Zachery emerges as go-to guy

AUBURN — Terrell Zachery provided the big-play punch that Auburn's offense desperately needed last week, wrangling two long passes away from Ole Miss defenders.

"Those were some tough catches on Saturday," said Auburn coach Gene Chizik. "Those are the catches that spark a football team. That's what we needed somebody to do.

In 2009, the Wadley native has 22 catches for 437 yards and four touchdowns, including a school-record 93-yard reception.

"He's stepped up in a really big way for us this year," said senior quarterback Chris Todd.

So why was Zachery — and Darvin Adams, Auburn's other go-to receiver — largely anonymous in 2008?

Senior running back Ben Tate was outspoken when asked that question this week.

"We've known that T-Zach can do things, but when you're just a player you can't voice your opinion. Your opinion doesn't matter," he said. " It's up to the coaches. I bet you you can ask a handful of guys, a bunch of guys on the team that have been here since T-Zach has been here — we all know he can play. We asked him, 'Were you doing something wrong? Were you doing this or that?'

"But you can't really get into that because you're not supposed to and it really isn't any of your business, but we all knew he could play. He's just getting his opportunity."

-- ON THE LINE: Auburn's two freshman offensive linemen have taken different paths in 2009. Andre Harris is redshirting, while John Sullen is playing largely on special teams (although he did earn one start at guard when Byron Isom was first suspended).

Both players came into camp overweight, but both were considered for early playing time because of Auburn's lack of depth on the line.

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