Auburn Football: Predicting the Starters for Each Tigers Position in 2016
The deadline for NFL underclassmen draft decisions has passed, and teams all across the country are starting to get a better picture of their rosters for the 2016 season.
Head coach Gus Malzahn and his Auburn Tigers, who are heading into a make-or-break campaign this fall, lost several starters to the pros early but were boosted by the returns of several major playmakers.
With the 2016 offseason now in full swing and spring football still a couple of months away, let's project who will most likely be the starters for Auburn later this year.
Things can change in a hurry, with injuries, transfer decisions and new players breaking out in practice, but this is what a projected starting lineup—11 on offense, 11 on defense—would look like if the 2016 season started today. (The positions are based on Auburn's most recent starting lineup from the Birmingham Bowl.)
Sound off on this projected starting lineup and make your own guesses on who will log major minutes for the Tigers this fall in the comments below.
Quarterback: John Franklin III
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As Bleacher Report's Barrett Sallee wrote last week, John Franklin III "has the familiarity with the offense that Malzahn should run." The former Florida State quarterback served as the practice version of Nick Marshall for the Seminoles prior to the national title game in the 2013 season.
Franklin doesn't bring a ton of experience or polish to his game from the JUCO ranks—he wasn't even the starter at East Mississippi in 2015—but what he does bring is incredible speed to the quarterback position. Marshall wasn't the most skilled passer coming into Auburn, either, but the Tigers won an SEC title with him thanks to his excellence with the read-option.
This newcomer could provide the same for Auburn if Malzahn elects to go back to the run-heavy ways of 2013 and 2014. Jeremy Johnson will have the experience edge, but Franklin has the jets to be a better fit for Malzahn than Johnson, Sean White or Tyler Queen.
Running Back: Jovon Robinson
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With Peyton Barber's surprising decision to head to the NFL draft, the No. 1 running back job at Auburn looks like it is Jovon Robinson's to lose.
Robinson had a better all-around game than the power-minded Barber, and the former JUCO star showcased what he could do toward the end of the 2015 season. He averaged more than five yards per carry in all but one of Auburn's final six games and had career performances in wins over Texas A&M and Memphis.
Robinson has the size, speed, agility and acceleration to be Auburn's next 1,000-yard back and make some serious noise in a conference that is already filled with top-level rushers. With the bulk of the carries coming his way in 2016, Robinson could be in for a monster season.
Running Back: Roc Thomas
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Auburn's starting lineup in the Birmingham Bowl against Memphis went with two running backs and two receivers instead of the standard one-and-three combo. Roc Thomas received the start alongside Barber in that game, and he figures to have an even bigger role in a transitioning Auburn offense this fall.
Thomas, the former Mr. Football for the state of Alabama, averaged 6.07 yards per carry in 2015 for the Tigers. He also was the team's No. 4 receiver by season's end, nabbing 11 passes for exactly 200 yards and one touchdown.
The rising junior's explosiveness and ability to keep plays alive make him a threat every time he secures the football. Look for him to get even more touches as the speed back in Auburn's 2016 offense and continue to be a target for the quarterback.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Wide Receiver: Marcus Davis
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Marcus Davis will be Auburn's top returning receiver in 2016 after a rebound 2015 campaign. After only recording 13 catches in 2014, Davis caught 30 passes in 2015—the second-most for the Tigers behind the departed Ricardo Louis.
As a freshman, Davis developed a reputation for being one of the most sure-handed options on the field, and Auburn will need him to step his game up as a senior. The 5'9" receiver is a consistent target over the middle of the field when the Tigers need to move the chains.
Auburn will continue to feed him the ball in a variety of ways this fall, and he'll be a leader for a unit that has a lot of new blood and some returning names that haven't quite made their mark yet on the Plains.
Wide Receiver: Kyle Davis
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Projecting a true freshman to start is always risky, but Kyle Davis is coming in with several advantages—the most important one being an early enrollment ahead of spring football.
Davis has the physical gifts needed to succeed at Auburn, and spring practices will give him an opportunity to stand out among a receiving corps that doesn't have many established weapons outside of Marcus Davis. Auburn needs early-impact players here, and Davis fits the bill perfectly.
"He’s a big, physical receiver with a lot of tools and the willingness to work hard on his craft," Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports wrote. "Davis comes in not as a finished product, but as someone nowhere near his ceiling. To get on the field in 2016, he’ll want to refine his routes and continue to improve his hands."
H-Back: Chandler Cox
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Chandler Cox wasted no time in introducing himself to the Auburn faithful last year. The freshman started 10 of Auburn's 13 games at H-back—an important lead-blocking position in Malzahn's offensive scheme.
He put his skills on full display during a touchdown pass against Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl:
"Chandler Cox 🙈🙈🙈 pic.twitter.com/KgXC5GGm29
— Nelson Blair (@nelsoncblair) December 30, 2015"
Kamryn Pettway will continue to get reps with Cox at H-back, and early enrollee Landon Rice could get an opportunity to nail down a spot as a traditional tight end. Auburn didn't have much of a receiving threat at tight end this past season.
