Skip to main content
    Ike Hilliard is going to be great at Auburn

    A look at Auburn's wide receiver position before spring practice

    Here is the case for every Auburn wide receiver on roster.
    • Author:
    • Publish date:

    In this story:

    Auburn Tigers
    Auburn Tigers

    The Tigers' wide receiver room has been struggling for a couple of seasons now.

    Since the departure of Seth Williams, Eli Stove, and Anthony Schwartz, the receiver room has struggled with consistency. Drops and lack of focus were major issues last season, leading to the firing of receivers coach Cornelius Williams just four games into the season.

    Now, Auburn enters 2022 with even less than they did in 2021, with lead receiver Kobe Hudson as well as Ja'Varrius Johnson (who may end up returning.

    Here is a look at every receiver on Auburn's roster that could make a case for a starting job as we head into spring practice.

    Shedrick Jackson

    Auburn Tigers wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (11) during warm ups at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

    Year: Senior

    Why they could start: Jackson is one of the few receivers that returns with legitimate experience. In fact, He's the only returning receiver that had over 100 yards in 2021. He will start.

    Why they won't start: Jackson will start barring major injury.

    Malcom Johnson Jr.

    Sep 11, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr. (16) scores a touchdown as Alabama State Hornets defensive back Rodney Echols (25) defends during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

    Year: Sophomore

    Why they could start: Auburn is extremely thin at receiver in terms of experience, which Bryan Harsin seems to value. Johnson may get his shot based off of that alone.

    Why they won't start: Auburn has other options are receiver that could blossom. The Tigers could also get a receiver in the portal the could push Johnson out of contention for a starting role.

    Tar'Varish Dawson

    Dec 28, 2021; Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers cheerleaders let the flags wave after a score against Houston Cougars during the second half of the 2021 Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

    Year: Sophomore

    Why they could start: Dawson provides incredible speed and shiftiness that could earn himself time as Auburn's primary slot guy.

    Why they won't start: If Ja'Varrius Johnson returns, Dawson could be relegated to be a backup in 2022. There are a couple of other receivers that are of similar mold that could beat out Dawson for time as well.

    Ze'Vian Capers

    Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Latavious Brini (36) breaks up a pass intended for Auburn Tigers wide receiver Ze'Vian Capers (80) in the end zone on fourth down at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. Georgia Bulldogs lead the Auburn Tigers 17-3 at halftime.

    Year: Junior

    Why they could start: Capers provides great size (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) that could be useful for the Tigers this season. He also is one of the few upperclassmen on roster.

    Why they won't start: This coaching staff does not seem to believe in him, considering he got next to no playing time last season despite the Tigers' lack of weapons.

    JJ Evans

    Auburn war eagle Independence flies before the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. Auburn Tigers leads Akron Zips 37-0.

    Year: Redshirt Sophomore

    Why they could start: Evans has a nice combination of speed and size that, once again, the Tigers desperately need. It's confusing that Evans has made it this far into his collegiate career as a former four-star prospect (No. 5 player in Alabama in 2019) without seeing the field once.

    Why they won't start: Evans is yet another receiver that the coaching staff seems to have little to no faith in, playing no snaps in 2021 even though Auburn was needing some guys to step up.

    Omari Kelley

    Alabama Crimson Tide face off against the Auburn Tigers during the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Auburn Tigers leads Alabama Crimson Tide 7-0 at halftime.

    Year: Freshman

    Why they could start: Auburn is thin, and if Kelley has a good spring, he could be in contention for legitimate playing time.

    Why they won't start: Harsin seems to be against playing freshman unless absolutely necessary.

    Jay Fair

    Fans gather at tiger walk before Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.

    Year: Freshman

    Why they could start: Speed. Fair averaged 19.4 yards per catch as a senior in high school. He has big play potential and could immediately contribute this season. 

    Why they won't start: Size may be a bit of a concern (5-foot-10, 175 pounds), including Harsin's aforementioned position towards freshman.

    Camden Brown

    A helicopter flies over before the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. Georgia Bulldogs lead the Auburn Tigers 17-3 at halftime.

    Year: Freshman

    Why they could start: Solid deep threat in high school that is working on his physicality. According to scouts, he's a vertical guy that can get jump balls. Brown could step in as an outside option for Auburn .

    Why they won't start: Brown has vertical speed, but needs to work on his route tree, becoming more fluid when it comes to breaking routes.

    Auburn Daily Football Content

    Spring Preview: Quarterbacks

    Spring Preview: Defensive back

    Spring Preview: Running back

    Spring Preview: Tight end

    Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!

    Join the Discord

    Follow Auburn Daily on Twitter

    Like Auburn Daily on Facebook

    Subscribe to Locked On Auburn on YouTube

    © 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.