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Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections – Strong Side Outside Linebacker

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27) is tackled by Auburn Tigers linebacker Anthony Swain (43) during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat LSU 41-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Swain

After Frost, the depth chart gets a little murky. Upcoming sophomore Tre Williams has elite talent and is likely to emerge as a starter on the weak side – though he’ll have to beat out Anthony Swain for the position. Even if Williams wins a spot in the starting lineup, Swain will have plenty of opportunities to play as a backup middle linebacker or on the strong side.

That said, it’s important to note this isn’t NCAA Football 14. You can’t just insert a player at any spot and expect he’ll do just fine. It’s a lot to ask for a linebacker to learn the roles and responsibilities of three different positions, even if they are all called “linebacker.”

Still, Swain might be called upon to do exactly that.

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    • At 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, Swain is a big linebacker. His measurables fit the middle linebacker mold, but he’s also got the physical tools to play close to the line of scrimmage and take on tight ends in a “nine-technique,” as well as pulling guards or fullbacks.

    But in order to play such a diverse role and multiple positions, he’ll need to avoid the trouble that cost him 15 practices in the spring of 2014. Whatever team rules Swain broke in order to be suspended last spring were never disclosed, but it put him at the bottom of the depth chart in fall camp.

    However, he stepped up then to work his way back in to his coaches good graces, and can step up again for the new defensive coaching staff.

    “He’s responded well. He’s earned his way back,” head coach Gus Malzahn said in October. “He’s got experience, he’s got some big-game experience.”

    Swain played in all 13 games in 2014, including his first career start in the LSU game, and finished the season with 18 tackles, three tackles for a loss and a sack. Surprisingly, he tied for the team lead with 17 quarterback hurries, which also makes him a very intriguing option on the strong side.

    In fact, it’s possible that the Gadsden, Alabama native may impress Muschamp enough with his pass rushing ability that he earns the starting spot on the strong side, which would in turn move the more athletic Frost to WLB.

    Next: Kenny Flowers

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