Auburn Football: 2015 Spring Practice Preview

Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 19, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver Ricardo Louis (5) carries the ball during the first half of the A-Day spring game at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn Football Spring Practice Preview

The 2015 Auburn football season is more than six months away, but spring practice begins this week on the Plains. The Tigers will practice fifteen times this spring, beginning Tuesday March 10 and concluding with a final session on Monday April 20 following the A-Day spring game April 18.

Set to a bit of a different schedule than previous spring camps, head coach Gus Malzhan and his staff determined the Tigers would practice five times in just over a week and then take Spring Break with the rest of the campus community. After 11 days away from the practice field, Auburn will return for ten practices over the final 20 days.

The Tigers released a complete list of practice dates late last week:

"Tuesday, March 10, 3:30 PM Thursday, March 12, 3:30 PM Saturday, March 14, 11:15 AM, Jordan-Hare Stadium Tuesday, March 17, 3:30 PM Thursday, March 19, 3:30 PM Tuesday, March 31, 3:30 PM Thursday, April 2, 3:30 PM Saturday, April 4, 11:15 AM, Jordan-Hare Stadium Tuesday, April 7, 3:30 PM Thursday, April 9, 3:30 PM Saturday, April 11, 11:15 AM, Jordan-Hare Stadium Tuesday, April 14, 3:30 PM Thursday, April 16, 3:30 PM Saturday, April 18, A-Day, 1 PM, Jordan-Hare Stadium Monday, April 20, 3:30 PM"

With at least one day off between each practice, the Auburn football coaching staff is taking their time this spring. New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and his coaches will install a new defensive system that is sure to be the talk of the spring (and summer, probably).

“He’s going to install his defense from the ground up, and spring is going to be that foundation where he’s laying the foundation, so it’s very important,” Malzahn said last week during the Tigers’ Pro Day.

There are a lot of questions, especially who will play where as the Tigers transition from Ellis Johnson’s 4-2-5 to Muschamp’s multiple 4-3.

“He’ll decide all that,” Malzahn said. “He’s been there, done this before, and like I’ve said numerous times before, I believe he’s the best in the business at doing it, so we’re looking forward to spring, and him implementing his defense.”

But of course there is much to look forward to on each side of the football – and several questions that must be answered before the Tigers play Louisville in the season opener in the Georgia Dome.

Next: Quarterbacks

Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jeremy Johnson (6) passes the ball during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Returning Starters: None

Returning Players: Jeremy Johnson (Jr.), Sean White (RFr.), Jonathan Wallace (Sr.)

Newcomers: Jason Smith (JC/EE), Tyler Queen (Fr./EE)

Departures: Nick Marshall (Sr.)

It’s never easy to replace a two-year starter at quarterback, especially one as productive as Nick Marshall. During his junior and senior seasons at Auburn, Marshall threw for a combined 4,508 yards, 34 touchdowns and 13 touchdowns and added 1,866 yards and 23 TDs on the ground and led the Tigers to the 2013 SEC Championship and a spot in the national title game. Simply put, it’s one of the best careers ever by an Auburn quarterback, statistically speaking.

However, with rising junior Jeremy Johnson in the fold, the Tigers should have a smooth transition – even if Johnson isn’t technically the starter yet.

“The first day, he’ll take the first reps, but every position is going to be open,” Gus Malzahn said early last week following Auburn’s Pro Day. “That’s the great thing about spring. We’re going to put the ball down, let guys compete. You know, we’ve got a bunch of young, inexperienced guys that we think are going to be very good football players, but in the spring, that’s when you evaluate everything and give everybody a chance to compete for positions.”

He’ll compete with redshirt freshman Sean White, but don’t be surprised if Johnson is officially named the starter by A-Day.

Next: Running Backs

Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Roc Thomas (9) carries the ball during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Returning Starters: None

Returning Players: Roc Thomas (So.), Peyton Barber (So.), Kamryn Pettway (RFr.)

Newcomers: Jovon Robinson (JC/EE)

Departures: Cameron Artis-Payne (Sr.), Corey Grant (Sr.)

Similar to quarterback, the Auburn running backs are relatively inexperienced but have huge potential. In fact, there are many Auburn football fans that believe the Tigers may actually have improved at both positions from an overall talent standpoint.

Sure, Auburn must replace Cameron Artis-Payne, who was the SEC’s leading rusher last season with 1,608 yards. Artis-Payne wasn’t just good, his senior performance ranked fourth among all Tigers rushing totals in a single-season. It’s not like Malzahn can just plug anyone in the backfield and expect to replace that kind of output.

However, with two five-stars waiting in the wings, Malzahn doesn’t have just anyone.

Jovon Robinson joined the team in time for Outback Bowl practices after completing his academic requirements at Georgia Military College. The top ranked junior college player in the nation, Robinson is an immediate impact player capable of capturing All-SEC honors – or perhaps more. Sophomore to be Roc Thomas, who had 228 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman, is also capable of big things.

Thomas and Robinson will compete for the top spot on the depth chart into fall camp, and potentially into the regular season similar to Artis-Payne and Grant last season.

Next: Wide Receivers

Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver D’haquille Williams (1) walks onto the field prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

Returning Starters: D’haquille Williams (Sr.), Ricardo Louis (Sr.)

Returning Players: Marcus Davis (Jr.), Melvin Ray (Sr.), Tony Stevens (Jr.), Stanton Truitt (RFr.), Myron Burton, Jr. (RFr.)

Newcomers: None for spring

Departures: Sammie Coates (Jr.), Quan Bray (Sr.)

Duke Williams is one of the best receivers in college football, and this spring he’ll work to build chemistry with new quarterback Jeremy Johnson. Together, the pair has a chance to give Auburn one of the nation’s most dynamic passing attacks in the nation.

