Auburn Tigers Football: Post-Spring Game Two-Deep Depth Chart

Auburn will conclude spring practice on Monday with a lot of steam heading into summer workouts. The Tigers had a great A-Day, with a lot of depth chart questions being answered on Saturday.

The Tigers did have some injuries that kept a few key players out of the game, but the Tigers that did play showed growth since bowl season. Auburn has work to do this summer, but the heart of the starting lineup looks to be in place.

There will be no official depth chart from Auburn before the fall hits as a few positions will remain up for grabs through the summer. Taking in what was on display this past Saturday, and the reports that have come from spring, here is a look at the Tigers' two-deep depth chart.

Quarterback

Starter: So. Kiehl Frazier (6’2”, 220) or Jr. Clint Moseley (6’4”, 223)

Backup: True Fr. Zeke Pike (6’6”, 229)

Within the first week of spring training, the Tigers were down to two scholarship quarterbacks taking the majority of the live snaps. Clint Moseley fell to a shoulder injury early, severely limiting his physical development this spring.

Kiehl Frazier welcomed the additional snaps, growing his arm and accuracy in the process. Frazier looked unsure in games last season when asked to throw. On A-Day, he was 7-of-9 with 92 yards, looking every bit the part of starter.

Frazier has impressed this spring with all the signs pointing in his direction as the Tigers look for a starting quarterback. His performance Saturday solidified my belief that he will be the Tigers' starter this fall.

Clint Moseley did throw in the game, going 5-of-6 himself, but his arm rotation appeared to be short, showing favor to his injury. Unfortunately for Moseley, the hill to climb to start from this point appears to be too high.

Zeke Pike was impressive being only a few months removed from high school. He is very athletic and looks to have the tools to be very special in the future. A redshirt season is likely in order for Pike. 

Running Back

Starter: Sr. Onterio McCalebb (5’11”, 174)

Rotation: So. Corey Grant (5’11”, 201); or So. Tre Mason (5’10”, 190); or Rs. Fr. Mike Blakely (5’9”, 206)

Auburn has a host of backs that will contribute this season. This spring did nothing but fuel competition and make the starting slot more difficult to pick for the Auburn coaches.

Mike Blakely had the best A-Day of all the running backs with only five carries but 65 yards and a touchdown. He showed why he was such a highly sought-after recruit during the 2011 recruiting season.

Blakely caught the eye of everyone in the crowd, but the “inconsistent” label continues to find itself affiliated with his play. Blakely may not be completely in sync with the offense, but when he gets there, wow.

Others who had good showings were Tre Mason and Corey Grant. The trifecta that will be Grant, Mason and Blakely looks scary heading into the summer.

Onterio McCalebb played sparingly but solidified what we knew about the senior. McCalebb’s ability to catch from the backfield and speed past defenses around the end will keep him in the starting position.

Fullback

Starter: Jr. Jay Prosch 6’0”, 253

At fullback, Jay Prosch looked as good as advertised on A-Day. He was absolutely beastly from the fullback role, clearing more than a few holes for the running backs. The guy doesn’t stop until his man is down, or the whistle is blown. He engages with the defense, and drives with intense power.

The Auburn running backs are going to be very dangerous this season, especially with a guy like Prosch leading the way. 

If Prosch were to be denied his transfer waiver, which seems unlikely, the Tigers would revert back to the H-Back role where tight ends could lead block for the running backs.

Receiver

Starter: So. Trovon Reed (6’0”, 183)

Backup: So. Quan Bray (5’10”, 185)

The wide receiver position continues to be the biggest question mark on the team. The Tigers made some plays on A-Day, but they also had a host of drops that shouldn’t have happened. One of the biggest criticisms they have carried this spring was inconsistency.

Trovon Reed and Quan Bray are battling for the slot position, making strides each day. They head into summer interchangeable for their talents, with both likely to see a ton of snaps in the fall.

Expect Reed to get the starting nod when fall rolls, but Bray will find his way in the mix consistently. 

Receiver

Starter: Sr. Emory Blake (6’2”, 197)

Backup: Rs. Fr. Sammie Coates (6’2”, 178)

Emory Blake has been the most consistent receiver for the Tigers in the past few seasons. He is also the only solid target that the Tigers have right now on the outside. 

