practice primer: OL

[aubiefifty 16,766]

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Auburn spring practice primer: Offensive line

Josh Vitale | AU Writer Follow on Twitter Like on Facebook

 

Offensive linemen Braden Smith, Austin Golson and Alex Kozan protect quarterback Sean White against ULM on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 in Auburn.

Auburn opens spring practice for the 2017 football season on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Each day until then, we’re going to preview one position group.

Up next, coach Herb Hand’s group: The offensive line.

Lost: T Robert Leff, G Alex Kozan C Xavier Dampeer

Returning: T Darius James, T Deon Mix, T Prince Micheal Sammons, T Prince Tega Wanogho, G Braden Smith, G Mike Horton, G Marquel Harrell, C Austin Golson, C Kaleb Kim

Newcomers for spring: T Brodarious Hamm, G Nick Brahms

Coming in the fall: T Calvin Ashley, T Austin Troxell, C Casey Dunn

Outlook: There’s no question that Auburn has the bodies and the talent to fill out a solid offensive line in 2017. What is a question going into spring, though, is where to put everybody. The Tigers lost two starters in left guard Kozan and right tackle Leff, and return three in left tackle James, center Golson and right guard Smith. But the only one of those three is absolutely guaranteed a starting role somewhere along the line in 2017 is probably Smith, who graded out as one of the better offensive linemen in the SEC last season. Harrell and Horton will likely compete to win a starting spot opposite Smith at guard, but the tackle positions seem wide open. James got the reps last year, Mix will be a senior, Sammons and Wanogho are light on experience but incredibly gifted athletically, and Ashley is a five-star recruit who will join Auburn in the fall as one of the best tackles in the class. Golson could also join that group, as the Wednesday addition of Dunn gives Auburn a center who was a two-time FCS All-American at Jacksonville State (though he will reportedly not participate in spring practice). The only players who likely won't be in the mix are Brahms and Troxell, who missed their senior seasons with leg injuries and are not expected to be back to full speed until the summer. With so many potential combinations, look for Hand, head coach Gus Malzahn and new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey to shuffle things around early often to try and figure out the best combination.

[GoAU 1,600]

This is where it all begins...

[AlaskanFAN 1,665]

Well we are heading into week 4 of spring ball. We have proven experienced RB's. We have a wealth of young ready to explode potential at WR. We have QB's that have proved themselves in the SEC and BIG12 battling it out for the starting spot. 

BUT all this is for nothing with out the big uglies, blocking and pass protecting. We do have 3 returning starters. LT James, C Golson ( who has also started at G 4 Ole Miss and at T for us) and RG Smith ( who is now being looked at for RT). 

We have a 2 time FCS All-American graduate transfer C-Casey Dunn in the fall

And realistically we have Horton 1st , Harrell / Wanogho 2nd as next linemen up in my opinion. 

I believe T Calvin Ashley will get a solid look when fall 2 a days roll around, but starting freshman lineman in the SEC are STUDS, not saying Calvin is not, but he has a short window to get adjusted and beat out a few people. 

Also we might get T - Cochran out of Cal which would give us some flexibility.

So what is the best looking scenario?

IMO - (with Cochran)

LT-Cochran, LG-Golson, C-Dunn, RG-Smith, RT-James

W/out Cochran

LT-James, LG-Golson, C-Dunn, RG-Horton, RT-Smith

Honestly the idea of Golson, Smith and/or Horton as pulling guards makes me shiver thinking of them crushing some LB's and DB's. 

What say you?

[80Tiger 899]

I think Golson did very well at center last year. If he moves it would indicate we have issues at guard. If I remember correctly Dunn was around 285. There are some 310+ nose guards and tackles in the SEC. That is of some concern.

I am all for Smith staying at guard. He has proven he is all SEC caliber at that position. Horton did well as extra lineman in so I think he can handle the LG position. I think James will be at one of the tackles. 

I thought overall the O line played pretty well last year so I am not an advocate of guys moving positions if they do not have to. I would hope that they could just plug in the LG and RT position.

[aufan57 922]

Appears Harrell does  not have left guard locked down. 

Quote

As Herb Hand mixes and matched Auburn's offensive line this spring, trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle to clearly see the bigger picture, there's one piece he hasn't quite been able to find just yet.

With three returning starters along the offensive line and Mike Horton prepared to assume the starting job at right guard, Hand still has questions surrounding Auburn's plan at left guard heading into 2017 as the team passed the halfway point of spring practice.

