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Projected Depth Chart

Posted on 8/23/16 at 3:26 pm
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24857 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 3:26 pm
Photo by Jason Caldwell
Projected 2016 Auburn Football Offensive Depth Chart And Analysis

JASON CALDWELL
11:07 AM
Inside the Auburn Tigers projects what Auburn's first depth chart will look like for the opening football game of the 2016 season with analysis of each position group.

Auburn, Ala.--Less than two weeks until the Auburn Tigers take on Clemson in the football season opener on Sept. 3, Coach Gus Malzahn and his staff are still working to find the right players to put in the rotation. With that in mind we take a look at our projected depth chart for the offense with a breakdown of each position group.

QUARTERBACK
13 Sean White (6-0, 200, So.)
5 John Franklin (6-1, 186, Jr.) or
6 Jeremy Johnson (6-5, 234, Sr.)
This is still the biggest question remaining for the Tigers and while Sean White is still our pick to be the starter, both John Franklin and Jeremy Johnson have pushed him this preseason and have made this a tough call for the coaches. Coming back after a minor hand injury kept him out of action for almost a week's worth of practices, Johnson has been throwing the ball very well in practices. Franklin, a talented athlete, has has continued to improve his passing skills and knowledge of the offense since the spring. While White may be the starter, Franklin is likely to see action in the opener because of his running ability and speed. If Johnson continues to perform well in practice he could playing on opening night, too.

TAILBACK
21 Kerryon Johnson (6-0, 211, So.)
36 Kamryn Pettway (6-0, 240, So.)
27 Chandler Cox (6-1, 232, So.)
9 Kameron Martin (5-10, 177, Fr.) or
32 Malik Miller (5-11, 229, Fr.)
With the departure of projected starter Jovon Robinson, the job of starting running back falls to a bigger and stronger version of Kerryon Johnson, but both Kamryn Pettway and Chandler Cox could also get carries as well to add between-the-tackles punch to the offense from a pair of bigger backs. With another big back in Malik Miller also capable of carrying the ball and Kameron Martin bringing the speed to the position, Auburn has a variety of ball carriers with different running styles.

Photo by Jason Caldwell
Kamryn Pettway will be counted on to play a big role for the Auburn offense.
FULLBACK/H-Back
27 Chandler Cox (6-1, 232, So.)
42 Keenan Sweeney (6-0, 237, So.)
99 Spencer Nigh (6-0, 272, Fr.)
Cox is definitely the first guy at this position and Pettway can still be used here if needed as well. Tight ends Jalen Harris and Landon Rice are both available to play there as well, but Keenan Sweeney and Spencer Nigh have both been a pleasant surprises in fall camp and give the Tigers additional depth at the position from a pair of players who joined the team as walk-ons.

LEFT TACKLE
73 Austin Golson (6-5, 314, Jr.)
78 Darius James (6-4, 320, Jr.)

RIGHT TACKLE
70 Robert Leff (6-6, 299, Sr.)
75 Deon Mix (6-4, 315, Jr.)

LEFT GUARD
63 Alex Kozan (6-4, 310, Sr.)
77 Marquell Harrell (6-3, 318 ,RFr.)
67 Tyler Carr (6-5, 318, RFr.)

RIGHT GUARD
71 Braden Smith (6-6, 314, Jr.)
64 Mike Horton (6-4, 331, RFr.)
67 Tyler Carr (6-5, 318, RFr.)

CENTER
52 Xavier Dampeer (6-2, 310, Sr.)
73 Austin Golson (6-5, 314, Jr.)
54 Kaleb Kim (6-4, 290, RFr.)

The biggest news for the offensive line and Coach Herb Hand is that the starting five has remained intact since early in spring practice, an important part of the puzzle for successful line play. Xavier Dampeer has stepped in at center and had a strong camp, allowing Austin Golson to settle in at left tackle. Golson has taken some reps at center just in case he’s needed there, but his first job will remain at tackle. On the other side Robert Leff has picked up where he left off in the spring. In the middle Alex Kozan and Braden Smith combine to form one of the best guard tandems in the country. Redshirt freshman Mike Horton, who practiced at tackle last season, has made progress working at guard this year and could be the next man up on the OL if there is an injury and Smith's experience at tackle allows him to move outside if needed.
Photo by Jason Caldwell Xavier Dampeer and Herb Hand are shown at a preseason pratice.
TIGHT END
44 Landon Rice (6-5, 253, Fr.) or
85 Jalen Harris (6-4, 259, So.)
After going an entire season without a single reception from a tight end, Auburn has a pair of players at the position that should change that this season. A true sophomore that has continued to get better since arriving at Auburn, Harris has gained some much needed muscle since last season and that should help him be a better edge blocker. Already with the size and physicality to play as a freshman, Rice has good hands and should be a threat in the red zone.
X SPLIT END
80 Marcus Davis (5-9, 180, Sr.)
81 Darius Slayton (6-2, 191, RFr.)
3 Nate Craig (6-2, 204, Fr.)

Y Receiver
8 Tony Stevens (6-4, 212, Sr.)
17 Marquis McClain (6-2, 208, Fr.)
11 Kyle Davis (6-2, 219, Fr.)

Z FLANKER
83 Ryan Davis (5-9, 172, So.) or
12 Eli Stove (6-0, 177, Fr.)