Inconsistency has plagued the Tigers at the receiver position, but Blake has been the lone bright spot in the past. Auburn will rely heavily on his skills this fall to make plays in the passing game and get the ball moving for the Tigers. 

Sammie Coates is currently gaining reps behind Blake. Coates is a talented redshirt freshman that has the skills to be very special for the Tigers. He has battled inconsistency through spring, dropping balls that look easy, but making masterful catches that shouldn't happen.

If Coates can put together some level of consistency, he will play early and often this fall. 

Receiver

Starter: Sr. Travante Stallworth  (5’9”, 188)

Backup: Sr. DeAngelo Benton (6’2”, 203)

Opposite of Blake and Coates will be Travante Stallworth and DeAngelo Benton. Both are rising seniors that bring a unique skill set to the field. Right now, Stallworth appears to hold the edge of Benton, but the two will look to share reps come fall. 

Benton has been extremely inconsistent in his career as a Tiger, while Stallworth has battled injuries throughout the past few seasons. 

Benton has a size advantage over Stallworth, but Stallworth has show the ability to make plays on the outside in spite of his small frame. This will be a fun battle to watch unfold heading into the fall.

Tight End

Starter: Sr. Philip Lutzenkirchen (6’5”, 250)

Backup: So. Brandon Fulse (6’4”, 238) or So. C.J. Uzomah (6’4”, 246)

Auburn will be very solid at the tight end position this fall with Philip Lutzenkirchen returning from shoulder surgery. Lutzenkirchen holds the record for most touchdown receptions for a tight end at Auburn heading into his senior season. 

The Tigers also have Brandon Fulse and C.J. Uzomah, guys that are rising sophomores that played last season and have had strong spring’s.

Fulse needs to work on his hands, while Uzomah is working on the transition from receiver to tight end, having to learn the edginess that comes with blocking linebackers. 

Expect a lot more throws to make it to the tight ends this season. 

Left Tackle

Starter: Rs Fr. Greg Robinson (6’5”, 315)

Backup: Fr. Patrick Miller (6’6”, 275)

The Auburn offensive line will have a load of talent that will take the field, but youth will still be a battle that the Tigers will fight up front. There is a good chance that two redshirt freshman will start for the Tigers, and only one senior will be found on the line.

Starting at the left tackle position will be Greg Robinson. Robinson earned a redshirt last season, gaining valuable experience while adjusting to the life of a SEC lineman. Robinson may be a freshman, but he has the talent and understanding of the game that will keep opposing defenders in knots this fall. 

Patrick Miller came into spring as an early enrolee and has made some major strides along the way. If Miller continues to battle through summer and into the fall, he may avoid a redshirt season.

Left Guard

Starter: Sr. John Sullen (6’5”, 336)

Backup: Rs. Fr. Thomas O’Reilly (6’6”, 313)

John Sullen has been a bit of a journeyman lineman since arriving on the Plains. Sullen has seen time at tackle and guard on both sides of the center throughout the past four years. This season he will settle in to the left guard position, where he is firmly entrenched. 

Sullen will be the only senior on the Tigers line this year. His leadership is needed for the Tigers upfront, almost as much as his skill set. 

Behind Sullen looks to be Thomas O'Reilly. O'Reilly was an early enrollee last spring for the Tigers, taking a redshirt last fall. O'Reilly still has a lot of growth that needs to occur, but he has the size and tenacity to be a solid backup this fall. 

Center

Starter: So. Reese Dismukes (6’3”, 300)

Backup: So. Tunde Fariyike (6’2”, 302)

Reese Dismukes accomplished what few can last season when he started for the Tigers as a true freshman at center for all 13 games. Dismukes had some miscues a year ago, but those should be cut down substantially as he enters his second year as a starter. 

With Dismukes firmly entrenched as the starter, Tunde Fariyike will take on the backup role at center for the Tigers. Fariyike is a talented lineman, but with Dismukes leading the charge at center, it will take an injury or other substantial change for Fariyike to earn the start in the middle of the Tigers line.

