We’re taking a look at each position group as Auburn prepares to open spring practice on Feb. 27. The third of an 11-part series looks at the wide receivers.

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze, offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, and wide receiver coach Marcus Davis hope the Tigers’ next great receiver is ready to emerge this season.

Davis knows the value of being a talented pass catcher on the Plains. He played from 2013-16 and was part of teams that won Southeastern Conference titles and an appearance in the National Championship Game. The run game will always be a priority at Auburn. However, complimentary football requires receivers that can open up running lanes by requiring double teams.

Koy Moore, Tar’Varish Dawson, Landen King, Omari Kelly, Malcolm Johnson Jr, Jay Fair, Ja’Varrius Johnson, and Camden Brown are returning from last season. Each player caught at least one pass and is seeking more targets.

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Camden Brown, sophomore, Koy Moore, junior. Ja’Varrius Johnson redshirt senior. Nick Mardner, redshirt senior

Second string: Landen King, redshirt sophomore; Malcolm Johnson Jr., senior. Tar’Varish Dawson Jr., redshirt sophomore

Third String: Daquayvious Sorey, true freshman. Omari Kelly, sophomore, Jay Fair sophomore.

Departed: Shedrick Jackson, graduation. Dazalin Worsham transfer portal

Outlook: Nick Mardner put up big-time numbers as a receiver playing at Hawaii with new Tigers receivers coach Marcus Davis as his position coach. He posted 913 yards, 46 catches, and five touchdowns during the 2021 season working with Davis. If Mardner and Davis can recapture that magic, that would go a long way toward Auburn getting back to winning.

Auburn has several talented receivers. Koy Moore is a speedy and intelligent route runner. He posted 314 yards on 20 catches for the Tigers last season. Look to seeing him get more catches this fall.

Landen King has unique physical skills, and if he can stay healthy, he could be a legit contributor. Malcolm Johnson, Dawson, and Ja’Varrius Johnson are stalwarts of the program and will guide younger receivers. Also, Ja’Varrius has 45 receptions for 767 yards and five touchdowns over the last two seasons.

Auburn needs one of two of these receivers to elevate as deep threats for whoever wins the quarterback competition this spring.

Also, don’t be surprised if the Tigers look toward the transfer portal once spring football ends.

Up Next: Tight Ends