Auburn Football: 5 Players With Something to Prove in Spring Practice

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Alex Kozan (63) tries to hear the play call while in the huddle with tackle Greg Robinson (73) center Reese Dismukes (50) and tackle Avery Young (56) against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Dampeer, C

The top ranked junior college center in the 2014 recruiting class, Xavier Dampeer was the backup to All-American, Remington Award winning center Reese Dismukes in 2014 and was originally expected to simply slide into the role as the starter in 2015.

However, the rising senior played in just five games last season – only one of them (against FCS opponent Samford) coming in the season’s last seven contests. And instead of taking over for Dismukes on Day 1 of the spring, Dampeer is likely to be challenged by 2013 Freshman All-American guard Alex Kozan or Ole Miss transfer Austin Golson for the spot.

Kozan missed the entire 2014 season with a back injury, and Golson wasn’t eligible to play due to transfer rules, though both are talented enough to start at multiple positions, and should be capable of handling the roles and responsibilities at center. Kozan will be limited this spring as he continues to rehab his back injury.

With Shon Coleman and Avery Young returning as full-time starters, guard Devonte Danzey having played in all 13 games and making seven starts last season and Braden Smith expected to start somewhere, it’s likely that offensive line coach J.B. Grimes gives Kozan and Golson a good, long look at center.

That means the pressure is squarely on Dampeer to beat them out.

Next: Derrick Moncrief