How Auburn’s Offense is Gaining an Edge with Physicality
As I watched Auburn’s offense take the field, one thing stood out to me - their physicality. It’s not just about having big, strong players, but about the fundamentals and technique that allow them to dominate on the field.
According to veteran defensive lineman Jayson Jones, Auburn’s offensive line has made significant strides in this area. ‘I’ll point out Jeremiah [Wright] and Connor Lew specifically, but all of them are being more physical, especially Percy [Lewis],’ Jones said.
But what’s behind this increase in physicality? Is it just a matter of the players deciding to give more effort? Not quite. As offensive line coach Jake Thornton explained, ‘I think that comes with fundamentals. If you’re fundamentally in line, you know what footwork to take, you know what hand placement, you know overall knowledge of what you’re doing, you can go be physical.’
Photo: Auburn football players in action
For Auburn’s offensive line, the biggest change came down to experience. Last season, the team played a number of inexperienced players, which resulted in inconsistency. But with many of those players returning this season, they’ve had more time to work on their fundamentals and become comfortable implementing them.
‘I think that’s where you’ve seen growth in guys like [Izavion] TooTall [Miller], Jeremiah [Wright], Connor [Lew] and Dylan [Senda] because they’ve been here,’ Thornton said. ‘Bradyn [Joiner], they’ve been here. Tate Johnson has been here.’
One player who embodies this concept is Percy Lewis, who transferred to Auburn from Mississippi State during the offseason. At 6-foot-7, 355 pounds, Lewis has the size to be physical, but Thornton emphasized the importance of improving his technique.
‘He’s got to be more consistent with his technique and stop relying on, ‘I’m 6-8, 350, I can just out be bigger than everybody.’ He’s got to rely more on his technique,’ Thornton said.
Photo: Auburn football coach Jake Thornton
The increased physicality of Auburn’s offense is a key factor in their ability to take a much-needed step forward this season. With improvement in the run game and the passing offense, the team is poised to make a big impact.
‘If our offensive line can protect, the quarterback makes the right read against the right coverage, you should make the play and it should be an explosive,’ offensive coordinator Derrick Nix said.
Photo: Auburn football players in action
As I watched Auburn’s offense take the field, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. With their increased physicality and improved fundamentals, they’re a team to watch this season.
