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

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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T.J. Davis, Cornerback

In most cases, there is a lot of optimism when a team returns three starters in the secondary from the previous season. However, when that team allowed 230.1 passing yards per game and ranked 13th in the SEC, there is less to be excited about.

Part of the problem for the Tigers struggles in pass defense last season was the lack of a consistent pass rush. Auburn had just 21 total sacks last year, which meant opposing quarterbacks were often able to pick their spots and find open receivers without much pressure from oncoming defensive linemen or blitzing linebackers.

However, the defensive backs also played a big role.

Jonathan Jones earned All-SEC second team honors last year for his six interceptions, but even Jones had a handful of noticeable busted coverage situations in 2014. Jones is an overwhelming favorite to start at cornerback again in 2015, but several players will compete to earn the starting role opposite him.

Joshua Holsey will begin spring practice at corner after playing safety most of last season, but T.J. Davis has as good chance as anyone to earn the starting nod, especially with new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson giving everyone a clean slate this spring.

Davis had just six tackles, half a tackle for a loss and one pass breakup as a sophomore in 2014, but at 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds he’s the tallest cornerback on the roster. His size would be a valuable asset to Muschamp – who prefers to play man-to-man coverage when possible, and especially on third downs.

If Davis can handle the new playbook, he could be a surprise starter in 2015.

Next: Auburn Football: 2015 Spring Practice Preview

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