aubiefifty 16,766 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 theplainsman.com Malzahn praises competitiveness, depth at first full pads practice By Cole McCauley | Staff Writer | 16 hours ago 4-5 minutes Image by Madison Ogletree | Photo Editor | The Auburn Plainsman Auburn Football head coach Gus Malzahn during an open practice on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 in Auburn, Ala. It was the first practice in full pads for the Auburn Tigers. Starting lineups haven't been announced, but excitement is still sky high as Auburn creeps closer to its season opener against Georgia Southern on Sep. 2. One of the most anticipated position battles of the summer is the competition at quarterback. First is junior Sean White, who threw for over 1600 yards and nine touchdowns as Auburn's starting QB in 2016. Then there is sophomore Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham who as ESPN's #1 rated JUCO player in the country, is likely the favorite to win the job Lastly, freshman Malik Willis has impressed coaches with his dual threat ability and may be the most athletically gifted quarterback on the roster. However, as a true freshman, Willis will likely spend most of 2017 on the sideline. No matter who emerges as Auburn's starter, Gus Malzahn is confident in his trio of quarterbacks. "All three guys can run our offense, we have quality depth at QB," Malzahn said. Malzahn believes a lot in Auburn's depth in 2017, especially on the offensive line. "There's a lot of mixing and matching on the offensive line and I think that says a great thing about our depth," Malzahn said. It wasn't just the offensive line that impressed Malzahn, the Auburn head coach praised the work on the defensive side of the ball as well. "There is great competition on both sides of the ball, both sides are really getting after it up front," Malzahn said. Seniors John Franklin III and Jason Smith are two players who have gone through position changes throughout their times on the Plains. Franklin III made the move from quarterback to wide receiver while Smith switched sides of the ball completely as he moved from wide-receiver to a position in the secondary. Malzahn knows both Smith and Franklin III possess rare speed and playmaking ability and he plans to use both of them in whatever way he can, with special teams being an option open for both. "He's definitely in the mix," said Malzahn regarding the possibility of Franklin III returning punts and kicks this season. "We want to use him in any way we can on special teams," Malzahn said of Smith. One position Malzahn seemed disappointed in was punter. "No one has separated themselves at punter," Malzahn said. Auburn star kicker Daniel Carlson has taken over punting duties in the past but Malzahn would prefer if someone else would step up. "Daniel (Carlson) can do it but that really isn't ideal," Malzahn said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle-1 3,821 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 Malzahn needs to hold an open tryout for a punter. I would be willing to bet there is one walking around campus somewhere. Go down to the soccer fields, and find someone that can punt the football! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoAU 1,600 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 My suggestion is to continue to tune up the offense, and not need a punter, ever... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kd4au 1,145 Posted August 7, 2017 Share Posted August 7, 2017 1 hour ago, GoAU said: My suggestion is to continue to tune up the offense, and not need a punter, ever... Right , all you need is a couple of first downs from any where on the field and were in FG range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck_finley 22 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 On 8/7/2017 at 8:46 AM, Eagle-1 said: Malzahn needs to hold an open tryout for a punter. I would be willing to bet there is one walking around campus somewhere. Go down to the soccer fields, and find someone that can punt the football! Yeah!!! I'm sure Kathy Ireland is wandering around just waiting to hear from him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle-1 3,821 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 13 hours ago, chuck_finley said: Yeah!!! I'm sure Kathy Ireland is wandering around just waiting to hear from him! Probably wouldn't be any more average than we had last year. If my Sister was 20 years younger she might have a chance. I know she used to be able to punt the ball 45 yards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuck_finley 22 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 3 hours ago, Eagle-1 said: Probably wouldn't be any more average than we had last year. If my Sister was 20 years younger she might have a chance. I know she used to be able to punt the ball 45 yards! You're probably right!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.