“Through the first 8 days there are a group of guys that are separating themselves. I think it’s close right now especially inside. We are continuing to build depth at the tackle spot. Inside I think there is competition at both guard spots,” Auburn offensive line coach Tyler Hudanick said after thie morning’s practice.
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One of the veterans at the top of that list is USF transfer Cole Skinner. Skinner believes it’s the Tigers’s defense that makes them better each and every day.
“Me going against Cody Sigler every single day, Darrion Smith, those guys are dogs. Even though Darrion is not the biggest, he is so athletic. He gets me better every single day. I go up to him after practice. Him, Cody all the defensive line and I thank them every single day.”
Having played for Head Coach Alex Golesh and offensive coordinator Joel Gordon at USF, Skinner is very aware of the expectations on the offensive side of the ball, starting with playing at a fast pace. He said preparing to go at warp speed starts before even hitting the practice field.
“You have to have composure all the time. That starts in the meeting rooms. When we are getting called on in meetings we are expected to answer fast. How fast our offense goes, you get a play call, two seconds later you are running the ball. You gotta know this stuff ice cold. When you get out there in live bullets you’re prepared for it.”
Some other players that Hudanick mentioned that are in the mix to possibly see substantial playing time include Deryc Plazz, Jack Leyrer, Jacobe’ Ward, and Kenneth McManus. He added the coaches are not looking solely at experience but the work ethic of each player.
“The toughest dudes. The guys who go out there and play the hardest, toughest and smartest will be the guys that play. May not be the biggest or fastest. If you are tough and smart I’m gonna figure out a way to use you.”
In recent years, the offensive line has been a group that has held Auburn back offensively. Skinner feels they have the right group of guys to change this narrative in 2026.
“You have great leaders in there. You have a bunch of guys that are willing to follow. We just need to keep stacking days together every single day. We can be the best o-line in the country as long as we keep doing that.”
Skinner and his offensive line mates will have an opportunity to prove themselves during tomorrow’s first scrimmage of preseason camp. Hudanick should have a few more answers about those last couple of position battles by tomorrow afternoon.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