Left Tackle: Robert Leff
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The arrival of new offensive line coach Herb Hand could shake this projected starting lineup in a huge way during spring practices. For now, longtime backup Robert Leff looks to have the early advantage for the starting left tackle position left by the NFL-bound Shon Coleman.
The 6'6" rising senior made his first career start against Idaho this past season and has played in 40 games. That experience edge could be enough to get him the starting job this offseason.
Darius James, a transfer from Texas who sat out last season, could be in the mix at left tackle, as well. James was a 5-star guard out of high school but played some right tackle for the Longhorns prior to his transfer from Austin.
Left Guard: Alex Kozan
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Alex Kozan is back for another season at Auburn following his return from major injury in 2014. Kozan made all 13 starts at left guard, much like he did in 2013 when he was a freshman All-SEC selection.
With Coleman and Young no longer on the Plains, Kozan will be looked to as the leader of this offensive line as it makes the transition to a new position coach. He's as consistent as they come for Auburn and will be instrumental in leading the new starters in what will be a crucial 2016 campaign.
The depth behind Kozan will be interesting to follow, as departed senior Devonte Danzey was listed as his backup at left guard. Auburn loaded up on offensive linemen in recent recruiting classes, and players such as Kaleb Kim and Marquel Harrell will be options.
Center: Austin Golson
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Austin Golson stepped into the big shoes left behind by former four-year starter Reese Dismukes at center in 2015 and did a solid job for the most part. A late-season injury against Georgia kept him out of the final two games, when Danzey came into the lineup.
Golson should be healthy by the time spring practice rolls around, and he's expected to take care of the center position again in 2016. Malzahn has often referred to the center spot as the "second quarterback" of the offense, so consistency there is a bonus.
If Hand shakes things up among the starting lineup in order to field the best five players, Golson has experience at guard from his time at Ole Miss.
Right Guard: Braden Smith
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One of the most hyped players of the 2014 preseason stepped into his role as a full-time starter in 2015. Braden Smith started all 13 games at right guard, and the mauling Kansas native looked more comfortable there than he did on the outside in previous appearances.
Still, Smith could be moved to the outside to replace either Coleman or Young, especially on an Auburn offensive line that prided itself on versatility under former coach J.B. Grimes.
For continuity's sake, expect to see Smith at least start spring practice on the interior of the offensive line. He's a valuable returning starter with tremendous physical gifts that make him an ideal run-blocker in the Auburn offense.
Right Tackle: Mike Horton
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Mike Horton was listed as Avery Young's backup last season at right tackle, and that wasn't just a placeholder spot. Horton has continuously drawn praise from his coaches and teammates for his work at practice.
"He's very much impressed me. Very much," former offensive line coach J.B. Grimes told Brandon Marcello of AL.com last August. "Very smart, very physical, very athletic. He's very athletic. He's going to be a really good player."
The Georgia native wasn't one of Auburn's highly touted offensive line signings in the Malzahn era—he was a 3-star recruit ranked as the No. 80 overall offensive tackle in his class—but he's made a strong impression so far on the Plains for his work behind Young. He'll be the front-runner when spring ball opens.
Defensive End: Carl Lawson
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Auburn's most valuable pickup for 2016 won't come in its recruiting class—it was defensive end Carl Lawson's decision to stay in school for another season instead of going to the NFL.
When healthy, Lawson made a huge impact on the Auburn defense. The Tigers allowed 38 fewer yards per game (and one full yard per play) and five fewer points per game when Lawson played in the 2015 season. His presence seemed to lift the energy of the entire defense, and he has the best pass-rushing skills of anyone on the roster.
A complete season for Lawson will make a big difference in his NFL future and the Tigers' chances for success in 2016. Without him, this defense just doesn't have the same sort of edge that allowed it to hold offenses to an average of 5.03 yards per play in November.
Defensive Tackle: Montravius Adams
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The second-biggest win for the Auburn offseason came when Montravius Adams decided he would stay in school instead of going pro early.
The former 5-star recruit has been the most consistent playmaker on Auburn's defensive line for the last two seasons. He has the versatility to play at both tackle and end, but his best work comes when he anchors down the line in the middle and takes on opposing blockers.
With Adams and Lawson back, Auburn has one of the most experienced defensive lines in the SEC for 2016. Adams' motor and ability to impact almost every snap will free up a lot of room for other defensive stars this upcoming fall.
Defensive Tackle: Dontavius Russell
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Dontavius Russell had a breakout redshirt freshman season for Auburn in 2015, starting 10 games at the defensive tackle position and coming second on the team in tackles for loss. He's focused on having an even better 2016.
"It was the first season I've ever played in college football," Russell said, per Ryan Black of 247Sports. "I don't consider it a terrible season, but I could have done better in some areas."
Russell has already shown the ability to get into the backfield on a consistent basis, which makes him a strong threat up the middle next to Adams. Watch out for a possible sophomore surge from this young defensive tackle.
Defensive End: Byron Cowart
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Byron Cowart didn't have the immediate impact some thought he would as a true freshman. He logged minutes as a reserve defensive end and only saw the field a little more than one-fifth of the time for Auburn's defense.
