What does Demarcus Riddick, a rookie, offer the Auburn defense and DJ Durkin that other guys might not?
To be clear, the entire Tigers defense is not a problem. Auburn gives up 19.2 points per game. That number is excellent for 23rd place in the country. Nonetheless, there is always room for improvement.
Riddick weighs 217 pounds and is 6 feet 2 inches tall. He gives a linebacker the contemporary physique they need to go sideline-to-sideline against quick running backs and jittery dual-threat quarterbacks. It’s amazing to see how quickly he can shift directions. On the football field, such skills are starting to be used more.
This season, Riddick has played 153 snaps, 45 of which were against the Commodores. It’s the most points he’s ever scored in a single game while in college. Riddick is more productive than Vandy since he leads the Tigers in tackles with five. In addition, Riddick is a big-play defender.
Riddick’s ten stops are commendable. “Tackles that constitute a failure by the offense” is how the PFF defines a stop. Most frequently, keeping the opponent behind the chains by tackling them at or close to the line of scrimmage. Durkin should think about employing Riddick more in another area, since that may alter Auburn’s win-loss record.
There is a great deal of responsibility involved with playing man coverage. Here’s an example of how Auburn linebackers are losing too many games in man coverage. Eugene Asante had a pass coverage grade of 44.6 against Vanderbilt, according to Pro Football Focus. In fact, Vandy’s first score was against him.
Another wheel route in which an Auburn defender gets beaten on a crucial passing play is AJ Newberry’s 29-yard touchdown reception; the Tigers cannot afford it. The eye test also makes this clear.
Newberry had a clear speed advantage over Asante, even though the football was out of his grasp and he was positioned near the end zone pylon near the reception.
Going forward, Riddick ought to be a solid contender to assist in resolving the issue. Tigers supporters can anticipate seeing more of Riddick in clear-cut passing situations, particularly given Durkin’s penchant for blitzing. For a true freshman linebacker, significant playing time will still carry some dangers.
Riddick has made mistakes and will continue to do so. Because of this, he is more athletic and quicker than other Auburn linebackers. Even in the screen game, Riddick may produce plays that change the outcome due to his physical attributes.
And what are you actually risking when you’re between the ages of 3.
His explosion at the football’s snap should be regarded as exceptional. Riddick’s running style is much more like to that of a safety than a linebacker.
Riddick will probably produce more as Auburn’s gifted rookie linebacker gets used to the scheme and the tempo of SEC football. It’s a natural element of growing up as a young athlete. Riddick is already demonstrating his worth, but it takes time.
In summary, Riddick ought to play more in Auburn’s next three games. He is the kind of player that could help the Tigers improve their defense even more.
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