs to improve.
Ja"Varrius Johnson had a breakout sophomore season with 19 catches for 274 yards and two touchdowns. He gives the Tigers a big-play threat at the slot position with a 34-yard TD against Akron and a 39-yard TD against Arkansas.
After taking steps to transfer, Johnson has withdrawn his name from the portal and is expected to go through spring drills.
Behind Jackson and Johnson is a lot of potential or possibilities.
Junior Ze’Vian Capers actually started his first game as a freshman and caught a touchdown against LSU in 2020. Last year, he had just six catches for 54 yards.
Malcolm Johnson caught a 49-yard touchdown against Alabama State last fall but has just six career receptions.
Tar’Varish Dawson didn’t catch a pass as a true freshman last season but was open for a potential touchdown against Houston in the Birmingham Bowl only to have T.J. Finley overthrow him.
Jay Fair is a true freshman with a high upside while third-year sophomore J.J. Evans hasn’t caught a pass in two seasons.
King, who switched from tight end to wide receiver last fall, caught five passes for 59 yards including an overtime touchdown reception in the Iron Bowl.
This is a position still in transition with Auburn looking to strengthen it via the transfer portal. It’s possible AU could add a couple of more wideouts after spring if the right ones become available.
Two more true freshmen are due to arrive this summer and both Camden Brown and Omari Kelly could play right away.
Here’s a look at a potential depth chart heading into spring…
X RECEIVER
1. Shedrick Jackson, Gr.
2. Tar’Varish Dawson, RFr.
H RECEIVER
1. Ja'Varrius Johnson, Jr.
2. Landen King, So.
3. J.J. Evans, So.
Z RECEIVER
1. Ze’Vian Capers, Jr.
2. Malcolm Johnson, Jr.
3. Jay Fair, TFr.
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