The Auburn football team is in their third week of spring practice, nearly halfway through spring training. The time is being used primarily for the new coaching staff to get to know their players, and for the players to get the feel for the new coaching style and prepare to learn the new schemes later on.
So far, the reviews of the quarterbacks have not been glowing, but head coach Hugh Freeze remains insistent that there is still hope for improvement. Several members of the defense are proving themselves as standouts, and there is every indication that the offensive line will be much improved from last year.
However, two players that started off as big contributors last season will miss out on the rest of spring practice due to injury. Junior center Tate Johnson, who Freeze mentioned as an emerging leader on the team earlier this month, suffered a dislocated elbow, and senior wide receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr. is dealing with a collarbone injury.
The elbow woes are nothing new for Johnson, who missed out on most of last season with an elbow injury that required surgery. He stepped up to become the starting senior after the unexpected medical retirement of senior Nick Brahms.
Meanwhile, injuries have plagued Johnson Jr. throughout his time on the Plains, and he missed several games in the 2022 season. According to Auburn Undercover, the receiver is likely to return to full health in June. Over his two years with Auburn football, Johnson Jr. has totaled eight receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown in addition to four carries for 28 yards.
While there are plenty of guys that have the opportunity to step up in the wide receiver room, it’s no small deal to lose Tate Johnson, who was taking first-team reps at left guard this spring.