Roc Thomas gets first meaningful work of the season

STARKVILLE, Miss. – Roc Thomas got his first meaningful work of the season.

The true freshman had six carries for 42 yards, including runs of 11, seven and 18 yards on consecutive plays.

"We just felt like it was about time," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "We felt confident that Roc was comfortable. He did a very solid job for us and he'll have bigger roles moving forward."

Thomas entered the game with 13 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown this season, with mop-up work against San Jose State serving as his most prolific contribution.

"I've been trying to prepare myself the same way every week and try to be patient and wait until my name gets called," Thomas said.

On several of his carries, Thomas showed a burst through the hole that Auburn is not getting from bulkier Cameron Artis-Payne, or outside speedster Corey Grant.

"I try to be a little bit more explosive and try to hit the holes as fast as I could so the gaps wouldn't close," Thomas said.

Artis-Payne, who had 16 carries for 70 yards, thinks Thomas' skills compliment his nicely.

"He's definitely a different kind of running back than me and it worked for us," Artis-Payne said. "He should get more carries soon."