Auburn football: Which 2018 recruits can make an immediate impact?
By Caleb Suggs
Asa Martin-RB
Smoke Monday may be the recruit most likely to start on day 1, but I believe it will be Asa Martin who makes the most impact for the Tigers as a freshman in 2018.
Auburn loses the 2017 SEC offensive player of the year in running back Kerryon Johnson. The Tigers also lose Kam Pettway, who was the Tiger’s 1,000 rusher in 2016.
Kam Martin returns with the most experience in 2018. While I do see him being a big player for the offense, his size has caused some to question whether or not he can carry the load of an every down back.
Alabama’s Mr. Football
Enter Asa Martin. Martin comes in as a highly decorated recruit. As a senior last year he rushed for 2,228 and 33 touchdowns. He also napped the Gatorade player of the year in Alabama and Alabama’s Mr. Football award.
Martin is a shifty back with great vision who can also handle himself inside. He’s also just as dangerous catching passes out of the backfield and lining up at slot receiver as he is at running back.
Technically, Martin isn’t the highest ranked running back recruit that Auburn nabbed as they status belongs to Harold Joiner.
However, like Monday, Martin is already enrolled at Auburn and will go through spring ball. Therefore, it’s safe to assume he will probably be more ready for action.
Don’t be surprised if Joiner makes a play for time as well. Martin and Joiner have completely different body types and would bring a nice thunder and lighting combo for the Tigers.
Auburn football has been known to be called running back U. Just look at their alum. Bo Jackson, Rudy Johnson, Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, Kerryon Johnson and a lot more.
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Auburn football has had 11 1,000 rushers dating back to 2009. Could Martin be the next on the list? I certainly think so.