Today is an off day for the Auburn football team. Their first full day in pads will be on Wednesday. The Tigers are then scheduled to have their first preseason camp scrimmage on Friday. Heading into this week, Auburn Undercover wants to spotlight some things we want to keep our eyes on.
GET PREMIUM ACCESS BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OUR FALL CAMP SPECIAL
Running Back
Will Omar Mabson solidify himself behind projected starter Jeremiah Cobb? During last weeks’ practices, Mabson got significant reps with the second group. He has also been praised by the coaching staff for the work he has put in during the offseason. Auburn head coach Alex Golesh said last week that Mabson is on a mission to win a job. Golesh added that Mabson has pushed his fellow running backs to get on his level.
During the media viewing period of practice last week, it appeared that that two of those other running backs may have taken that challenge. Senior transfer Tae Meadows and sophomore Alvin Henderson have seemingly impressed the coaches and were taking reps ahead of transfers Bryson Washington and Nykahi Davenport.
Wide Receiver
Auburn wide receiver’s coach Kodi Burns told the media last week he is hoping to have a nine-deep rotation. As the rest of the pads go on this week, the question will be who will separate themselves from the pack and where on the field will they play? Most of the eyes are on the guys who played for Coach Golesh and Burns at USF and transferred to Auburn. Keshaun Singleton, Jeremiah Koger, and Chas Nimrod figure to be the prominant options. Bryce Cain and DeShawn Spencer are also fighting for reps with Christian Neptune hopefully returning from injury by week 1. Burns feels whatever combination of guys he puts out there they will be able to compete on the field with anybody and said as much last week.
Tight End
Auburn undercover noticed during last week’s practices that transfer Arlis Boardingham was taking reps behind projected starter Jake Johnson. Two questions come to mind heading into this week and Friday’s scrimmage. In a room full of talented newcomers, can Boardingham solidify the backup spot on the depth chart behind Johnson? Second, can Jonathan Echols and Xavier Newsom respond and fight their way into position for significant playing time as well?
Offensive Line
This is one position group Coach Golesh feels will begin to solidify this week. Last week, Cole Best, Jo Simmons and Stanton Ramil were taking starter reps together. With Best being the projected starter at center and Ramil at one of the tackle spots the question is who will fill out the front around them? Simmons told the media he feels comfortable playing on either side of the line as well as being able to slide inside or outside. Both he and Best said having Ramil back on the field is bringing a huge asset to the room. Best also spoke highly of Cole Skinner, Deryc Plazz, and Kenneth McManus. Jacob Strand has also received positive first week buzz. It will be interesting to see which combination of players make up the starting five as the competition continues.
Defensive Line
Unlike its offensive counterpart, this position group will rely more on returning players and not be completely dependent on transfers. However, those returning players, though talented, are still young and have just a few starts under their belt. Some of the names DJ Durkin has talked about are Malik Autry, Jourdin Crawford and Jared Smith. Smith, in particular, was very impressive in drill work during the media viewing period last week. Auburn Undercover also noticed Dallas Walker receiving a high volume of reps last week and appeared to be in excellent shape as camp began. During a portion of Saturday’s practice, Auburn Undercover observed Cody Sigler receiving treatment, although it did not appear to be a major issue. Sigler has received rave reviews from coaches and his teammates since transferring in during the offseason.
Secondary
As last week’s practices came to a close, safety Sylvester Smith-Reed was still in an orange non-contact jersey. That will be something to follow this week and how involved he is in the rotation. AnQuon Fegans is still rehabbing an injury. He did not participate fully in team drills but did workout on his own. Auburn Undercover will monitor his practice status throughout the week. Those injuries will allow other guys to get opportunities for reps. USF transfer Fred Gaskin is one guy who seemed to take advantage of his opportunity in week one at the safety position. The cornerback position remains wide open behind probable starters Andre Jordan Jr. and Rayshawn Pleasant. After the offseason transfers of both starters and two other backups, this room was always going to take awhile to shake itself out.
There will be media viewing periods for practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Additionally, Auburn Undercover will be able to speak with coaches and players after each practice, including Friday’s scrimmage. Co-Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks is slated to speak to the media tomorrow. On Wednesday, Running Backs Coach Larry Porter and Special Teams Coordinator Jacob Bronowski are scheduled to be available after practice. Defensive Line coach Vontrell King-Williams and offensive line coach Tyler Hudanick plan to speak Thursday. Head Coach Alex Golesh is scheduled to wrap up the week after Friday’s scrimmage.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