"That left guard spot right now is probably where we have the biggest piece of the puzzle we still have to figure out and sort out," Hand said Tuesday. "We've got a few guys that have been repping there."

Finding that right fit at left guard is no easy task as Hand tries to fill the void left by veteran Alex Kozan, who was a staple on the offensive line the last four years. Between 2013 and 2016, Kozan started 40 games at left guard, including each game of the 2013, 2015 and 2016 seasons; he missed 2014 while recovering from back surgery.

Last season, Kozan was a first-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press and a second-team All-American according to Sporting News.

"Nothing's really determined yet, but just during spring practice that's probably been the one question mark position," Hand said. "When you have a guy like Alex Kozan who was kind of the anchor there for so many years, it's a natural deal."

 

Auburn 'mixed and matched' offensive line in 1st scrimmage

"Just trying to get a few new faces in with the first group to see how they reac.,"

So far this spring, Hand has experimented with a few options at left guard, including redshirt sophomore Marquel Harrell, Horton, center Austin Golson, redshirt sophomore Kaleb Kim and walk-on junior Tucker Brown.

"That's the piece of the puzzle we've got to figure out most," Hand said.

Harrell has been working with the first-team mostly after appearing in four games as a backup last season, and he earned praise during bowl preparation for bringing "the funk" on his pulling blocks. Hand has been pleased with Harrell's progression from last year, but questions still remain about whether he can be an every-down left guard in the SEC.

His "how-tos," as Hand calls them--technique and fundamentals -- have been inconsistent this spring, while his "who-tos" -- understanding of the scheme and who to block -- have been down pat. It's just a matter if he can put two and two together to become the type of player Auburn needs at the position.

"I love Marquel's attitude and his work ethic," Hand said. "He's got to continue to develop just from a technique and fundamental standpoint, but in terms of want-to and desire and all that stuff, there's no -- the guy works his tail off, so he'll be fine. Is he ready to take over that spot where you've had a rock there in Alex Kozan for so many years that that's a question mark for us right now."

 

Projected Auburn depth chart for Week 4 of spring practice

With less than two weeks until A-Day, here is Auburn's projected depth chart

While Horton has received reps at left guard, he appears to be the favorite at right guard unless Auburn moves Braden Smith back to that spot from right tackle, where he has been repping exclusively this spring. That leaves Golson as the next man up, really, behind Harrell at left guard.

Golson has been Auburn's primary starting center each of the last two seasons, but the 6-foot-5, 314-pounder has experience playing guard in the SEC. As a freshman at Ole Miss in 2013, Golson appeared in 12 games and played mostly guard for the Rebels.

Auburn center Austin Golson recaps the first spring scrimmage

Hand said Golson has received reps at left guard the last week or so, and those will continue to increase over the second half of spring practice. Should he excel there -- and should Jacksonville State grad transfer Casey Dunn assert himself at center in fall camp -- Golson could be an ideal fit at left guard in 2017.

"Whatever is going to make the team best," Golson said Saturday. "It doesn't matter where. As long as we're winning, I'll play wherever."

Until then, Hand will continue to maneuver guys in the trenches and see who emerges as the best fit to replace Kozan and help create the best five-man unit for 2017.

"That's probably our biggest, I guess, question mark is the best way to put it," Hand said. "That's my puzzle piece right now.... There's a lot of wide-open spots, but that one is probably the most wide-open."

http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2017/03/starting_left_guard_the_bigges.html

[AlaskanFAN 1,665]

11 hours ago, 80Tiger said:

I think Golson did very well at center last year. If he moves it would indicate we have issues at guard. If I remember correctly Dunn was around 285. There are some 310+ nose guards and tackles in the SEC. That is of some concern.

I am all for Smith staying at guard. He has proven he is all SEC caliber at that position. Horton did well as extra lineman in so I think he can handle the LG position. I think James will be at one of the tackles. 

I thought overall the O line played pretty well last year so I am not an advocate of guys moving positions if they do not have to. I would hope that they could just plug in the LG and RT position.

I think if we get Dunn enrolled for the summer or get him atleast in a workout program and add 10 pounds we will be ok. He stands 6'3" & 285. Dismukes was 6'3" & 295 and Pugh was 6'4" & 297. Both Dismukes and Pugh were great centers. Dunn has their height and is only 10 pounds off. This would give CHH the option of Golson at the guard spot he needs. 

