Auburn Football: 6 Breakout Players for 2011

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Auburn has a lot of talent to replace from last year’s national championship team, but training camp has shown that there are plenty of Tigers ready to emerge in 2011.

Here are six players ready to break out for Auburn this season.  The team returns only six starters from last season, but excellent recruiting classes by Gene Chizik and his staff are beginning to make their impact.

Trovon Reed, Wide Receiver

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A redshirt freshman wide receiver, Reed missed last season with a knee injury. A top recruit, he was challenging for playing time before he was sidelined.

Now fully healthy, Reed has impressed in training camp with his speed and elusiveness. He will see plenty of action at wide receiver in 2011.

Reed can also return punts and kicks and may also be used as a wildcat quarterback. If all goes well he will emerge as one of the SEC's most explosive players.

Corey Lemonier, Defensive End

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A top recruit in the class of 2010, Lemonier saw some time at defensive end during his freshman season.  He finished the year with two sacks while appearing in all 14 games.

A player with huge potential as a pass-rusher, Lemonier has had a good training camp and should step into the starting lineup in 2011. Don’t be surprised if he leads the Tigers in sacks.

Barrett Trotter, Quarterback

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Trotter got his shot at the starting job after beating out Clint Moseley and Kiehl Frazier in a competitive training camp battle.

He is the only quarterback on the roster with any game experience after throwing for 64 yards last season and running for a touchdown.

The junior obviously has huge shoes to fill in replacing Cam Newton, but Auburn's offensive system gives quarterbacks a chance to put up big numbers. How Trotter fares in his first year as the starter could make or break the 2011 season for Auburn.

Philip Lutzenkirchen, Tight End

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Lutzenkirchen is already established in the Auburn lineup, but he will play a much bigger role in 2011 after catching just 15 passes last season.

The coaching staff has been clear that they want Lutzenkirchen to get the ball more often this year, so expect him to be targeted often as one of Auburn’s few experienced receivers.

The returning starter at tight end could also see time at H-back and wide receiver.

Tre Mason, Running Back

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A true freshman, Mason has been very impressive during training camp. He reportedly scored three touchdowns in a team scrimmage last week.

A top running back in the class of 2011, Mason is on below Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb on the depth chart, but he may be too talented to keep off the field as a freshman.

Mason’s family is no stranger to fame, as his father Vincent is a member of the popular rap group De La Soul.

Erique Florence, Safety

Credit: Vasha Hunt/Opelika-Auburn News

A true freshman safety, Florence has been singled out for praise by the coaching staff. He is still adjusting back to defense after playing quarterback in his final year of high school.

Auburn has placed Florence back at his favorite position, and he has excelled in training camp. Florence may not start right away in his first season, but should see plenty of action before he takes over for senior Neiko Thorpe in 2012.

Florence is a top local recruit who attended Valley High School, about 30 miles from Auburn.