Sep 26, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Roc Thomas (9) runs the ball while defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Brandon Bryant (20) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
We learned on Monday that Senior Safety Kendrick Market tore his Achilles tendon during the Texas A&M game and due to the fact he is a senior and has played in too many games this season, his career in the Maroon and White is over. It’s never good to hear such terrible news when it comes to injuries, but you especially hate to hear it about a player who worked as hard as Kendrick Market did to achieve so much.
As heart breaking as that might be, the reality is the Bulldogs need someone to step up in his place. Opposing offenses aren’t going to take it easy on the Bulldogs simply because we lost a starter due to an injury. So who is it going to be?
The most likely scenario is the time is split for right now. There are three freshmen who will see time where Market was playing. Two are true freshmen and the other is a redshirt freshman. Here is a synopsis of what each was like coming out of high school and what they have done so far this season.
Brandon Bryant
- 247Sports Composite Rating: 3 stars
- Tackles: 18
- Sacks: .5
- Tackles for Loss: 1
- Pass Break Ups: 2
Expect Brandon Bryant to be the player introduced and on the field with the starters. He is the redshirt freshman of the group so he is going to be more familiar with the team and speed of the game than the two true freshmen, even though many might think those guys are more talented. He also made waves in the offseason when he was clocked by the coaching staff for running a 4.25 forty time.
Mark McLaurin
- 247Sports Composite Rating: 3 stars
- Tackles: 4
- Sacks: 0
- Tackles for Loss: 0
- Pass Break Ups: 1
Mark MacLaurin will likely be third in time played of the three. He might get some additional time backing up Kivon Coman and Deontay Evans. Personally, I’d like him to play more than either of those players right now. Neither of them have done a great job in the passing game.
Jamal Peters
- 247Sports Composite Rating: 4 stars
- Tackles: 8
- Sacks: 1.0
- Tackles for Loss: 1.5
- Pass Break Ups: 0
Jamal Peters was the top safety in the 2015 class, and i personally would like to see him on the field more. As awful of an injury as it is for Kendrick Market, it opens up an opportunity for Jamal Peters to take advantage of. Peters is aggressive and can make a huge impavt in the secondary.
My personal preference would be to see these three players split time equally at both safety spots. Kivon Coman and Deontay Evans haven’t had much success in their time in the secondary for the Bulldogs, and I would like to see what the younger guys are capable of. For now though, I would anticipate Brandon Bryant getting the start with Peters playing most of the backup minutes and McLaurin getting some playing time here and there.
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