H SLOT
4 Jason Smith (6-1, 188, Jr.)
10 Stanton Truitt (5-9, 185, So.)
33 Will Hastings (5-10, 172, So.)
Photo by Jason Caldwell
Marcus Davis is in place to have his best season as an Auburn Tiger.
The rotation at the wide receiver positions will likely be something that changes throughout the year as four talented freshmen and several young players push a small group of veterans for playing time. Marcus Davis is a sure-fire starter heading into the season because of his experience and leadership skills with fellow senior Tony Stevens behind him as the veteran of the group. Despite missing practice time the past week with a knee problem, Stevens is a guy who has a chance to contribute this fall because of his height and athletic ability.
The same is true of Jason Smith. Making the conversion to full-time wide receiver last season, Smith showed glimpses of being a big-play threat late in the 2015 season and has picked up where he left off. He should be a top target this season. Behind him Stanton Truitt has the speed to be a weapon while part-time kicker Will Hastings is walk-on who could see action this season as well after showing the ability to get open and catch everything in sight this preseason.
From the freshman group Elijah Stove has been the most consistent of the foursome with Nate Craig also showing some signs. Marquis McClain is a physical player who is perhaps the best blocker of the group while Kyle Davis is still an unknown with his first full practice expected on Tuesday.

KICKER
38 Daniel Carlson (6-4, 218, Jr.)
31 Sage Ledbetter (6-0, 183, Fr.)

HOLDER
29 Tyler Stovall (6-1, 212, Jr.)
91 Kevin Phillips (6-0, 185, Sr.)

DEEP SNAPPER
69 Ike Powell (6-2, 264, Jr.)
68 Zach Wade (5-10, 218, So.)
Auburn's kicker, Daniel Carlson, is a potential All-American while his holder Tyler Stovall and deep snapper Ike Powell are proven performers. Those three players are reasons why the Tigers have a chance to be strong in the kicking game.
Posted by Awesome Dave
Auburn, AL
Member since Sep 2014
891 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 3:42 pm to
I'm anxious to see our OL's performance.
Posted by JRoweMDN
Florida
Member since Jan 2016
703 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 4:27 pm to
I really actually feel good about the RB position. I think Miller is going to get some snaps and make things happen not be number 5 on the depth chart.

Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24857 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 4:30 pm to
quote:

After going an entire season without a single reception from a tight end
Does this upset anyone else besides me?
Posted by TigerProwl24
Gulf Coast
Member since May 2015
3975 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 7:17 pm to
Just like I've been saying for several years now.. Where's the defense? I could be wrong but I don't see us winning very many games without fielding a defense.
Posted by TigerProwl24
Gulf Coast
Member since May 2015
3975 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 7:24 pm to
But seriously, looks like the OL is definitely our most experienced unit and the strength of the offense.
Posted by AubieALUMdvm
Member since Oct 2011
11713 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 7:26 pm to
quote:

Johnson has been throwing the ball very well in practices




quote:

If Johnson continues to perform well in practice he could playing on opening night, too.




Posted by LanierSpots
Sarasota, Florida
Member since Sep 2010
61596 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 7:29 pm to
quote:

If Johnson continues to perform well in practice he could playing on opening night, too.




Prepare thi anusus
Posted by TigerProwl24
Gulf Coast
Member since May 2015
3975 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 7:33 pm to
I feel KJ, Jason Smith, Marcus Davis and Bubba will be our go-to play makers, with Chandler Cox being sneaky good at times.
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24857 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 8:08 pm to
this is my depth chart...Gus should take notes

Offense:
QB - White
RB - Pettway
FB - Cox
OL - Golson, Kozan, Xavier, Smith, Leff
WR - Craig, Stove, Davis
RB/WR - KJ

Defense:4-2-5
DL - Lawson, Adams, Russell, Davidson
LB - Williams, Williams
NB - Ford
CB - Davis, Davis
S - Matthews, Roberts
Posted by AUlove23
birmingham AL
Member since Aug 2012
481 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 9:29 pm to
That gif is hilarious man lol especially when thinking of jj on opening night.
Posted by blzr
Keeneland
Member since Mar 2011
30097 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 9:31 pm to
quote:

WR - Craig, Stove, Davis




You want a guy that hasn't practiced all summer to start vs clemson?

Unless you mean Marcus.
This post was edited on 8/23/16 at 9:32 pm
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24857 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 9:35 pm to
quote:

Unless you mean Marcus.
yes, i meant Marcus Davis. He would be the number 2 receiver with Stove in the Slot
Posted by HouseofWaffles
Member since Nov 2014
4651 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 9:43 pm to
I will lose my shite if JJ starts.
Posted by ChexMix
Taste the Deliciousness
Member since Apr 2014
24857 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 9:45 pm to
quote:

I will lose my shite if JJ starts.
The look on the guy who has season tickets behind me will be fricking priceless
Posted by AubieALUMdvm
Member since Oct 2011
11713 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 9:55 pm to
I also just needed to drop this in here too...

Posted by FearlessFreep
Baja Alabama
Member since Nov 2009
17280 posts
Posted on 8/23/16 at 10:41 pm to
You have to admit, if JJ were to somehow stumble into the starting gig and actually play up to his physical potential, it would be one of the most Auburnesque things ever. Also one of the greatest trolls in tRant history.

Can you imagine the reaction if he led us to victory against LSU in week 4? They'd have to permaban every one of us
Posted by AubieALUMdvm
Member since Oct 2011
11713 posts
Posted on 8/24/16 at 7:09 am to
Oh yeah . I would gladly eat all of this and every other criticism if he did that. The melt would be so strong
Posted by beatbammer
Member since Sep 2010
38012 posts
Posted on 8/24/16 at 7:40 am to
If JJ skrong, den Auburn skrong, den LSU Melt be skronger.
Posted by jvilletiger25
jacksonville, fl
Member since Jan 2014
16993 posts
Posted on 8/24/16 at 8:48 am to
quote:

You have to admit, if JJ were to somehow stumble into the starting gig and actually play up to his physical potential



That's what hurts the most. JJ has NC caliber potential in him. None of the other QBs on the roster do, at least from what we know. I'd love to see him flip that switch and go back to the JJ we saw 2 years ago.
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