"The nation's top recruit saw the field for 220 snaps, only 21.5 percent of Auburn's total defensive plays," Steve Palazzolo of ESPN.com wrote. "He rushed the passer 103 times, picking up four QB hits and 10 hurries on his way to a plus-3.2 overall grade."
With a season to get adjusted to the college game under his belt and an important offseason ahead of him, Cowart is a good candidate to have a breakout 2016 season for the Auburn defense. He should get plenty of opportunities to make plays on an experienced line that will also bring in top JUCO recruit Paul James.
Linebacker: Tre' Williams
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With Cassanova McKinzy, Kris Frost and Justin Garrett now gone from the Plains, the spotlight at linebacker will fall squarely on Tre' Williams. The rising junior, who started three SEC games for the Tigers in 2015, will be counted on to lead an inexperienced linebacker group under the direction of new position coach Travis Williams.
"Tre' Williams is going to be the leader of the defense next year," Garrett said, per Marcello. "... I've got faith in him. He's a big-time playmaker. He started a few games this year and he could have started every game."
Already a vocal and emotional leader on the Auburn defense, Williams looks all but guaranteed to become a starting linebacker in Kevin Steele's new scheme. He was second among linebackers in tackles for loss with four last season.
Linebacker: JaViere Mitchell
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Auburn will need another linebacker to step up in the wake of the senior trio's departures, and JaViere Mitchell fits the bill. As a junior last season, Mitchell started at linebacker for the San Jose State game and finished the year with 13 tackles and a sack.
Mitchell played well in relief of Auburn's injured linebackers in the Birmingham Bowl, and he has a seniority advantage on many other players in this relatively inexperienced linebacking corps. He's put in quite a lot of work on the second team and will be a candidate to move up in 2016.
Another name to watch at starting linebacker is Jeff Holland. As a true freshman, Holland looked strong as a pass-rusher and finished with 2.5 tackles for loss in his limited work. If he can round out his all-around linebacker skills, he could get major minutes this fall.
Cornerback: Carlton Davis
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Carlton Davis proved to be the brightest young star of the Auburn defense last season and one of the few positives that came out of Will Muschamp's one-year return.
Davis locked down a starting job at cornerback before the Mississippi State game, and the freshman led the team with three interceptions. He also forced a fumble and recorded 1.5 tackles for loss during some opportunities on blitzes.
The rising sophomore already has the look of a future All-SEC performer, and he's the top player to watch in this Auburn secondary. How much he improves during the offseason will go a long way toward a stronger 2016 season for the entire defense.
Cornerback: Jeremiah Dinson
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He didn't have the numbers of Carlton Davis, but Jeremiah Dinson was playing great football for the Tigers as a freshman before his devastating season-ending knee injury against Texas A&M.
Prior to the injury in the road win against the Aggies, Dinson had started against Mississippi State and cracked the rotation in all nine games. He had earned more crucial playing time for the Auburn secondary heading into the game in College Station.
A healthy Dinson could be a difference-maker at cornerback in 2016, along with Ohio State transfer Jamel Dean. Look for Dinson to be an early contender among a crew including Dean and incoming freshman John Broussard.
Safety: Tray Matthews
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Tray Matthews stepped into a starting safety role during his first season of eligibility at Auburn and held it down until he suffered an injury prior to the Texas A&M game. The hard-hitting safety had 46 tackles in just 10 games and came down with two picks for the Tigers.
Matthews should have an advantage in the race to reclaim his starting safety spot. He is one of the most experienced players on the entire defense, having been a fast-rising star early in his career at Georgia.
While the last two spots in the secondary could get moved around under new position coach Wesley McGriff, a starting job for Matthews seems like a safe bet for 2016.
Safety: Stephen Roberts
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Stephen Roberts, a native of nearby Opelika, stepped into the starting role vacated by Matthews' injury in 2015. With Blake Countess now gone, one of the starting safety jobs is open for Roberts.
Roberts played in all but one game in the last two seasons at Auburn and was a consistent tackler in place of Matthews toward the end of the season. He worked hard on his consistency during the offseason and emerged as a valuable player down the stretch.
Returning starter Johnathan "Rudy" Ford has experience at a standard safety spot in addition to the nickelback, and it's possible the older Ford could move to that position full-time in 2016. But if the Tigers keep Ford at nickel, look for Roberts to take hold of the position battle.
Nickel: Johnathan Ford
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Johnathan Ford led Auburn in tackles in each of the last two seasons. He led all defensive backs in tackles for loss last season and has come down with multiple picks in both campaigns. That's not bad for a former running back.
Ford started all but two games for Auburn last season, and he was listed as a third safety-nickelback starter in the final few contests. With college football going more and more toward spread offenses, five starting defensive backs are becoming the norm.
If Auburn decides to use Ford's experience at a regular safety spot in 2016, look for Tim Irvin to possibly take hold of the nickelback spot. The South Florida native started the season opener there and appeared in 11 games as part of the youth-infused secondary.
Justin Ferguson is a college football writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.
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