AUBURN, Ala. - Maybe Ben Tate is No. 7 Auburn's next star tailback. He might play a big role in the Tigers' running game over the next month.<br>
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Or he might not. One thing's for sure: He won't redshirt this season.<br>
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The coaches made that determination before the freshman's 156-yard performance against Tulane when he was filling in for a hobbled Kenny Irons and Brad Lester.<br>
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The health of those backs will likely dictate Tate's role for the final four games of the regular season and beyond. But running backs coach Eddie Gran said that 26-carry game against Tulane convinced him that Tate is ready to play in Southeastern Conference games.<br>
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``You couldn't have written a better script for a young man who is not redshirting,'' Gran said. ``He's getting ready now. We're going to need him down the stretch, I believe.''<br>
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Coach Tommy Tuberville said Irons should be ready to go Saturday at Mississippi after sitting out the Tulane game to rest a sore ankle. Lester aggravated a groin injury early and didn't return, but Tuberville said both players could have gone if needed.<br>
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Thanks to the 5-foot-11, 215-pound Tate, they weren't needed in the 38-13 victory. The Tigers also have versatile 195-pound senior Tre Smith, but Tate's size gives them a more physical presence.<br>
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``He's going to get better and better,'' Tuberville said. ``We're going to need him these next few games. Kenny hasn't been healthy all year. Brad's not healthy. We need a bigger back inside. We can't depend on Tre to be that every-down guy inside.''<br>
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Tate certainly arrived at Auburn sporting impressive credentials, going through spring practice after graduating early from high school in Newark, Md. He set Maryland high school records for rushing yards in a career (5,920) and a season (2,886). He averaged 10.9 yards per carry in 37 career games and was rated the nation's No. 6 running back prospect by Rivals.com.<br>
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Tate has excelled against non-conference opponents, racking up 114 yards on seven carries in the fourth quarter against a worn-out Buffalo defense. Tate has only appeared in one SEC game, gaining a single yard on four carries against Mississippi State.<br>
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He figures to get another shot at the SEC against the Rebels.<br>
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``I just wanted to show the coaches that I could do it,'' Tate said. ``I always had that confidence in myself that I could do it. You can have all the confidence in the world, but if the coaches don't have confidence in you they're not going to put you in there.''<br>
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He put some of those fears to rest against Tulane, even picking up a blitz as a blocker. Tate could still be fighting an uphill battle for significant playing time.<br>
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Irons led the league in rushing last season and trails only Darren McFadden of Arkansas this year. Lester has run for six touchdowns and gained 94 yards against Florida.<br>
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Tate is still eager to show he's capable of contending for the job once Irons leaves after the season.<br>
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``I want to prove it so much not only to the coaches but also to the fans and everyone out there who has questions about if I can do it. People back in my hometown. Just everyone,'' he said.<br>
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``I believe in myself. It's just me showing it to the rest of the country.''<br>
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Tuberville said he talked to Tate and his father last week before deciding against holding him out the rest of the season to take a redshirt year.<br>
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Gran praised Tate's knowledge of the offense and his work ethic. But he's not about predicting the future of a young tailback at a school that has produced current NFL backs like Rudi Johnson, Carnell Williams, Ronnie Brown and Stephen Davis.<br>
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Tate, after all, only turned 18 in August.<br>
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``It's early in his career,'' Gran said. ``I don't know where he's going to end up. He's a guy who looks like he has some ability. He's got a lot of work ahead of him. The good thing is he'll do it.''
