AUBURN, Ala. — Gus Malzahn was already light on established offensive playmakers entering what will be a crucial season for him at Auburn, and that number took another hit last week.
Former 5-star running back Roc Thomas decided to transfer away from the Plains to Jacksonville State, the defending FCS runner-up that nearly stunned Auburn with an upset last season. While Thomas was only entering his true junior season, he had more seasons of experience than any other rusher on the roster.
Although Thomas appeared to be transitioning to more of a slot receiver role for the Auburn offense in 2016, his departure to Jacksonville State will cause a shakeup in a Tiger backfield that needs to find its magic again after a down 2015.