Right Guard

Starter: So. Eric Mack (6’3”, 315)

Backup: Rs. Fr. Christian Westerman (6’5”, 298)

This will be the most intense position battle of the summer and fall. Eric Mack appears to have the right guard position in hand currently, but Christian Westerman is battling hard to get his name on the starting lineup.

The Tigers need this type of competition on the line, as it will grow the talents of the players, but it will also grow the continuity and chemistry of the team up front. At this point, both guys seem interchangeable with both likely seeing time throughout the season this fall. 

Right Tackle

Starter: So. Chad Slade (6’5”, 314)

Backup: Fr. Shane Callahan (6’6”, 280)

Chad Slade has grown substantially in the past two seasons with the Tigers. He finds himself firmly entrenched at the right tackle position for the Tigers, with true freshman Shane Callahan holding on to the backup position after spring. 

Slade is not a household name for the Tigers along the line, but his impact is just as great as those who are well known. Expect big things from Slade this season. 

Defensive End

(DE) Starters: Jr. Corey Lemonier (6’4”, 240)

(DE) Backups: So. LaDarius Owens (6’2”, 255)

Corey Lemonier is one of the premier pass rushers in the conference heading into the 2012 season. He proved a year ago just how dangerous he can be from the outside, but he lacked consistency against the run. 

Lemonier will be looking to increase consistency in sealing off the outside of the line this year. If he can become a complete player by fall, he will be an unstoppable force for the Tigers. 

A pleasant surprise for the Tigers this spring was LaDarius Owens at the end position. With the lack of depth at the middle linebacker position some assumed he may make the move back to linebacker. After his showing at A-Day, he solidified himself at the end position, proving that his speed and athleticism could make him a premier rushing end this fall. 

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Jr. Jeff Whitaker 6’3”, 301

Backup: Rs. Fr. JaBrian Niles 6’3”, 292

Jeffrey Whitaker is a stud for the Tigers in the middle. He has played since his freshman season, and has found his way into a leadership role for the Tigers. Whitaker will be a major player for the Tigers in the middle, anchoring a line that is talented, but full of youth.

JaBrian Niles is listed as Whitaker's backup. Niles has come a long way in his second season on the Plains, likely becoming a part of the regular rotation for Auburn once the season begins.

Defensive Tackle

Starter: So. Gabe Wright (6’3”, 305)

Backup: So. Angelo Blackson (6’5”, 316) or Jr. Kenneth Carter (6’4”, 290)

Gabe Wright fell to a foot injury during the first week of spring practice. Before the injury, he was leading the pack up front. Wright will return to the fold this summer and will look to carry over his starting position into the fall.

Kenneth Carter was held out of spring with an injury, but he will be a part of the rotation this fall once he makes it back onto the field.

Angelo Blackson is a player to keep an eye on. He had a lot of opportunity this spring to develop and grow with the injuries that plagued his teammates. Blackson is a freak athletically, and may have made the turn in development during the spring that will keep him on the field consistently in 2012.  

Defensive End

Starter: Jr. Dee Ford (6’4”, 237) or Jr. Nosa Eguae (6’3”, 258)

Backup: Jr. Craig Sanders (6’4”, 257)

Nosa Eguae had to sit this spring with an injury, opening the door for a number of talented ends to make waves during the 15 practice sessions. Dee Ford was one of those guys. 

Eguae will have the chance to earn his starting position this summer and fall, but Dee Ford will not make it an easy acquisition for Eguae. With the talent that the Tigers have along the line, there will be a constant rotation in and out of the games keeping guys fresh. 

In the reserve roll will be Craig Sanders. Sanders made a name for himself as a freshman on special teams, and has continued to grow into a very formidable defensive end. 

Defensive end is the most talented position set on the field for the Tigers heading into the fall. 

Outside Linebacker

Starters: Sr. Daren Bates (5’11”, 211)

Backup: So. Justin Garrett (6’2”, 206)

Daren Bates had one of the best springs of any for the Tigers. He entrenched himself at one of the Tigers outside positions, where he has spent the past two seasons as a starter. Look for Bates to be dangerous this fall. 

Behind Bates is Justin Garrett. Garrett is a rising sophomore that saw time a year ago and has pushed Bates hard for a starting role this spring. Bates was able to hold off Garrett, but Garrett will be on the field in 2012. His talent will ensure that happens. 