In the first two years of the Gus Malzahn era, Nick Marshall and Sammie Coates were always a big play waiting to happen, but Johnson to Williams can be much more consistent, and potentially more dangerous to opponents.

In addition to Williams, Johnson will have big play threat Ricardo Louis (who interestingly enough is Auburn’s leading returning rusher with 220 yards on just 18 carries). Louis started five games last season and was often used in the slot.

He’ll start there or on the outside in 2015, and Melvin Ray and Marcus Davis will compete to be the third starter in the receiving corps. Quarterbacks Jonathan Wallace and Jason Smith could potentially contribute as wideouts as well.

Next: Tight Ends/H-Backs

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.

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

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.

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

Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Carl Lawson (55) reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn Tigers won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

Returning Starters: Montravius Adams (Jr.), DaVonte Lambert (Sr. – Out for Spring), Gimel President (Jr.)

Returning Players: Carl Lawson (So.), Elijah Daniel (Jr.), Devaroe Lawrence (Jr.), Raashed Kennion (So.), Dontavius Russell (RFr.), Andrew Williams (RFr.), Justin Thornton (RFr.)

Newcomers: Maurice Swain (JC/EE)

Departures: Gabe Wright (Sr.), Ben Bradley (Sr.), LaDarius Owens (Sr.), Angelo Blackson (Sr.), Jeff Whitaker (Sr.)

One of the most intriguing position groups heading into spring practice is the defensive line. Not only are Auburn football fans eagerly awaiting Muschamp’s new defensive system, and specifically the famous “Buck” hybrid linebacker/defensive end spot, but the Tigers have a lot of talent and much to be determined as far as what positions they will play.

Four defensive tackles graduated from the 2014 roster, which leaves Montravius Adams as the lone experienced interior lineman. Therefore, it won’t be a shock to see Muschamp and D-Line coach Rodney Garner try out a few defensive ends inside, including Elijah Daniel and Gimel President. With Carl Lawson returning from a knee injury (and likely to play the Buck), the Tigers have a lot of depth on the outside.

Muschamp will certainly get a feel for the different skill sets of his defensive linemen this spring, but with Lambert out as he continues to rehab a torn ACL and with Byron Cowart – the nation’s highest rated high school prospect – yet to enroll, this unit will be a long way from settled.

Next: Linebackers

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.

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

Oct 25, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) intercepts a pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks receiver Shaq Roland (4) during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Gamecocks 42-35. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Backs

Returning Starters: Jonathan Jones (Sr.), Joshua Holsey (Sr.), Johnathan Ford (Jr.)

Returning Players: T.J. Davis (Jr.), Markell Bostin (RFr.), Stephen Roberts (So.), Nick Ruffin (So.) Joseph Turner (Jr.)

Newcomers: Tim Irvin (Fr./EE), Tray Matthews (So. – Transfer)

Departures: Jonathon Mincy (Sr.), Trovon Reed (Sr.), Brandon King (Sr.), Robenson Therezie (Sr.), Jermaine Whitehead (Sr.), Mackenro Alexander (So. – Transfer), Kalvaraz Bessent (RFr. – Transfer)

Much like the rest of the defense, there is a lot of speculation as to who will play what positions in the secondary next season, even with three returning starters. There are many possible combinations and the biggest concern is finding a cornerback to start alongside 2014 All-SEC Second Team performer Jonathan Jones.

Josh Holsey has experience playing corner, but saw much more playing time at safety in 2014. Johnathan “Rudy” Ford started all 14 games at safety last season and led the Tigers in tackles a year ago, but as one of the fastest players on the roster, could also be a candidate to play cornerback. With Georgia transfer Tray Matthews eligible to play after sitting out in 2014, expect either Ford or Holsey to start at corner while the other mans a safety spot.

Beyond those four, the Tigers will have a solid group of young DBs in the rotation, and several could compete for extended playing time or a spot in the starting lineup. T.J. Davis played a lot at corner last season, and Stephen Roberts and Nick Ruffin saw the field some as true freshmen.

Next: Special Teams

Sep 27, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers punter Daniel Carlson (38) kicks against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams

Returning Starters: Daniel Carlson (So.)

Returning Players: Alex Kviklys (Sr.)

Newcomers: None for Spring

Departures: Matthew Shiel (So. – Transfer), Jimmy Hutchinson (So. – Transfer), Quan Bray (Sr.), Corey Grant (Sr.), Forrest Hill (Sr.)

Daniel Carlson handled the vast majority of kicking duties last season, including the placekicking duties on field goals and extra points, punting and kickoffs. The coaching staff tried to limit Carlson’s duties at times by sending Alex Kviklys to handle some kickoffs or Jimmy Hutchinson or Matthew Shiel to punt every once in a while, but none were as consistent as Carlson, so the rising sophomore largely acted alone among the specialists.

Hutchinson and Shiel have both transferred, which means Carlson and Kviklys will be the only specialists with game experience. Recent signee Ian Shannon will join the team this summer, and as a scholarship punter will have an opportunity to play immediately in hopes resting Carlson from time to time.

The Tigers will also be without top punt returner (and two time 2014 SEC Special Teams Player of the Week) Quan Bray, as well as kick returner Corey Grant. Roc Thomas and Ricardo Louis saw some action as a kick returner in 2014, and may work there again this spring. Candidates at punt return include Stanton Truitt and Tim Irvin, though we’re sure to see some surprises as well.

Also, the Tigers will be without long snapper Forrest Hill, who graduated. Michael Sulka is listed as a long snapper on the roster, and will likely have a chance to replace Hill.

Next: Spring SEC Running Back Power Rankings

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Nicholas Ian Allen