re: Spring Practice Thread

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AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn football returned to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday for the first time since the Iron Bowl, when the Tigers knocked off Alabama to win the SEC West.

Auburn held its first closed-door scrimmage of 2018 on Saturday, which was set to be a rush-heavy day focusing on the battle at running back. Starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham didn’t participate, but the scrimmage was a big opportunity for his backups — sophomore Malik Willis and freshman Joey Gatewood.

The Tigers will scrimmage once more next Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium before the annual A-Day Spring Game on April 7.

Here’s what Gus Malzahn, several Auburn players and SEC Country’s sources who watched the scrimmage said about what happened:

- The Tigers went 100 offense/defense plays during the scrimmage. They had four live punt returns and three live kickoff returns, along with eight live field goals.

- Auburn’s defense won this scrimmage, hands down. That’s not too surprising, especially considering the experience difference up front, but the line of scrimmage was dominated by Kevin Steele’s side.

- The defense forced five turnovers — one fumble and four interceptions. Two of the interceptions went to junior safety Daniel Thomas, and freshman safety Smoke Monday came up with another one. Malik Willis and Joey Gatewood were the quarterbacks with Jarrett Stidham sitting out.

- Malzahn was impressed with how well his defense played in the scrimmage, but he wasn’t happy with the poor ball security Saturday from his young quarterbacks. Tuesday will be a big correction day.

- Auburn’s offense didn’t have many penalties. The turnovers were the biggest concern.

- The big highlight play of the day on offense came from redshirt freshman running back JaTarvious Whitlow, who cut across the field for a long touchdown run.

- Auburn’s players raved about “Boobee” and his ability to make big plays Saturday.
Each running back got anywhere from five to 10 carries and rotated in with the first- and second-team offense. Whitlow, Kam Martin and Devan Barrett were the most impressive ones of the day, in that order.

- Auburn has given more reps focused on pass protection to the running backs than in years past. Malzahn will make it a defining factor on who wins the starting running back job.

- Redshirt freshman Austin Troxell got first-team reps at right tackle Saturday. It sounds like offensive line coach J.B. Grimes is sending a message to former 5-star Calvin Ashley. Malzahn likes the competition Grimes is generating there.

- Junior Kaleb Kim rotated with Tucker Brown and Nick Brahms at center. Kim continues to be the first one on the field at the key position.

- Big Kat Bryant was dominant up front in the scrimmage, according to a source. Don’t assume T.D. Moultry already has that Buck job locked down.

- Freshmen Asa Martin and Christian Tutt repped at punt returner with walk-on Griffin King. Martin and Noah Igbinoghene were the punt returners.

- Redshirt freshman kicker Anders Carlson hit all of his field goals in the scrimmage, including one from 52 yards. “Legatron Jr.” — or “The Bookstore,” whichever you prefer — has been impressive so far in camp.

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