Auburn Football: Updating the Tigers 6 Best Spring Position Battles

The Auburn Tigers squared off in the first scrimmage of the spring session this past Saturday. Despite the practice being closed to the media, enough information has been dropped to take a look at the six best spring battles and where the depth chart may stand.

The Tigers have taken on the task of integrating two new systems on offense and defense, while also trying to find some semblance of a starting lineup. Key positions like quarterback, defensive line and receiver are all key focuses.

As spring has progressed, there have been some highlights and some movement in the five best position battles for spring. 

Quarterback

Auburn went into spring with three scholarship quarterbacks and an open competition to find a starter. What has happened in seven practices is no surprise, with Kiehl Frazier appearing to take over the position.

Clint Moseley has had a few shoulder issues this spring, having to rest his arm for a few practices, more importantly in the scrimmage this past Saturday. With the reps that were rumored to be had by Frazier, Moseley may not be able to catch up.

Frazier has been taking snaps from starting center Reese Dismukes consistently throughout spring. As the Tigers transition into an under-center system, getting snaps to go smoothly is a huge task.

With the added reps and signs that seem to be pointing in Frazier’s direction, it’s difficult to imagine Moseley making a strong push for the position without some major steam coming off his sore shoulder. Everyday pushes Frazier closer to locking up this job before summer.

Running Back

Auburn has a ton of talent at running back this spring. The Tigers have four talented backs that all bring unique abilities to the fold.

Currently, the Tigers have lined up Onterio McCalebb and Tre Mason as the starters. Mike Blakely and Corey Grant are both guys that have also made some headway in the spring. Grant had a huge inside run that went the distance in the scrimmage.

Curtis Luper will have a lot of options and talent to pull from this fall to build his lineup, with no clear leaders pulling away just yet.

McCalebb will be a staple in the offense with his carries as well as his catching ability. Who will fill in the role beside him will be the biggest question. To this point, no one has taken over the position. Auburn has a lot of time to find a co-starter at running back, but all four will likely see time this fall. 

Defensive Line

The defensive line started the spring down two major players. Kenneth Carter and Nosa Eguae were both on the injured list before the first snap occurred, with Gabe Wright also falling to an injury early in the first practice week.

The Tigers are anchored by Jeffrey Whitaker in the middle of the line. Around him the Tigers need Angelo Blackson, DeVaunte Sigler and JaBrian Niles to continue to grow into their positions and prepare like they will rotate the starting positions this fall.

All accounts have Angelo Blackson making huge strides in the middle, and guys like Sigler and Niles coming on strong after red-shirt seasons.

The defensive end positions are stocked full of talent this season as well for the Tigers. Corey Lemonier made a name for himself last fall, and will be back at one of the end positions this year. Dee Ford, LaDarius Owens, Craig Sanders and Justin Delaine will all be major players off the end.

The Tigers have a host of deeply talented positions, but defensive end is one of the best for the Tigers. Auburn’s defensive line should be much improved next season with the players they have taking reps this spring and the talent returning this summer.

Receiver

The receiver position may be the most frustrating position group to watch on the Tigers team. The Tigers have had a wealth of talent at the position for the past two seasons, but have yet to see consistent production.

Emory Blake has been the showstopper for the Tigers, but without at least one additional threat from the outside, Auburn will have a very mediocre season once again.

Auburn has a host of talented players that will be looked upon to share in the pass-catching responsibility. It appears that DeAngelo Benton and Travante Stallworth are the guys that are battling opposite of Blake. At this point, there doesn’t appear to be an edge in either receivers favor.

Behind Blake is star red-shirt freshman Sammie Coates. Coates will be a name to watch this fall as well.

From the slot Trovon Reed and Quan Bray will be looking to increase their numbers this fall. Auburn will look to employ a few bubble screens in this offense, but jet sweeps and quick slants will be some of the many ways that the speed and open-field talents of Reed and Bray will be utilized. 

Linebacker

The linebacker position has been a serious issue for the defense in the past few seasons. Last year’s squad displayed the worst linebacker performance that the Tigers have put together in some time.

This season the Tigers will be looking to return to the days that Auburn was feared for its linebacker play. It starts with effort and coaching. The Tigers now have the coaching situation settled, they need to find effort.

With the defensive scheme that DC Brian VanGorder will employ, the linebackers will carry a lot of weight on the field when it comes to calls and alignment.

Heading up the unit in the middle will be Jake Holland, with Kris Frost and Daren Bates joining him on the outside. Anthony Swain appears to be coming along as well this season, gaining 40 pounds in the offseason and now earning some time with the first team defense.

Right now the linebackers seem set with Bates, Holland and Frost.  

Offensive Line

The talent along the offensive line will not be an issue this season. Youth and continuity very well may be.

With that in mind, it appears that offensive line coach Jeff Grimes has the Tigers O-line headed in the right direction. I would expect the starters from left to right to be Greg Robinson, John Sullen, Reese Dismukes, Erick Mack and Chad Slade.

Christian Westerman appears to be making a solid push for a guard position and freshman Patrick Miller is earning a look as well. With Greg Robinson sitting out the scrimmage, Miller took a ton of snaps at left tackle.

The Tigers have the blessing of talent and competition along the offensive line this season. Competition breeds success so expect big things from Auburn along the offensive front in 2012. 

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