aubiefifty 16,597 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Who will develop into Auburn's top pass rusher this spring? James Crepea | jcrepea@al.com We're taking a look at each position group as Auburn prepares to open spring practice on Feb. 28. The fifth of a nine-part series looks at the defensive line. Projected depth chart: Buck Jeff Holland, junior, 13 tackles with two sacks Paul James III, redshirt-junior, three games in three games before season-ending injury - expected to seek medical redshirt OR Nick Coe, redshirt-freshman, redshirted in 2016 Nose tackle Dontavius Russell, redshirt-junior, 29 tackles with two pass breakups in 13 starts Derrick Brown, sophomore, 11 tackles with one sack and one fumble recovery Jauntavius Johnson, redshirt-sophomore, missed 2016 due to injury Antwuan Jackson Jr., redshirt-freshman, redshirted in 2016 Defensive Tackle Andrew Williams, redshirt-junior, 13 tackles with three sacks Byron Cowart, junior, six tackles with one for loss in 10 games Derrick Brown, sophomore, 11 tackles with one sack and one fumble recovery Tashawn Manning, freshman Defensive end Marlon Davidson, sophomore, 38 tackles with six for loss including 2.5 sacks with a forced fumble and fumble recovery Byron Cowart, junior, six tackles with one for loss in 10 games Tyler Carter, redshirt-sophomore, one tackle in three games Departed: Carl Lawson, 30 tackles with 13.5 for loss including nine sacks; Montravius Adams, 44 tackles with 8.5 for loss including 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception; Devaroe Lawrence, 13 tackles with three for loss including a sack; Maurice Swain, 14 tackles with 1.5 for loss Due to arrive in the fall: Markaviest Bryant, Alec Jackson, Tyrone Truesdell Outlook: Auburn's two most critical personnel losses were on the defensive line in Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams and spring will be the early indicator as to who will provide pass rush for the Tigers this fall. There are several viable candidates, with Marlon Davidson returning off a strong freshman campaign at defensive end. At the Buck position, look for Jeff Holland to be the leading option to take over for Lawson, who had his best season off the edge. Holland has the stature and skill set to play with his hand down or upright, much in the same way Lawson did. Auburn spring position preview: QB | RB | WR | OL Paul James III will likely be limited this spring and Nick Coe is coming off a redshirt season but is highly thought of by teammates. On the interior of the defensive line, Adams is by far the biggest departure but Auburn also lost Devaroe Lawrence and Maurice Swain. Andrew Williams, who had three sacks last season, Byron Cowart and Derrick Brown should all see increases in their respective work loads in the spring. It's been a disappointing first two years on the Plains for Cowart, who enters his second spring practice. The arrival of Markaviest Bryant in the summer should add another presence off the edge, but until then the development of returning linemen might be the top defensive focus of the spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUpreacherman22 3,841 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I like our DT rotation and Marlon is solid at the SDE spot. The Buck is going to be interesting and we really need a good pass rusher there. I think Coe could be a beast. PJ3 came in with high expectations. If he's healthy, he should be able to do well as a pass rusher. And of course Holland is the current favorite. I really hope at least one of these guys takes a huge step forward and we have a solid pass rush from that side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDUBB4AU 5,071 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Holland had mayfield sacked like 40 times. He has to be shoe in at buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFDTiger80 787 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I agree with Holland. I do think he would have more sacks when he learns not to overrun the play. He does create some anxious moments for QB's. I hope he can play another level higher this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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