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Impressive debuts RB Johnson, WR Green pace Auburn's 'A' Day
Posted: Saturday April 22, 2000 08:28 PM
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- If this were the NFL, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville would have plenty of trade bait to beef up his running game or bolster his defensive line in the offseason. He could deal a spare quarterback, maybe throw in a receiver or two, and get a nice return. As it is, he'll just have to wait for his team's lengthy list of walking wounded to heal and hope for a little defensive help when the rest of the new recruits show up in August. Four Tiger quarterbacks threw touchdown passes while tailback Rudi Johnson and receiver Deandre Green made impressive debuts for the fans in Auburn's A-Day game Saturday, wrapping up the spring. Green caught three touchdown passes to lead the White squad past Ben Leard, Johnson and the rest of the Blue squad 28-10. Johnson rushed 11 times for 98 yards, most of that coming on a 54-yard run in the third quarter. The game's No. 2 rusher, Michael Owens, had three carries for 18 yards. Three starting offensive linemen -- center Cole Cubelic, guard Kendall Simmons and tackle Ronald Samuel -- missed the game with injuries. "It's good now but when the guys come back who are injured, I think we're going to be great," said Johnson of the running game. The Tigers were also missing All-Southeastern Conference receiver Ronney Daniels and backup quarterback Jeff Klein as well as a pair of defensive starters. Klein, who was running second to Leard, had surgery to repair a torn knee ligament on Friday. He's expected to be back in time for two-a-day practices. The Tigers lost all four defensive line starters from last year's team. "It was a patchwork spring game, but I think we gave them a good show," Tuberville said. "We got a lot of players valuable reps who won't start next year, but will get some playing time." Green, a freshman who re-signed with Auburn after spending a year at prep school to qualify academically, had nine catches for 96 yards and three touchdowns Saturday. "He's that type of player," Tuberville said. "He's an 18-year-old who plays like a 21-year-old. This time last year, [then-freshman] Ronney Daniels did not make this much impact on our A-Day game." Freshman walkon Justin Fetsko had five catches for 93 yards. White quarterback Allen Tillman went 13-of-22 for 168 yards with two TDs. Jacob Allen and Josh Boyd also threw scoring passes. Leard played sparingly, completing 6-of-8 passes for 32 yards. Junior college transfer Daniel Cobb, who was battling Klein for the backup spot, went 3-of-9 for 32 yards with a score for the Blue. "Daniel's got all kinds of talent," Tuberville said. "He's got a lot to learn. He's got to sit down and study our offense all summer." Leard spent much of the afternoon watching Green and Fetsko making grabs for the White. "I know that although they weren't on my team today, they will be in the fall," Leard said. "I'm excited about having those weapons." He's also excited about having an improved running game. "There's no doubt in my mind we're going to be able to run the football this year," Leard said.
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