Auburn Football: 2015 Spring Practice Preview
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers tight end C.J. Uzomah (81) reacts after he scored a touchdown with tight end Hunter Wood (37) against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tight End/H-Backs
Returning Starters: None
Returning Players: Chris Laye (RFr.), Spencer Smith (Jr.), Hunter Wood (So.), Gage Batten (So.), Kyle Sitzler (RFr.)
Newcomers: Chandler Cox (Fr./EE)
Departures: C.J. Uzomah (Sr.), Brandon Fulse (Sr.)
It’s a position that flies under the radar, especially when Auburn must replace so many other valuable pieces of the offense from last season, including the starting quarterback, starting running back, playmaking wide receiver and All-American center, but the Tigers’ least experienced position on the entire roster is tight end.
C.J. Uzomah and Brandon Fulse played both tight end and H-back for Gus Malzahn last season, and the pair were solid if not spectacular. Uzomah saw more of the spotlight, especially as a pass catcher, but Fulse did a lot of the dirty work between the tackles as a lead blocker. Though Fulse was criticized at times last season for his blocking, his experience will be missed.
RELATED: 2015 Auburn Football Recruiting Class Player Profiles
Heading into the spring, this position is WIDE open. Chris Laye, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound redshirt freshman, has the inside track, but Hunter Wood, Gage Batten and early enrollee Chandler Cox – more of a fullback than tight end – will compete for playing time as well. A dark horse is redshirt freshman running back Kamryn Pettway.
EDIT: Head coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday that Gage Batten has left the team and Kamryn Pettway will officially move to H-Back.
Next: Offensive Line