At Auburn Football Spring Practice, Marked Improvement the Norm

ElToro Freeman, Nick Fairley. and De Angelo Benton are starting to live up to expectations. The quarterback competition rages on with all four participants getting reps. Team fitness becomes an obvious asset. 

There are so many developments to report that they really need to be sectioned off. Thus this week we will take a look one unit at the time. This will allow for better coverage.

Quarterbacks

Gus Malzhan has officially stated that the quarterbacks are well ahead of this time last year. This was obvious to anyone that has witnessed them work out. Auburn will have a good quarterback this year. The only question that remains is which will it be?

While I have been hesitant to list a front runner in this competition, there are certain things that have become apparent. With the entire group having good success with the fundamentals, Cameron Newton certainly has the strongest arm and fastest legs.

Offensive Line

Mike Berry is out of spring practice recovering from minor knee surgery. Roszell Gayden  and Brandon Mosley are competing for the right tackle spot. It looks like Auburn will be strong and have depth at that position. All four other offensive line positions have starters returning. This is going to be a very good offensive line for Auburn in 2010.

Running Back

Mario Fannin is quite at home in the premiere running back role. He looks as if this might be his year.  Onterio McCalebb has returned in tremendous physical condition.  He has certainly reduced his chances of being injured with his hard off season work.

Auburn fans can relax. There will be no let down at this position in 2010. 

Receivers

Darvin Adams has competition. DeAngelo Benton looks ready to produce in 2010. It looks as if these two will hold down one side next season. Terrell Zachery and Quindarius Carr are on the other side for now.

This Auburn receiving unit looks to be a sure and certain strength in 2010. This unit is full of human highlight reels. Confidence has grown through the entire unit.

Defensive Line

Nick Fairley has become the defensive tackle Auburn fans expected him to be. His rips have improved markedly. He is going to be a handful to contend with in the middle in 2010. Mike Blanc is back in good form as well. 

Defensive end is looking to be a strong point for Auburn. Dee Ford has picked up some strength and weight. Nosa Eguea is improving daily.  It is obvious that Auburn will start 2010 in much better shape than 2009 at this position.

Antoine Carter is practicing Coleman’s vacated spot with Dee Ford backing him up. Michael Goggins is playing Carter’s vacated position with Nosa Eugae backing him up. This appears to be a very effective set up.

Defensive Backs

Mike McNeil was taking full contact this week. His leg appears to be ready after breaking it last year.

Linebackers

Craig Stevens has moved to weak side linebacker this spring. Eltoro Freeman is on the strong side. Freeman has turned heads this spring. He has shown exponential improvement. Daren Bates is still out recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum. He is expected to be ready for fall practice.

The starting set of Freeman, Bynes, Stevens is very impressive indeed. Auburn fans are going to be pleased with the improvement from this unit.

Conclusion

The Auburn team starts week two of spring practice improved in every area over 2009. This is not small improvement, but marked improvement. This is not the 2009 Auburn Tigers, nor are they the Out Back Bowl winning Auburn team. 

It is apparent already that Auburn will take the field as a much more formidable football team in 2010. The players attitudes and outlook are good. They have a certain confidence and swagger. Their physical conditioning improvement is nothing less than remarkable. 

A DAY is going to be fun to watch. It will put a gauge on exactly how much this team has improved. A Day is April 17 and tickets are $5.00. There is going to be no better entertainment value any time soon.

Tickets can be purchased here . This is going to be a very impressive event this year.