Auburn Tigers Football: Position by Position Breakdown of the Tigers
As spring practice is winding down for the Tigers some of the position battles have begun to shape up. Some have remained the same. One thing is blatantly obvious; the Tigers are not deep at many positions. With the rumored recent departures of now Jessel Curry and Ryan Smith, the defense loses two more bodies.
Looking ahead however the talent is at an all-time high for the Tigers. How certain key position battles fill out will determine a lot of the success that the Tigers will have in the fall. This coaching staff has stated that if positions aren’t filled by fall, incoming freshmen will get the first look. That is a lot of motivation for guys that have been around for four years.
Every position has to be a strong focus for the coaching staff and breaking down “fits” isn’t always a perfect science. As A-day approaches, this is how the depth chart is looking to be shaping up.
Quarterback
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This is the most closely watched race of any team. In the SEC there are numerous offensive helms changing hands but this may be the most watched of the year. Even on a national scope this race will gain attention.
Replacing the reigning Heisman winner and also debatably the most dynamic player to play college football is no small task. As it stands today, the race is between Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley. Both of the guys have spent time in the system and should know the ropes at this point.
Moseley is on the backburner as Trotter was the number two last season, but rumors are spreading that Moseley may be looking more of the part. One thing is for sure, the competition needs to end soon. If the competition drags into the fall, Kiehl Frazier may get a serious look.
Publicly this race as listed as even, something tells me that Moseley may have the edge if he is on track mentally.
Running Back
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There is no doubt which back will get the bulk of the carries this fall. Michael Dyer will look to fill a role that is similar to the one that Ben Tate filled two years ago. McCalebb will be just as if not more dangerous next season as he will have one more year of experience and growth.
With those guys out front, Anthony Morgan was returned to running back this season to be the third guy in the rotation. Recently it was rumored that he went down to a knee injury in practice. Numerous outlets have him injuring but not tearing a knee ligament or two. This will put his development behind but a sprain not a tear is the best scenario.
Behind Morgan is a host of walk-ons led by Davis Hooper. Look for Tre Mason to be expected to step in right away and carry the ball at times this season. The slot should be a lot more active in the rushing game as well with Trovon Reed and Co.
Receiver
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Leadership in the receiver group a year ago was easy to find. This season it is being developed. DeAngelo Benton is a receiver that if he can stay healthy, can be extremely special for Auburn. Emory Blake is a guy that returns and is stepping in at the spot left empty by Darvin Adams. Blake made plays last season including a touchdown in the national championship game.
Finding fillers for the slot position has been a little more complicated. There is a sever lack of experience but a huge amount of talent. Recently, the coaching staff shifted Phillip Lutzenkirchen to the slot position that was left blank by Kodi Burns. Lutzenkirchen was a tight end a year ago.
Trovon Reed and Travante Stallworth are slot receivers that are looking to step in and add speed and athleticism to the offense. With the speedsters in the slot, the quarterback will have multiple options and the confusion in the backfield will open holes in the defense.
At the opposite outside receiver Quindarius Carr is stepping into his role. Known as a deep threat in the past, Carr is looking to improve his route running to make himself a more complete player in 2011. This starting lineup may be the best in the conference come seasons end.
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Offensive Line
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The offensive line has been a big point of concern entering the spring. The concerns will not be squelched anytime soon that’s for sure as this is a huge dynamic to figure out for Jeff Grimes.
It all starts at the center position and Blake Burgess and Reese Dismukes appear to be battling it out hard for the starting role. Burgess has been in the offense and knows the expectations. Dismukes has the size and natural ability to be a four year starter in the SEC. Burgess will play this season, but I am surprised in Dismukes doesn’t get the starting nod.
The guard positions seem to be well taken care of with senior Jared Cooper and junior John Sullen. Both have playing experience and Sullen is moving in from the outside to the inside. Execution should not be a huge drop off here.
The tackle spots are well spoken for this year as well. With A.J. Greene returning from injury and Brandon Moseley completing the transition to tackle after a stellar year in 2010, tackle will not be a weakness on the line.
The biggest questions aren’t with who will start but who will have experience. This line has seen some time in games but the backups have not. Guys like Eric Mack, Ed Christian, and Chad Slade will get time this year but their lack of experience is what makes this line a big question for the fall.
Defensive Line
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The defensive line returns one lone starter in Nosa Eguae. Eguae is an instant impact defensive end that stepped in and would have started if not for a broken foot the week before his first game as a freshman in 2009. Last year he made a ton of plays and eventually earned a starting nod.
The opposite end position seems to be in the hands of Dee Ford and Corey Lemonier. Both guys made plays last season and will develop into great players under the instruction of new line coach Mike Pelton. Backups like Craig Sanders and Joel Bonomolo will be looking to make impacts as well.
The interior line is a big concern for the Tigers this season however. Jamal Travis, Kenneth Carter and Jeffery Whitaker all have playing experience but it is minimal. The concern is not talent but depth and experience in the center.
Guys like Gabe Wright and Angelo Blackson have the chance to jump in early and make an impact this fall.
Linebackers
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The linebacker positions seem to have filled themselves out to at this point. On the interior of the line Jake Holland appears to be the starter with Eltoro Freeman playing in the reserve role. Holland received some much needed playing time last season including some minutes in the national championship game.
The outside looks to be locked up with Daren Bates and Jonathan Evans. Both Evans and Bates have played significantly in the past two seasons. Bates earned all-SEC freshman honors two years ago and Evans earned his first career start against Alabama in 2009.
The backups on the outside are young and inexperienced but extremely talented. LaDarius Owens is a guy to keep an eye on in the future.
Defensive Back
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The corner positions will be anchored by T’Sharvan Bell and Chris Davis. I would expect that Jonathan Rose and Ryan White will also see time at the corner position this fall. There is a wealth of talent at the position just a lack of experience. That will be a thing of the past after the season begins.
The safety positions have taken some shifts after the dismissal of expected starter Mike McNeil. Demetreuce McNeal has taken one of the lead roles for the replacement. Neiko Thorpe made the transition to safety from corner this spring and the move seems to be a great fit.
Thorpe always had trouble with his field vision but the move seemed to fix those issues. With players like Anthony Swain and Robenson Therezie coming in, the safety position will be in good hands.
Specialists
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The kicker and punter will have a total different look this season as both have been pretty good friends to Auburn in the past. Auburn has been spoiled with talented field goal kickers the past few years and Cody Parkey is rumored to be one more in the line of stellar kickers. Until he hits a game winner, the jury is still out.
Steven Clark is stepping in at the punter position and saw some time last season. He was far from impressive in the few punts that he did take part in but he was a freshman. Hopefully for Auburn Clark gets his head and leg in line so that he can be effective burying teams next season.
The punt return position has been a thorn in the side of Auburn fans and coaches alike the past few seasons. Quindarius Carr is the leader at the position and hopefully will make wise decisions this coming season.
Kickoff returns will most likely be fielded by Onterio McCalebb and a host of other speedsters. Trovon Reed may be in line for the job alongside McCalebb.
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