Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman DaVonte Lambert (86) Ben Bradley (50) Gabe Wright (90) Jeffrey Whitaker (54) and Angelo Blackson (98) celebrate at the conclusion of the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Auburn defeated Ole Miss 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The Best of the Rest
Losing seniors Gabe Wright, Angelo Blackson, Ben Bradley, Jeffrey Whitaker to graduation is a blow to the depth of the Auburn defensive line. However, as for the other options at defensive tackle, there are plenty of players to choose from.
While the nose guard has some slightly different responsibilities, players like junior college transfer Maurice Swain and redshirt freshman Dontavius Russell are likely to cross train at the defensive tackle position – especially if neither wins the starting spot at nose.
Betsided
In fact, Swain or Russell could very well emerge as the starter at defensive tackle if they prove to be one of the best four defensive linemen on the roster.
Again, Muschamp wants to get the best players on the field.
Additionally, if redshirt freshman Andrew Williams adds weight to his 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame, he could make an impact as an interior defensive lineman. When he signed as a four-star prospect from McDonough, Georgia, Williams was believed to be talented enough to contribute immediately. With a year on campus with practices, weight training and a dietary plan, he should be physically ready for 2015.
Finally, this weekend is one of the biggest Auburn recruiting events in recent memory, and a star-studded group of talented high school players will be in attendance. Auburn has a shot to land highly touted defensive end Byron Cowart, among others, which would impact what positions current Tigers will play in 2015.
The Tigers are long shots to sign five-star defensive linemen Daylon Mack, Terry Beckner Jr., and CeCe Jefferson, but doing so would add some much needed talent to defensive front seven, create depth for the unit, and put Auburn in a position to play solid defense in 2015 and beyond.
Next: Recruits: The Top 12 Uncommitted AU Targets & Odds They Sign
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