Middle Linebacker

Starter: Jr. Jake Holland (6’1”, 235)

Backup: Rs. Fr. Chris Landrum (6’2”, 238)

Jake Holland heads into the summer workout period with the starting middle position firmly in hand. Holland has played consistently since his freshman season in 2010. Last year he battled a few injuries, but this spring he showed why the Tigers coaches have a lot of faith in the rising junior. 

The middle linebacker position is a concern for the Tigers despite the experience carried by Holland. Chris Landrum is the backup to Holland, but after Landrum there aren't many options. Walk-on Ashton Richardson is the third string middle linebacker. 

Keeping Holland healthy this fall is a must for the Tigers. 

Outside Linebacker

Starter: Rs. Fr. Kris Frost (6’2”, 225)

Backup: Sr. Jonathan Evans (5’11”, 225)

Kris Frost was set to make an impact as a true freshman a year ago before a shoulder injury sidelined his freshman campaign. Frost heads into this season as the assumed starter at the outside after a strong spring showing. 

Behind Frost will be utility linebacker Jonathan Evans. Evans had to sit this spring with an injury, but has played all over the field for the Tigers in the past few seasons. Evans may not earn the starting job this fall, but he will see the field often at linebacker. 

Cornerback

Starter: So. Robenson Therezie (5’10”, 203) or Sr. T’Sharvan Bell (6’0”, 185)

Backup: Jr. Ryan White (5’10”, 196)

T'Sharvan Bell fell to a knee injury during the bowl game this past winter. While he was out with injury, Robenson Therezie took off like a bullet with the starting position. As the Tigers head into the summer workout period, I would expect for the battle for the starting position to continue as Bell regains his health. 

Ryan White is also making a push for time and will see his role expand this season. The Tigers are blessed with talent at the corner position this fall. 

Safety

Starter: Jr. Demetruce McNeal (6’2”, 193) or Jr. Ryan Smith (6’1”, 208)

Backup: So. Jermaine Whitehead (6’0”, 195)

The Auburn secondary is one of the positions that will need a lot of growth for the Tigers to be effective this season. The Tigers have been absolutely terrible in pass defense the past few seasons, but they have enough talent on campus now to stop the bleeding defensively.

The strong safety position is still up for grabs for the Tigers with the recent injury to Demetruce McNeal opening up opportunity for Ryan Smith. Smith and McNeal traded starts a season ago, with both playing aggressively in the open field.

Behind Smith and McNeal will be Jermaine Whitehead. Whitehead played a ton last year as the nickel back and will assume that role again this season. 

Whitehead is one of the few defenders being cross-trained in the Brian VanGorder defense.

Safety

Starter: So. Erique Florence (6’1”, 187)

Backup: So. Trent Fisher (6'0", 192)

Erique Florence had a great freshman season last year, flying to the football and proving why he was one of the most highly sought after players from the state of Alabama in 2011. 

Florence had some minor injuries toward the end of spring, but he has a firm hold onto the starting free safety position. 

Behind Florence will be Trent Fisher. Fisher is a walk-on, but he has the work ethic and talent to be a regular contributor for the Tigers. Fisher is the son of St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher. 

Cornerback

Starter: Jr. Chris Davis (5’11”, 196)

Backup: So. Jonathon Mincy (5’10”, 183)

Chris Davis is one of the hardest hitters on the Tigers football team. It helps that he is a very talented cover corner. Davis is poised to be one of the most dangerous corners in the conference this season.

Behind Davis is Jonathon Mincy. Mincy is a talented cover corner as well. Mincy will expect to see time consistently for the Tigers this coming fall in reserve action. With either guy on the field, the Tigers will be in good hands.

Special Teams

(K) Starter: Jr. Cody Parkey (6’0”, 190)

(P) Starter: Jr. Steven Clark (6’5”, 226)

Cody Parkey has been sidelined with a minor injury for much of spring. After his strong season a year ago, Parkey is firmly entrenched in the starting kicking position for the Tigers.

Steven Clark has been performing well all spring, improving on his stellar season from 2011. Clark showed his strong leg last season, becoming a finalist for the Ray Guy award at the end of the year. He will be in contention for the award again this year if he continues to improve like he has this spring.

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