Stanton Truitt ULM.JPG

Auburn wide receiver Stanton Truitt (10) runs the ball against ULM during the first half Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

(JULIE BENNETT)

After his first two collegiate seasons were derailed by shoulder injuries, Stanton Truitt is starting to carve out his niche in Auburn's offense.

It just isn't the role many expected him to play.

Truitt, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound receiver, has been used increasingly in a different manner this season, lining up in Auburn's backfield as a de facto running back.

"He's kind of a dual role, but you'll see him more and more as the season goes on, being able to do that," coach Gus Malzahn said.

Truitt's role as a running back was emphasized last weekend during Auburn's 58-7 win against ULM. The third-year sophomore totaled seven carries for 46 yards, including a career-long run of 21 yards.

He finished the game as Auburn's third-leading rusher, and his 6.6 yards per carry were the most among Auburn's six players who recorded at least five carries.

"He's really good with the ball in his hands," Malzahn said. "Just his role -- we're starting to find out roles better right now, too. He's very good with the ball in his hands, and I think that could give us a lot of flexibility moving forward the rest of the year with him at that position."

Truitt has also recorded three catches for 20 yards this season, though he has not caught a pass since Week 2 against Arkansas State when he had a 3-yard reception.

While his role in the passing game has been minimal, his opportunity to run the ball could increase over the remainder of the season, especially with freshman running back Malik Miller sidelined following knee surgery. Miller had just 16 carries for 69 yards on the year, with the majority of his opportunities coming in mop-up duty -- including nine carries for 45 yards and a touchdown before injuring his left knee Saturday against ULM.

"There's no doubt, just to give us a little more depth at that position," Malzahn said. "We've kind of been evolving, going that was already. It's real unfortunate with Malik."