Auburn Tigers Football Burning Questions: The Defensive Line

In the last "Burning Questions" segment, the linebacker position was under the microscope.  In this edition, no such tool will be needed, as it is impossible to miss these guys who we'll be looking at today.

That's right, the defensive line is the topic of discussion, and we will be breaking down who Auburn has coming back, who it may have coming in, and what the situation could be in 2010.

The defensive line, like the rest of Auburn's defense, took much criticism in 2009.  The Tigers finished tied for 43rd in the nation with 28 sacks. Ten of those sacks will be heading to the NFL with senior Antonio Coleman .

Starting defensive tackle Jake Ricks will also be exiting, leaving the Tigers needing to fill two spots for next season's front four.

Auburn finished 2009 ranked a forgettable 78th in rushing defense, giving up 2,033 total rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. That rushing total breaks down to 156.38 rushing yards per game, hardly a number the Tigers would like to see again anytime soon.

Though the front four will be losing two crucial players, it should have more overall depth than in 2009. That, however, is nothing to brag about, as last season's D was the thinnest in recent memory.

Several lettermen will return, including starting DT Mike Blanc (13 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6.5 TFL). 

Nick Fairley, who also saw ample playing time in 2009, returns after a solid year, where he tallied 14 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Other players returning with experience to the interior line are senior Zach Clayton,   who only played in six games due to injury, RS freshman Derrick Lykes, and true freshman Jamar Travis,who saw time mainly on special teams.

Experience at defensive end will come from senior Michael Goggans, who started much of the year opposite Coleman, finished 2009 with 11 solo tackles and one sack. 

Fellow 2010 senior Antoine Carter, after missing three games, finished with 16 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks while splitting reps with Goggans. Look for Carter to make a name for himself in 2010 if he can log a full season's worth of playing time.

True freshman Dee Ford showed promise at defensive end, making six tackles while grabbing one interception with one solo sack.  Ford contributed heavily on special teams also.

Nosa Eguae, yet another injured Tiger, was expected to do big things at D-end.  Eguae was injured just before the season started and received a redshirt.  Defensive coordinator Ted Roof spoke highly of Eguae during Outback Bowl practice.  Eguae should be a major factor in 2010.

With several players returning that saw the field in 2009 and a couple that had expected to, the defensive line should be solid. 

If some of the highly-touted recruits Auburn is eyeing sign with the Tigers, the front four could be a force that disrupts offensive plays early, an all-too-seldom occurrence last season.

Let's take a look at who Gene Chizik and staff have in the crosshairs for the 2010 class.

Early Signee

Craig Sanders — ESPN Three-Star, Rivals.com, & Scout.com F our-Star

Sanders was a one-man show at Ariton High School, playing both ways as a running back, quarterback, and just about every other position on the field.  Sanders has great athleticism and intensity, and could see immediate playing time once he focuses on defensive end.  At 235 pounds, Sanders will need to gain weight, which should not be a problem, especially since he is already on campus.

Verbal Commits

Joel Bonomolo —Rivals.com Four-Star, Scout.com Three-star

Bonomolo, a JUCO transfer from Fullerton, Calif., underwent shoulder surgery back in November, but the surgery revealed the injury not to be as serious as initially thought.  Bonomolo is a speed end who should get into the DE rotation immediately.  He will have three years to play two when he arrives on the Plains.

Justin Delaine —ESPN & Rivals.com Three-Star, Scout.com Two-Star

Delaine is thought by many to be a diamond in the rough in this recruiting class.  With Auburn being his only big-time offer, Delaine must add weight to be a factor at DE the collegiate level.  He has good speed and is a tremendous athlete, excelling in three sports in high school.  Look for Delaine to possibly redshirt, giving him time to add size and strength.

Kenneth Carter —ESPN, Rivals.com, Scout.com Three-Star

The 6' 4", 265-pound defensive tackle out of Greenville was one of the Tiger's first commitments. Chalking up 51 solo tackles and one sack, Carter was a force on the interior, though he moved around on the defensive line throughout high school.  When able to focus on one position, Carter should sharpen his skills.  If a couple of highly ranked D-line prospects commit, Carter may be forced to redshirt.

Possible Commits...

Corey Lemonier (DE) —ESPN & Rivals.com Four-Star, Scout.com Five-Star

An Under Armour All-American, Lemonier boasts offers from every college in the South. At 6' 4", he has a good frame, but will need to add weight in order to compete at the next level.  Though he did not have an impressive 40 time, Lemonier possesses great "football speed" and has wonderful awareness of what is happening on the field. 

Several recruiting services think the Tigers are the team to beat, but it may be tough to get him out of his home state of Florida.

Michael Thornton (DT) —ESPN, Rivals.com, Scout.com Four-star

Thornton, another highly-ranked recruit out of Stone Mountain, Ga., could get into the mix early if he chooses the Tigers. He already has power and a good first step, which is crucial when engaging offensive linemen who are trying to get off first.

As is the trend, Thornton could add some mass, but already has the tools to get him in the rotation right away.  It is looking good for the Tigers as of now, but like Lemonier in Florida, it will be difficult to get him away from the Bulldogs in Georgia.

Jeffrey Whitaker (DT) —ESPN, Rivals.com, Scout.com Four-Star

At 295 pounds, Whitaker may be the first of he DL prospects who does not need to add weight.  Another native Georgian, he excelled at Warner Robins High, using his size and strength to bully offensive linemen.

Already possessing the measurables to play immediately, Whitaker could work on his quickness and lateral movement, but is another solid body that should see the field quickly.

Along with Lemonier and Thornton, Whitaker is rumored to be an Auburn lean, but it may be signing day before anyone is certain.

With one signee, two verbals, and three possible commits, the Tigers look to be in good shape on the defensive front.

Combine the incoming linemen with the experience that is already there, and Auburn fans should see what they have grown accustomed to over years from their defensive line.

The toughest loss to overcome will certainly be Coleman, and not just for the impressive numbers he racked up while wearing the orange and blue.  More importantly, Coleman's off-the-field presence will be missed, as he was a quiet leader and set an example of what it takes to excel on the SEC level to his younger teammates.

Look for either Goggans or Carter to assume a leadership role for the underclassmen on the DL, if not both. 

The 2010 Auburn Tiger defensive line could prove to be one of the best in the league. 

Defensive line coach and former Auburn great Tracy Rocker should be licking his chops to start working with this bunch, especially if the prospects listed above choose the Tigers.

This Burning Question brings the prognostications of defensive side of the ball to a close. We've looked at the secondary, the linebackers, and finished up with the front four.

Breaking it down, there seems to be reason for optimism in 2010.  As previously stated, barring numerous injuries, serious attrition (which I predict Auburn fans will see less of), and just plain bad luck, the Tigers' defense will return to traditional form come next September.