re: Offensive line discussion

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One of Auburn's candidates for the starting center position will not be fully cleared by the start of fall practice next month, and it could impact how the competition at that position shakes out ahead of the Tigers' season opener against Washington.

Redshirt freshman Nick Brahms, who broke his leg during spring practices, will be "somewhat limited" when Auburn opens fall camp on Aug. 3, according to coach Gus Malzahn.

"We're hoping that he is able to do something as far as fall camp is concerned," Malzahn said Thursday at SEC Media Days in Atlanta.

Brahms spent the spring competing with redshirt junior Kaleb Kim for the Tigers' starting center job, and both sustained injuries during spring. Kim sprained his right ankle late in the spring and was held out of Auburn's A-Day game, though Malzahn said Thursday that Kim "will be ready to go full throttle" for the start of fall camp.

With Brahms limited and no clear timetable for when he will be 100 percent, Kim is expected to get the bulk of the first-team reps when camp begins in two weeks. Former tight end Tucker Brown, who worked at center in the spring as well, and right guard Mike Horton will also see time at center this fall.

"I thought (Brown) did a very solid job, and then Kaleb Kim, and you know, Mike Horton has the flexibility to do some snapping too," Malzahn said. "I know (offensive line) coach (J.B.) Grimes will have a plan for that."

The Tigers will enter the fall with three positions along the line solidified: Prince Tega Wanogho Jr. at left tackle, Marquel Harrell at left guard and Horton at right guard. Right tackle, where Austin Troxell, Calvin Ashley and grad transfer Jack Driscoll are vying for the starting job, and center, remain to be determined. Neither Kim nor Brahms have started a game at center for Auburn. Brahms, a former four-star recruit, redshirted last season, while Kim has appeared in 10 games over the last two years, including seven last season in a reserve role.

Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey told AL.com earlier this week that establishing the starting five up front will be the first thing the Tigers address this fall. Grimes said this summer that he hopes to have a starting five solidified in the second half of camp, while Malzahn said the team hopes to determine a starting center "as soon as possible."

"I sit there and look at our offensive line, and from a big-picture standpoint, that group, identifying who they are and start working together and jell together, I think that's really going to be a key to this season," Malzahn said. "We're inexperienced there. I think we've got 20 starts between the three guys -- Tega and Marquel Harrell and Mike Horton -- but the good thing is we have talent up front. We're just inexperienced. How quick that group can grow and jell will be a big key to our success, offensively and team-wise."

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