Part 4: Auburn Tigers Position-by-Position Ahead of 2024 Preseason Practice
Wide Receivers
There hasn’t been this much excitement about Auburn’s receiving corps since Tommy Tuberville brought in Devin Aromashodu, Ben Obomanu, Anthony Mix, and Courtney Taylor in 2002.
2023 Stats for Returning and New Receivers:
- Caleb Burton, So. – Returning Backup (16 Rec., 226 yards)
- Camden Brown, Jr. – Returning Backup (10 Rec., 105 yards)
- KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Sr. – Transfer from Penn State, Arrived in summer (53 Rec., 673 yards, 4 TD)
- Robert Lewis, Sr. – Transfer from Georgia State, Arrived in December (70 Rec., 877 yards, 7 TD)
- Sam Jackson IV, Jr. – Transfer from Cal, Arrived in December (556 Passing yards, 5 TD, 2 Int., 26 Rushes, 59 yards, 1 TD)
- Cam Coleman, TFr. – Arrived in December
- Bryce Cain, TFr. – Arrived in December
- Perry Thompson, TFr. – Arriving in summer
- Malcolm Simmons, TFr. – Arriving in summer
Departures: JaVarius Johnson (UCF), Jay Fair (USC), Malcolm Johnson Jr. (Bowling Green), Omari Kelly (MTSU), Koy Moore (transfer portal), Shane Hooks (eligibility exhausted), Nick Mardner (eligibility exhausted), Jyaire Shorter (eligibility exhausted).
Strengths: Top-tier talent, experienced transfers
Weaknesses: Youth, limited time in the system
Marcus Davis’ wide receiver group saw a major overhaul in the offseason, adding two proven transfers and the No. 1-rated class of receivers while retaining just two players from the 2023 roster.
Key Players:
- Cam Coleman (6-3, 197) – A standout from Central-Phenix City High School, Coleman demonstrated in the spring game why he’s a 5-star recruit. With excellent hands, speed for big plays, and the ability to win contested catches, he’s poised to make a significant impact.
- KeAndre Lambert-Smith (6-1, 182) – With 126 career receptions for 1,721 yards and 11 touchdowns at Penn State, Lambert-Smith brings experience and potential NFL talent to Auburn.
- Robert Lewis (5-10, 188) – After a breakout season at Georgia State in 2023, Lewis is eager to prove himself in the SEC.
- Sam Jackson IV (5-10, 187) – Former Cal quarterback making the transition to wide receiver at Auburn, known for his agility and elusiveness.
Freshmen to Watch:
- Perry Thompson (6-3, 222) – A physically imposing 4-star prospect from Foley, expected to make an early impact.
- Bryce Cain (5-10, 150) and Malcolm Simmons (6-0, 179) – Both highly regarded in-state recruits, fast and elusive with high expectations for their development.
Returning Players:
- Caleb Burton (5-11, 174) – Ohio State transfer known for his route-running and reliable hands.
- Camden Brown (6-3, 200) – Needs to show more consistency after being in the rotation for two seasons.
Auburn’s 2023 passing game struggled, largely due to the receiving talent on the field. Hugh Freeze expressed dissatisfaction with the play-calling, noting the lack of RPOs and effective screen plays. This year’s receiving group, featuring more athletic players, offers a chance to improve the passing game under Freeze and first-year offensive coordinator Derrick Nix.
Several receivers on this roster have NFL potential, but success in 2024 will depend on various factors. Payton Thorne’s performance, offensive line stability, and QB-WR chemistry are crucial. Auburn’s schedule, with five home games to start the season, provides an opportunity for the team to build cohesion and refine their strategies.
The future looks promising for Auburn’s receivers as Freeze continues to enhance the roster’s talent. Whether they will shine in 2024 remains to be seen.
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