Auburn Football: A-Day, Are You Ready for Some Action?

Here are some points for Auburn fans to look at going into the A-Day game this Saturday. There are several developments that have occurred, but have not been confirmed by the coaches, thus this is the first opinion-based article this spring.

Offense

Cameron Newton is going to be the starting quarterback. He absolutely dominated the last scrimmage and was a level above all the other quarterbacks. This is my opinion and I am sticking to it.

The true competition is for backup, where Neil Caudle and Barret Trotter have both stepped up. While either is very competent and can lead the team, neither is on Newton’s level. Trotter has been inconsistent at times and Caudle is prone to missing reads and throwing interceptions.

Auburn now has four very dependable wide receivers. Darvin Adams is smooth and efficient and has improved if possible from last year.

Terrell Zachery is getting better every day with quarterbacks that can throw far enough to keep up with his speed. This looks to be a big year for him.

Emory Blake has worked his way into the coaching staff’s eyes. They consider him a dependable option now.

DeAngelo Benton has shown the ability to go vertical and come down with balls that defensive backs can only stand and watch. He is quickly becoming a great receiver and deadly offensive weapon.

There are other receivers that are on the verge of becoming dependable as well. I would expect some of these to step on up before fall practice is over.

Auburn has three really exceptional running backs. Mario Fannin will step up and produce this year. If he can avoid injury, Auburn fans can expect a better year from him than they ever imagined.

Donte Aycock is like a younger version of Fannin. They have similar running styles and talent. He will be a great back up for Mario Fannin this year. He is ready to be an every down SEC running back if called upon to be.

Onterio McCalebb is back to being the running back we watched shred defenses before his injuries last year. All of his speed is there and he has improved his strength dramatically. He will be better this year.

The offensive line is simply very good. There is no major problem that can be found. This could turn out to be the best Auburn offensive line in years.

Defense

Auburn is running a much more complex defensive scheme this year. This has likely caused Neil Caudle the backup spot coming out of spring practice. It will also cause interception problems with many opposing quarterbacks this year.

Improvements in the defensive line have eased some problems for the linebackers. They can now concentrate on other duties more. It will be very difficult to run the ball on Auburn this year.

Defensive tackle Nick Fairley is the most important player to watch. He seems to have become very dominant. If this is indeed the case, he will demand a double team from opposing offensive linemen. This will allow the Auburn defensive ends into the backfield on a much more consistent basis.

Antoine Carter is living up to his potential this year. If he avoids injury he will have a very productive senior year in tackles for a loss and sacks.

Dee Ford is bigger and stronger for this season. This makes him more of a threat to opposing quarterbacks. He will fill the slot behind Antoine Carter to provide two real sack specialists in that position.

Nosa Eugae is showing his potential this year. He had earned a position in the playing rotation last year until a broken foot ended his hopes and led to a red shirt season. He has come back this year with renewed spirit and effort.

Craig Sanders has stepped up as a true freshman and made good strides toward becoming a dependable defensive end. This is unexpected, but goes to show how important it can be to enroll early. He will likely get some early playing time as a result.

Special Teams

Both kick and punt returning should be vastly improved. Coverage will still remain a problem until the fall enroll arrive. This is the one area where depth is still critical.

There is little concern in kicking and punting. 

A-Day

A-Day is more than just a scrimmage; it is a full weekend of events no Auburn fan should have to miss. This year's event will be one of the most exciting in memory. There will be some top recruits declaring their commitment to Auburn. There will be many recruits on hand that will be deciding if Auburn is right for them.

There will also be several future stars from the 2010 recruiting class and some past stars as well. Coach Chizik will be holding an autograph session. 

Tickets are $5 and are available at Ander's Book Store and at the gate. There is no better entertainment value that weekend anywhere. 

Format

All quarterbacks and players will play. Coach Chizik and staff believe in the family format. They know many players' families will be there. They will see to it that every player gets a chance to shine.

We need to make every effort to be at this game and fill the stands. The game will be televised on ESPNU—think how it will look to the nation with the stands filled to capacity. There will not be another opportunity this year to get a closer look at the football players.