Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections – Nose Guard

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Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn speaks with an official to challenge a call during the first quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Jauntavius Johnson

When he was first hired, Muschamp was asked about the success he’s had as an SEC defensive coordinator, as well as the defensive success his Florida teams had when Muschamp was the head coach in Gainesville.

“We have been pretty good where we have been but we have also had some pretty good players,” Mushcamp said. “What it comes down to is players.”

As of now, the 2015 Auburn recruiting class is light on impact players on the defensive side of the football, especially on the defensive line. In fact, Jauntavius Johnson is the only high school defensive lineman currently committed to the Tigers.

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Listed at 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Johnson has the size to contribute at nose guard as a true freshman, we just don’t know if he has the talent. Johnson is a consensus three-star recruit, and though stars don’t mean much once the whistle blows, Johnson must improve his technique at the collegiate level.

The Lincoln, Alabama native, is raw and succeeded in high school because he was bigger and stronger than everyone he played. Of course, offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference will give Johnson a lot of trouble if he loses leverage by playing too high.

Simply, Johnson won’t be able to push blockers around or bull rush them on every down like he did in high school. If he can develop a larger tool box this fall, he may play in 2015 because Muschamp and Auburn need interior linemen. If not, he’s a redshirt candidate.

A few other players could be in the mix as well, including Devaroe Lawrence, Elijah Daniel and Andrew Williams, though defensive tackle probably suits them better. One dark horse candidate to watch is center Xavier Dampeer, who played defensive tackle before moving to offensive line. It’s unlikely, but if Dampeer doesn’t win the starting spot at center, he could move back to defense.

Next: Will Muschamp Makes the Best Use of His Players

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