[80Tiger 899]

2 minutes ago, AlaskanFAN said:

I think if we get Dunn enrolled for the summer or get him atleast in a workout program and add 10 pounds we will be ok. He stands 6'3" & 285. Dismukes was 6'3" & 295 and Pugh was 6'4" & 297. Both Dismukes and Pugh were great centers. Dunn has their height and is only 10 pounds off. This would give CHH the option of Golson at the guard spot he needs. 

And yes Dismukes and Pugh were good, but they did get pushed around at times by the larger NG. My main thought, is that Golson did a good job at center last year (better than the tackle position) and I would like for him to stay there.

 

[AuburnNTexas 7,140]

Even though we lost two great D-Linemen Lawson and Adams with the talent we have returning I expect D-Line to still be a strength. We return all of our starting LB's we have some solid backups and some great freshman here or coming in we are better off at LB then we have been in a long time. We have great starters at DB and some very solid backups who will be coming back from injury. I am worried about Depth at DB but not our starters. D should be very good this year.

We have Stidham at QB with SW recovering and at least 1 maybe two DT QB's in Malik Willis and Woody Barrett so we are in pretty darn good shape at QB. Two starters at RB in Pettway and Johnson couple of good backups in Malik and Kam and a couple freshman coming in. Cox returning at HB and added a pass catching TE in Canella with Harris at TE we are strong there. Talented but unproven Receivers I have high hopes for.

The only question mark for this year is the O-line. I love Golson at center I hope we keep him there, Braden will be good anyplace you put him. I like James even though he was inconsistent last year so he will be a key piece of the puzzle if he has honestly improved since last year we should be fine whether he plays tackle or guard. Horton played enough last year I feel good about him that leaves one position plus the ability to work as a unit. The fact that they keep moving people around means nobody has earned the other starting spot and that even the ones who may be starters may end up in a different position scares me some. Even if they are good individually you want the O-line to get as many reps as possible with the same people in the same position.  This is the group that will decide if Auburn is bad, average, or great.

[oracle79 3,569]

6 minutes ago, AuburnNTexas said:

The fact that they keep moving people around means nobody has earned the other starting spot and that even the ones who may be starters may end up in a different position scares me some. Even if they are good individually you want the O-line to get as many reps as possible with the same people in the same position.

Totally agree.  There is no place where chemistry is so key like the O-line.  The earlier they get a starting 5 identified and working together as a unit the better.

8 minutes ago, AuburnNTexas said:

Even though we lost two great D-Linemen Lawson and Adams with the talent we have returning I expect D-Line to still be a strength.

I agree the D-line will be deep at tackle and probably stout vs the run.  But, we have to find one or two people that can pressure the QB.  We'll notice the loss of both Lawson and Adams more than you think.

[AUld fAUx@ 2,584]

43 minutes ago, AuburnNTexas said:

Even though we lost two great D-Linemen Lawson and Adams with the talent we have returning I expect D-Line to still be a strength. We return all of our starting LB's we have some solid backups and some great freshman here or coming in we are better off at LB then we have been in a long time. We have great starters at DB and some very solid backups who will be coming back from injury. I am worried about Depth at DB but not our starters. D should be very good this year.

We have Stidham at QB with SW recovering and at least 1 maybe two DT QB's in Malik Willis and Woody Barrett so we are in pretty darn good shape at QB. Two starters at RB in Pettway and Johnson couple of good backups in Malik and Kam and a couple freshman coming in. Cox returning at HB and added a pass catching TE in Canella with Harris at TE we are strong there. Talented but unproven Receivers I have high hopes for.

The only question mark for this year is the O-line. I love Golson at center I hope we keep him there, Braden will be good anyplace you put him. I like James even though he was inconsistent last year so he will be a key piece of the puzzle if he has honestly improved since last year we should be fine whether he plays tackle or guard. Horton played enough last year I feel good about him that leaves one position plus the ability to work as a unit. The fact that they keep moving people around means nobody has earned the other starting spot and that even the ones who may be starters may end up in a different position scares me some. Even if they are good individually you want the O-line to get as many reps as possible with the same people in the same position.  This is the group that will decide if Auburn is bad, average, or great.

Maybe not the only, but...

[McLoofus 35,182]

We're not replacing our center or our LT- our two most important positions in the group- unless we get an upgrade, and our best overall OL is returning either to his old position or possibly providing an upgrade at another position. You can't hope for much better than that. Definitely still a question mark, especially with a new system coming in, but even that is mitigated by stability with their position coach. 

