Could a freshman linebacker be the key to Auburn’s defense against Vanderbilt?

Mobile quarterbacks have caused problems for Auburn this season. The Tigers may face their most unique challenge yet against Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia leads a run-heavy offense, leading all Southeastern Conference quarterbacks in rushing yards. Hugh Freeze compared Vanderbilt’s offense to playing Navy and credited Vanderbilt’s ability to control the clock and shorten the game.

Pavia has had success against Auburn in the past, albeit with a different team. He helped lead New Mexico State to a 31-10 rout last season, throwing for 201 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 35 yards.

“I don’t forget. And I’m going to make sure this team doesn’t forget,” Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante told reporters Tuesday.

While Auburn has faced issues with mobile quarterbacks at times against New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma, one of its freshmen could be a potential opponent against Pavia’s running prowess.

Demarcus Riddick saw significant playing time for the first time against Oklahoma, helping keep Michael Hawkins Jr.’s legs quiet when used as a quarterback spy.

He had six tackles and a sack in that game, often preventing Hawkins from extending plays.

“I always joke with him that he’s a great QB spy. “He’s the best QB spy in the country,” Asante said of Riddick. “Coach Durkin does a great job of telling him when to step up and when to sit back. He does a great job in this role and embraces it.

“He says, ‘Gene, I’m excited to go out there and scout the quarterback.’ ‘Nobody’s firing me.’ “I said, ‘Just keep going out there and proving yourself and keep making plays.’”

Riddick received praise from Freeze and his teammates throughout the season for his potential and the impact he made as a freshman.

“Demarcus is young, but his energy speaks loudly for himself and his game,” Bucks defenseman Keyron Crawford said. “He will be a very good player in the future.”

When asked what value Riddick brought as a spy against Pavia, Asante said it was “very valuable.”

“If anyone is eyeing him, it will be a big deal if he can close the gap quickly because he is an elite runner,” Asante said.

Auburn may need a performance similar to Riddick’s pick-six against Oklahoma to keep Pavia in check and prevent Vanderbilt’s offense from taking control of the game.

This will require more than just a top-notch linebacker, but his unique skill set could be a good place to start.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports AL.com. You can follow him at: @peter_rauterkus or email him [email protected]M.