Auburn Football: Two-A-Days Signal Start of Position Battles

As the first week of practice unfolded, I kept hearing about how thin Auburn was in certain areas, the new playbook, the new guys, etc.  That's all well and good, but I'm more interested in how the depth chart starts filling out.  If you're like me, then you'll be paying close attention to how two-a-days fan out on the practice fields.

Offense

Two-a-days started yesterday for the Tigers with the wide receivers taking center stage.  Wide receivers' coach Trooper Taylor has said he likes how Darvin Adams, Emory Blake, and DeAngelo Benton have made plays during practice. 

Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzhan plans to take the quarterback race from four (Kodi Burns, Neil Caudle, Chris Todd, and Tyrik Rollison) to three and eventually to two.  The team is practicing inside Jordan-Hare Stadium today so any indication of how the quarterbacks are doing will be determined after the completion of tonight's scrimmage. 

The one group that I find not getting a lot of attention at this time of year is the running backs, but it's for obvious reasons.  With veterans Ben Tate, Eric Smith, and Mario Fannin, along with newcomers such as Dontae Aycock and Onterio McCalebb, the backfield is one of Auburn's strengths going into the 2009 season. If the offensive line can hold well, these talented backs could make havoc for defenses during the season.

Reports and rumors around Auburn have put Fannin working all over the field, including as a main target for the "Wildcat" quarterback.  The coaching staff, in my opinion, is trying to keep all options open for this amazing talent.  All that I wish happens is they get him on the field to play.  Fannin is too great an asset to this team to waste.

Defense

The defense has been kept under the radar mostly, with most of the media attention going to the offense.  Recent moves have been in the secondary with D'Antoine Hood moving from cornerback to safety.  This also leaves only five cornerbacks as of now, which include Walt McFadden and Neiko Thorpe.  Mike McNeil will be back this season, but the question is if he'll be back in time for the season opener.

Linebackers continue to work diligently as practice goes.   Not much has been said about this group, but expect veterans Spencer Pybus and Craig Stevans to lead the rest of the linebackers. 

The defensive line has had some nice work done as DL coach Tracy Rocker has had more players than in the spring.  It appears that this unit will have a two-deep line, and depth might not be as much of a concern as first thought.

Special Teams

Look for Wes Byrum to keep the place kicker position and Clinton Durst to retain the punting duties.  What will be interesting is who will be returning the kickoffs and punts.  I would believe that guys like McCalebb and Benton could be in the mix for returns.  Finding out those positions will may have to wait until September 5. 

This week will generate more news as two-a-days continue.  By week's end, we should have a better idea of many positions on the all sides of the ball. 

Remember fans, only 25 more days away...

WAR EAGLE!