Auburn Football: Four Under the Radar Players to Watch This Spring

Justin Garrett, Linebacker? Safety?

Speaking of players without a position, senior Justin Garrett may feel that way at the beginning of spring practice. Garrett played in 13 games last season and started twice in the now defunct Star hybrid safety/linebacker position under former Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson.

Now, with Will Muschamp leading the Tigers on defense, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound Stone Mountain, Georgia native will need to learn a whole new role and set of responsibilities either as a linebacker or a safety.

At this point, Garrett appears to be a better fit at linebacker, especially since the coaching staff is moving former safety Derrick Moncrief to linebacker. However, because of his background as a defensive back, and with the Tigers relatively inexperienced in the secondary behind returning starters Jonathan Jones, Johnathan Ford and Joshua Holsey along with Georgia transfer Tray Matthews, safety isn’t out of the question for Garrett.

Once spring practice begins Tuesday afternoon we’ll learn where Muschamp feels Garrett is the best fit at this early point. Garrett could compete for a starting spot at linebacker, along with rising sophomore Tre’ Williams, senior Kenny Flowers and junior JaViere Mitchell, and at the very least should provide Muschamp and the Tigers with a competent reserve at whatever position he plays.

Next: Melvin Ray