Auburn Football: 2015 Spring Practice Preview

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Oct 25, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Kris Frost (17) reacts at the start of the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers

Returning Starters: Cassanova McKinzy (Sr.), Kris Frost (Sr.)

Returning Players: Tre’ Williams (So.), JaViere Mitchell (Jr.), Kenny Flowers (Sr.), Justin Garrett (Sr.)

Newcomers: Cameron Toney (So. – H-Back), Derrick Moncrief (Sr. – Safety)

Departures: Khari Harding (Jr. – Transfer), Anthony Swain (Sr. – Retired)

Finally, a position in which the Tigers return a solid group of experienced players. Two of the Tigers’ biggest recruits this off-season were Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost, who both flirted with the idea of leaving early for the NFL.

With both back, Will Muschamp will have a solid foundation with an experienced set of linebackers to build upon this spring. Add former five-star prospect Tre’ Williams and rising seniors Justin Garrett (who started twice at Star last season) and Kenny Flowers returning as well, it’s the deepest group on the roster – even with the transfer of Khari Harding to Tulsa and the departure of top reserve Anthony Swain.

RELATED: Linebacker Depth Chart Projections

Muschamp even added a couple of players with Cameron Toney returning from a brief stint as an H-Back and Derrick Moncrief, who is expected to move to linebacker from safety.

Like the defensive line, however, it’s yet to be seen exactly where everyone fits. McKinzy is a natural at middle linebacker, but Frost could play any of the three starting positions. Williams is the most talented of the group, but he struggled to grasp the playbook as a true freshman and must learn a new system in his second year on campus. We should learn a lot about the linebackers this spring.

Next: Defensive Backs