Alvin Henderson is starting to make his move in the running back room for the Auburn Tigers.
With the team still trying to figure out exactly how deep that rotation will go this season, the timing couldn't be better.
Auburn held its first major scrimmage of fall camp on Friday, and Henderson was one of the players who caught Alex Golesh's attention.
“I thought Henderson went with the twos and had a really, really good drive,” Golesh said.
It continues what has apparently been a strong last few days for Henderson. Golesh admitted it took Henderson some time to get comfortable early in camp, but that's beginning to change.
“The last couple of days have stepped up,” Golesh said.
That's important, and worth paying attention to.
Because Larry Porter has made it pretty clear he doesn't want Auburn's running back room to simply be about two or three players.
“I want the whole room,” Porter said earlier this week.
And Henderson is starting to give him another option.
Porter has already praised Henderson for what he's done on special teams during fall camp. That's going to matter for a player trying to earn his way onto the field in a crowded room.
Porter's message has been pretty simple.
“If you want a spot on the bus, earn it.”
And special teams provides another opportunity to do exactly that. Although it's likely that Henderson will see most of his playing time on special teams, he's beginning to make some noise at running back as well.
Auburn gave several players opportunities during Friday's scrimmage. Omar Mabson and Bryson Washington both received reps with the first-team offense, while Henderson worked with the second group. Nykahi Davenport was held out but is expected to return Sunday.
Golesh was particularly interested in seeing Washington handle an extended workload after missing significant time during the spring.
The former Baylor standout was the projected backup running back behind Jeremiah Cobb entering the spring. However, comments from head coach Alex Golesh regarding Washington's readiness and being in shape for the new offensive scheme raised questions and concerns about whether that would happen. It appears that he is finally ready to compete just weeks before Auburn faces his former team in Atlanta during week one.
But Henderson's emergence gives Porter another player to think about.
There's still plenty to figure out.
Jeremiah Cobb brings experience. Mabson continues to receive opportunities with the first group. Washington is getting healthier. Davenport will return, and Henderson is pushing.
Porter has repeatedly talked about preparing every player in his room with a starter mentality because injuries happen and opportunities can arrive quickly.
Henderson appears to be taking advantage of his.
He first started getting attention on special teams, now Golesh is noticing what he's doing at running back.
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