Practice News & Notes: 8/12

[DAG 33,980]

53 minutes ago, eulessau said:

I hope he doesn’t.  We need for Oregon to have to prepare for both qb’s all the way to game time.  Hopefully, Gus can pick a starter and manage to keep it quiet till the pregame interview.

Yes keep it on the low 

[AidiAU 1,270]

1 hour ago, ellitor said:

I'm starting to think Gus may not make an official announcement.

I would love that. 

Especially when Joey is the starter and as of recently, we (and Oregon) thought it was Bo. 

[gr82b4au 5,568]

10 minutes ago, AidiAU said:

I would love that. 

Especially when Joey is the starter and as of recently, we (and Oregon) thought it was Bo. 

That would be pretty awesome. Prepare for the air raid and get the battering ram. 

[tbone4jc 2,241]

12 hours ago, dyehardfanAU said:

"They" won't have messed it up, Gus will have messed it up by not prioritizing the recruiting of OL for the past 6 years.  Very similar to his QB recruiting success has him choosing between a RS Freshman and a True Freshman.

Funny thing happened last year at Clemson starting a young freshman after the JR QB played the first 4 games...

[GwillMac6 20,670]

43 minutes ago, tbone4jc said:

Funny thing happened last year at Clemson starting a young freshman after the JR QB played the first 4 games...

QB is not the problem. Both are studs and whoever is the starter is going to be a star. OL is. This will be the last year our OL is somewhat competent. Next year is going to be a ish show on the OL. We are going to be paying for our misses on the recruiting trail at OL the next few years.

[gr82b4au 5,568]

11 minutes ago, GwillMac6 said:

QB is not the problem. Both are studs and whoever is the starter is going to be a star. OL is

Yes!!!! Both QBs are studs. Again, Not sure why some AU people are hung up on who is or is not going to start. 

As many people have said in this thread - it is all about the OL. They need to play better or we are in serious trouble. 

5 seniors. They need to man up and get mean. 

[dyehardfanAU 2,117]

1 hour ago, tbone4jc said:

Funny thing happened last year at Clemson starting a young freshman after the JR QB played the first 4 games...

There are always edge cases and outliers.  That has nothing to do with Gus/AU having recruited so poorly at QB until this last class.

[CodeRocket 410]

54 minutes ago, GwillMac6 said:

QB is not the problem. Both are studs and whoever is the starter is going to be a star. OL is. This will be the last year our OL is somewhat competent. Next year is going to be a ish show on the OL. We are going to be paying for our misses on the recruiting trail at OL the next few years.

I agree. It has been my contention that the wheels come off in 2020, mainly because of the OL and maybe a few holes in the defense. Skill positions should be good, but you can't win without the big guys up front.

[jj3jordan 2,051]

Seriously? Seth Williams is second string?

[DAG 33,980]

2 minutes ago, jj3jordan said:

Seriously? Seth Williams is second string?

Pretty sure he has been a little banged up 

[jj3jordan 2,051]

1 minute ago, DAG said:

Pretty sure he has been a little banged up 

Had not heard that. Hope he gets well soon. He is a big play machine.

[Randman5000 4,226]

14 hours ago, AUDevil said:

Whats up with the brick on the practice facility in the background...concentrated areas of lighter brick?

Looks like it's been patched and hasn't worn yet...but yes, weird

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,662]

2 hours ago, GwillMac6 said:

QB is not the problem. Both are studs and whoever is the starter is going to be a star. OL is. This will be the last year our OL is somewhat competent. Next year is going to be a ish show on the OL. We are going to be paying for our misses on the recruiting trail at OL the next few years.

depends on how much you trust in those who develop the OL. There's quite a few raw and moldable prospects coming in next year, there's a better chance than many are giving for them to be a strength in 2020. And they don't really need to be dominant, theoretically every other offensive unit around them should be WAY better with another year of natural development

Grimes, without Simmons (who I like to think is gonna be a substantive addition), did a pretty good job of developing backups the last time he was here. 

[Randman5000 4,226]

11 hours ago, Win4AU said:

Herb seems to be killing it in recruiting at Texas.

Any news about Shadrick Jackson?  WRs dropping like flies lately.

https://247sports.com/college/auburn/LongFormArticle/2019-Auburn-Tigers-football-Tracking-injuries-midway-through-preseason-camp-134428938/

Quote

Not all injuries are the same.

That's why we've gathered the latest intel from our sources, along with official updates from Gus Malzahn, to provide what we know on Auburn's injuries and when those players might return to the practice fields at Auburn.

The Tigers received good news with the returns of linebacker K.J. Britt (concussion) and running back DJ Williams (shoulder) in recent days, but the Tigers are still dealing with more than one dozen injuries of various degrees

Austin Troxell, right tackle (ACL)

Backup right tackle Austin Troxell tore an anterior cruciate ligament and underwent surgery in the spring. He will miss the entire season, leaving the Tigers with a big question to answer with their depth in the trenches. Troxell was the sixth-best lineman regardless of position, and was a future starter for 2020 and beyond. This is his third ACL surgery since high school, which places some doubt about his future as a football player. He's trying to make a comeback, but one has to wonder how effective he will be following a third major knee surgery.

