Auburn Football: A Look at the Offense in Spring Practice

The first day of spring practice is behind the Auburn Tigers. It was a very revealing day.

First, contrary to rumors, Tyrik Rollison was not at practice.

Fullback John Douglas and tight end Bailey Woods are transferring.

Kicker Morgan Hull and fullback Jason King are gone.

Coach Gus Malzhan and coach Curtis Luper are working with Mario Fannin, Onterio McCalebb, and Dontae Aycock exclusively at running back.

Mario Fannin is a ripped 5'11", 227 lbs., and Dontae Aycock showed up at 5'10", 218 lbs. Onterio McCalebb is 5'10", 165 lbs., having gained one pound this spring.

There was every evidence that these players had worked hard in the offseason and began spring practice in shape and ready to compete. It is to be expected that all three of these running backs will get significant playing time in 2010.

Coach Trooper Taylor had Kodi Burns the entire practice. He did no working out with the quarterbacks.

De Angelo Benton looked much more comfortable and in shape at spring practice. He is catching the ball very well.

Coach Jeff Grimes had several significant developments. Brandon Mosley checked in at 6'6", 294 lbs.; that is nine pounds heavier since he got to Auburn. He is at playing weight for the offensive line now. That is where he trained today. He had played tight end in JUCO.

Lee Ziemba is now 6'8", 320 lbs., and JUCO transfer Roszell Gayden checked in at 6'6", 321 lbs.; that is two good sized SEC offensive tackles.

Center Ryan Pugh checked in at 6'4", 293 lbs., Byron Isom is 6'3", 310 lbs., and Mike Berry is 6'3", 323 lbs...this is great for SEC offensive guards.

You can see the offseason work on each one of these offensive linemen. This is a confident, strong group that is expected to start.

The depth is great as well. Auburn could field three complete offensive lines that are SEC quality in size and strength.

If anyone ever wondered why Gus Malzhan is so successful at preparing quarterbacks for the season, all they need to do is watch him work with the quarterbacks on fundamental form and they will understand. It is incredible to see. He is an absolute tireless perfectionist on form and footwork.

For fans that want to see Gus in action there is a great video by Charles Goldberg of the Birmingham News here that shows him working with the quarterbacks. It is some extraordinary footage of how to train a quarterback in the SEC.

Cameron Newton showed up in incredible shape. He is an absolute picture of perfection for a trained athlete. His size and stature are absolutely incredible. He looked pretty good in drills as well.

He will be competing for the starting position with Neil Caudle, Barret Trotter, and Clint Moseley. The quarterback position looked to be in great hands with this group. I think Auburn fans can start to relax about this position.

Next article we will get into the really good news, the Auburn defense!