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 Tuberville praises running backs Auburn making ground game a priority this spring
Posted: Friday April 02, 1999 05:46 PM
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- It wasn't so long ago when an inept running game prevented Auburn from scoring a touchdown on first-and-goal from the 1-yard-line. New coach Tommy Tuberville doesn't want it happening again. Tuberville, who has made improving the running game a priority this spring, has so far liked what he's seen. "The running game is a lot further along than I thought it would be," Tuberville said. Running backs Demontray Carter, Heath Evans and Michael Burks each had stellar moments in a session devoted to goal-line possessions on Thursday. On the first possession starting from the 10-yard line, Evans went up the middle on consecutive runs for the score. On a fourth-and-goal from the 11, Burks swept around the left side for a score. "Against Tennessee last year, we were at the 1-yard line -- practically on the [goal] line and we couldn't get it in," offensive tackle Jeno James said. "Now we're moving straight ahead. It makes me feel good to see our backs hitting the holes." Tuberville also felt good, especially about Carter's multiple breakaway runs and strong effort between the tackles. "I'd say Demontray Carter is leading at the running back spot," Tuberville said. "He showed us he could run inside and outside." Tuberville was not as enthused about his tight ends. Reid Tankersley caught a short touchdown pass from Ben Leard during the goal-line work, but Tankersley and Lorenzo Diamond both ruined potential big plays with drops. None of the tight ends have blocked well. "We don't really have a tight end that has stepped up," Tuberville said. Meanwhile, Tuberville could be contacting Auburn basketball coach Cliff Ellis about Corey Watkins going out for football. Watkins was a seldom-used guard on the basketball team this year. He was an all-state receiver for Mountain Brook in 1997 when it lost to Jeff Davis in the 6A state finals. Auburn's coaching staff also is considering recruiting Mailon Kent, who plays outfield for Auburn's baseball team. Kent played with Watkins and was an all-state quarterback his senior year, throwing for over 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushing for 840 yards and 14 touchdowns. Though slightly built, Kent has excellent speed. He has stolen 19 bases on 20 attempts this year.
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