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Sometimes size is just a number. At 5’7” 175 lbs, 3* RB Shaun Shivers isn’t supposed to be an SEC running back. But when the pads come on and he’s got the football in his hands none of that matters. He’s looking for someone to run over and once loose you ain’t catching him.
Please welcome @V8Blazing to the Auburn Family!#WarEagle | #AUNSD18 pic.twitter.com/OVZImDjGrX
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) December 20, 2017
Shivers has been one of Auburn’s longest committed prospects. I believe only Daquan Newkirk and Joey Gatewood have him beat. But he’s definitely been Auburn’s most vocal supporter on social media and has often made the long drive to the Loveliest Village on the Plains. He’s a kid that’s been proving doubters wrong his whole career culminating in a 2,241 yard, 27 touchdown, state championship season. You can bet he will be looking to prove all those that doubt a kid his size can run the football in the SEC.
While his speed is one of this biggest assets, it’s important to understand that Shivers is not another Onterio McCalebb. OMac was fun to watch and durn fast but he lacked the muscle or power to really run between the tackles consistently. That’s not Shivers. He’s built more like Noel Devine and can handle running amongst those massive bodies in the box.
But there’s no denying his speed is elite and getting him outside the tackle box is where he can really hurt defenses.
It’s going to be fun watching how Chip Lindsey and Gus Malzahn find ways to get this kid the ball in space next season. I fully expect Auburn to design a few packages to get “Worm”, as he is affectionately called, some touches next season. He’s just too valuable a weapon to not use.
Also can we please get a Joey Gatewood/Shaun Shivers read option package? We need to see a 6’4” QB handing the ball off to a 5’7” running back. The Auburn Family deserves it Gus.
War Eagle Shuan!