Auburn's Craig-Myers draws rave reviews

HOOVER, Ala. -- Nate Craig-Myers finished as one of the top wide receivers in the Class of 2016 and while he’s only been on campus at Auburn for a short while, he’s already turning heads among the Tigers; most established players.

While speaking with reporters at the SEC Media Days, senior wide receiver Marcus Davis heaped praise on Craig, who finished as the No. 35 overall player in the final 2016 Rivals100.

“He’s just a natural,” Davis said. “He’s a very mature guy that I feel like can come in and help because of the way he carries himself and his maturity level. That’s what helped me get on the field and I already see that in him. Plus he’s really talented and I’m excited to see what he brings to the table.”

Craig is part of a loaded wide receiver group entering their freshman years with the Tigers, joining fellow Rivals250 wide receivers Kyle Davis and Elijah Stove as well as former three-star prospect Marquis McClain.

“I think those guys are ready to come in and compete,” Davis said. “Quite frankly we are going to need that depth.”

Davis said the he and some of the team’s other key players have already embraced Craig-Myers and are helping him and the other newcomers navigate the transition from high school star to college.

“It’s more about what the guys are doing in front of you because when you’re coming in as a freshman you don’t know what to expect,” Davis said. “As a senior we have the guys on one accord. They’re just doing what they know and that’s to be a hard worker and an Auburn guy.”

Auburn head coach Guz Malzahn seconded the need for the young players to be ready to contribute this fall and said he expects Craig and others to be part of a special group for the team going forward.

“Those freshman will play this year and they'll have to grow up in a hurry,” Malzahn said. “But I will tell you this: This will be a position of strength for us in the future. We've got some outstanding talent at that position.”