I'm personally not concerned by them moving guys around. They have a new OC and he needs to do his own evaluations. Why not kick the tires? Isn't that what spring ball is for? 

As someone else said, if it's still not settled in August, I'll be concerned. And while it's a question mark, I don't think you have many years with less of a question mark at a 5-position group. 

It probably speaks well of our roster overall that we're this concerned about this group (and the 2s at safety...). 

[AuburnNTexas 7,140]

1 hour ago, oracle79 said:

Totally agree.  There is no place where chemistry is so key like the O-line.  The earlier they get a starting 5 identified and working together as a unit the better.

I agree the D-line will be deep at tackle and probably stout vs the run.  But, we have to find one or two people that can pressure the QB.  We'll notice the loss of both Lawson and Adams more than you think.

You may be right about how much we will miss Adams and Lawson,  I just have this feeling that some of the other guys are about to step it up. 

[McLoofus 35,182]

2 minutes ago, AuburnNTexas said:

You may be right about how much we will miss Adams and Lawson,  I just have this feeling that some of the other guys are about to step it up. 

Wit ya on that, 100%.

I'll even go as far as to say that I think DL is a better overall group this year than last. I think we get to the QB more this year. 

[80Tiger 899]

6 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

We're not replacing our center or our LT- our two most important positions in the group- unless we get an upgrade, and our best overall OL is returning either to his old position or possibly providing an upgrade at another position. You can't hope for much better than that. Definitely still a question mark, especially with a new system coming in, but even that is mitigated by stability with their position coach. 

I'm personally not concerned by them moving guys around. They have a new OC and he needs to do his own evaluations. Why not kick the tires? Isn't that what spring ball is for? 

As someone else said, if it's still not settled in August, I'll be concerned. And while it's a question mark, I don't think you have many years with less of a question mark at a 5-position group. 

It probably speaks well of our roster overall that we're this concerned about this group (and the 2s at safety...). 

While I hope you are exactly correct, evidently Golson has worked at LG already this spring without Dunn being here and James has worked at RT without a clear replacement at LT, so it is hard to say there is an upgrade, but springtime is a good time to experiment.

[McLoofus 35,182]

20 minutes ago, 80Tiger said:

While I hope you are exactly correct, evidently Golson has worked at LG already this spring without Dunn being here and James has worked at RT without a clear replacement at LT, so it is hard to say there is an upgrade, but springtime is a good time to experiment.

I think part of that with Golson and James is building a contingency plan/insurance policy for those other positions. But you're right, there are no guarantees. 

[oracle79 3,569]

37 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

Wit ya on that, 100%.

I'll even go as far as to say that I think DL is a better overall group this year than last. I think we get to the QB more this year. 

You could be right, and I hope you are for sure.  Potential is definitely there, just got to get it displayed in the games.

[corchjay 5,311]

It'd be nice to see a well rounded offensive line.  One that pass blocks, run blocks, and makes the right reads on blitz pickup.  Golson has a lot riding on him this year.  3rd year in the system.  3rd year at the position.  I gave him a pass for last year because they moved him back outside but no more.  Time to get the checks and calls for identification and recognition down.  Once we got past the 50 each drive defenses would start blitzing and we were poor picking up or even recognizing the blitz, maybe that's an audible by the QB from the called blocking scheme I don't know but whichever way if Coach Hand is gonna be up in the box he better get better himself identifying.  

[WarEagle1983 2,185]

10 hours ago, 80Tiger said:

And yes Dismukes and Pugh were good, but they did get pushed around at times by the larger NG. My main thought, is that Golson did a good job at center last year (better than the tackle position) and I would like for him to stay there.

 

Agree. Golson has gotten comfortable at the C spot. I want him to stay there. Like you've stated..if we don't have to move guys...we shouldn't. The OL needs to gel ASAP. We have a lot of talented OL guys. I'm hoping we're able to identify the right mix quickly so JS can get as many snaps as possible with the starters. 

[CameronCrazy 1,059]

I'm very excited about the potential of our Offensive line. I think there is at least five different guys that start at one of the two guard spots. I like the fact that Dunn is coming in as a 2-time All-American to give us two guys I feel comfortable starting at center. If we can get two guys to really step up at the tackle position, then I think we'll have a VERY good OL. Darius James was solid last year, but he'll need to be more consistent this year to lock that position down.  I wouldn't be upset if two other guys stepped up and we moved James to LG. 

I think we have enough guys to be able to figure out what combination of the best 5 OL work best together. I just hope we get it figured out before Clemson.