Auburn Football: 2015 Spring Practice Preview
Nov 9, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive linesman Alex Kozan (63) gets set to block for Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall (14) as he rushes away from Tennessee Volunteers defensive back JaRon Toney (35) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Auburn won 55-23. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Line
Returning Starters: Avery Young (Jr.), Shon Coleman (Jr.), Devonte Danzey (Sr.)
Returning Players: Alex Kozan (Jr.), Braden Smith (So.), Xavier Dampeer (Sr.), Austin Golson (So.), Deon Mix (So.), Robert Leff (Jr.)
Newcomers: Tyler Carr (Fr./EE), Bailey Sharp (Fr./EE), Austin Golson (So. – Transfer)
Departures: Reese Dismukes (Sr.), Chad Slade (Sr.), Patrick Miller (Jr.)
The biggest question mark for the Tigers on offense heading into the 2015 season is center. Reese Dismukes started 50 games over the last four seasons, earning All-American honors and the Remington Trophy along the way. This spring, senior Xavier Dampeer and possibly Alex Kozan and Austin Golson will compete to replace Dismukes.
Kozan (a Freshman All-American in 2013 at guard) and Golson both missed all of last season – Kozan with a back injury and Golson after transferring from Ole Miss. Both are talented enough to start, so they’ll be given every opportunity to find a spot somewhere, if not center. The same can be said for tackle Braden Smith, who earned his first career start at tackle in the Outback Bowl after seeing most of his playing time as a short-yardage tight end as a true freshman.
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Avery Young and Shon Coleman each started all 14 games last season, and give the Tigers one of the best tackle duos in the SEC. However, there are rumblings that Young will shift to guard and Smith will play right tackle. Devonte Danzey saw extended playing time at guard in the middle of the season and will compete with Kozan for a starting role.
Next: Defensive Line