AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn’s smallest receivers could make a big impact in September.

Receivers coach Kodi Burns is pushing Ryan Davis and Will Hastings to the forefront as two potential players capable of not only starting but making a big difference this upcoming season in the Tigers’ revamped passing game.

“Will is a guy that played last year, made some key plays in some big games and he’s a guy that goes full speed every single day,” Burns said. “Sometimes I’ve gotta say, ‘Whoa, man, slow down a little bit!’ and he makes plays. So as long as he continues to do what he’s been doing, I think he’s going to be fine.”

Hastings and Davis play the two and three positions on Auburn’s offense, which is reserved for the speedy slot receivers in Gus Malzahn and Chip Lindsey’s offense. The two combined for 36 catches for 292 yards and two touchdowns last season, with Davis leading the way with 194 yards.

They’re small but they’re experienced (Davis stands at 5-foot-9, Hastings at 5-10).

“I wouldn't consider myself the old man,” Davis said. “I don't want to give myself that title yet, but I'm one of the older guys now and I have some experience so I could say that.”

“Ryan Davis has taken that next step and is becoming a leader for us,” Burns said. “I really do believe that. He’s got the least amount of drops of all the receivers. He’s caught everything we’ve thrown to him. He’s really starting to take that next step in terms of being a leader.”

Davis said he didn’t receive many opportunities in the Tigers’ first scrimmage of preseason camp Monday, but he did take advantage of the balls thrown his direction.

No starters have been named, and even if Hastings and Davis are left off the starting lineup, they will play — and could play often.

“If you go out there and do what you're supposed to do, everybody is going to have an opportunity to play,” Davis said.

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