We'll find out in 2020. For now, Brodarious Hamm has to step up as a backup.

Estimated return: Spring 2020

 

Shedrick Jackson, receiver (concussion)

Shedrick Jackson suffered a concussion late last week in practice and did not participate in drills Monday. He might be the best blocking receiver on the roster after a tremendously underrated freshman season in 2018. For as much attention as Anthony Schwartz and others in the rising sophomore class receive, Jackson was a diamond in the rough for the Tigers, even if he wasn't necessarily a big target in the passing game. Without players like him, jet-sweeps and end-arounds simply do not work.

Estimated return: Before season opener

Prince Micheal Sammons, offensive tackle (undisclosed)

Junior offensive tackle Prince Micheal Sammons has yet to participate in practice in preseason camp, and with his lack of game experience, it appears another season on the bench is on the horizon. His injury has not been released or learned via our sources at Auburn Undercover. Gus Malzahn said Sammons will return shortly after the end of preseason camp (Aug. 19).

Estimated return: Late August

Daquan Newkirk, defensive tackle (Achilles)

Daquan Newkirk has the body defensive line coach Rodney Garner wants at defensive tackle, but there's one big problem: Newkirk has suffered two Achilles injuries in as many years. Newkirk is extremely limited and is slow in running drills off to the side with the most injured players at practice during workouts. He could help the Tigers tremendously with depth at DT, where the Tigers are trying to find a suitable starter next to Derrick Brown and two backups. Instead, Newkirk is on the sidelines still healing. Coaches hope he'll return at some point this season, but looking at him today casts doubts about his future.

Estimated return: TBD

Coynis Miller, defensive tackle (shoulder)

Coynis Miller underwent a shoulder procedure in the offseason. He has been wearing an orange, non-contact jersey throughout practices in preseason camp, but he has worked out in drills. If he is healthy during the final two weeks of August, he could be a contributor in the season opener against Oregon. Miller is thought to be a challenger to take over as the starter at defensive tackle, where Dontavius Russell manned the controls for several seasons. Tyrone Truesdell and Nick Coe, a Buck pass rusher, appear to be the top two options until Miller is healthy. Timing will be everything for Miller. The longer it takes for him to return, the less likely he will play in the opener and further down the line as Truesdell and Miller garner more trust from coaches.

"I can’t tell you the timetable with that, but it is a possibility before fall camp ends," Malzahn said of Miller.

Estimated return: Late August

Jordyn Peters, defensive back (Achilles)

Jordyn Peters, like Daquan Newkirk, is battling back from an Achilles injury but it appears the defensive back (Nickel, Star, etc.) is well ahead of the defensive tackle in terms of recovery. Coaches expect him back in action soon, but it remains to be seen how soon. Auburn appears to be in good hands with Christian Tutt taking over at Nickel, and Javaris Davis moving outside to cornerback, but Peters could be a crucial player in the rotation when healthy.

Estimated return: Late August

Eli Stove, receiver (knee)

Eli Stove has been held out of practices since Aug. 4 because of soreness in his surgically-repaired knee. Stove was a huge part of Auburn's offense in 2017, but tore an anterior cruciate ligament in March 2018. He missed most of the 2018 season, and was fully cleared to participate in drills in the spring. He showcased his speed at the A-Day game and was cleared to remove a knee brace after the game.

He appeared on track to be a contender to return to the starting lineup, but then starting feeling sore in his knee. A report surfaced that he "re-injured" the knee. Our sources have not said that, but one insider told us Monday that the concern with the soreness is just how effective and healthy Stove will be for the season opener and whether playing a game will offer more setbacks for the receiver throughout the season.

Stove was a great jet-sweep runner and receiver. He's been compared to Anthony Schwartz, but Gus Malzahn contends they are different.

Estimated return: Late August

Will Hastings, receiver (knee)

Will Hastings has also been suffering soreness in his surgically-repaired knee, which required two surgeries in 2018 to repair an ACL. He was held out of practices last week, but we're told the fast, crisp, route runner participated in some drills at practice Monday.

What's interesting is Hastings and Stove have not worn non-contact jerseys over the last week despite being held out of drills, leaving open the question of whether there's some gamesmanship happening with Oregon's spies.

Estimated return: Imminent

Jaren Handy, defensive end (undisclosed)

Jaren Handy is the most recent addition to the injury list. He wore an orange, non-contact jersey at practice Monday, and we've been unable to confirm the extent of his injury. Handy has impressed his teammates and could be a contributor as a freshman at defensive end, but with depth strong on the edges, we expect him to play in four games or less and be a redshirt freshman this time next year. With that said, Handy appears to be in the best position among the freshman defensive linemen to contribute this season.

Estimated return: Imminent

Keiondre Jones, offensive guard (concussion)

Freshman offensive lineman Keiondre Jones suffered a slight concussion early last week, and has been held out of drills. Coaches were hopeful he would return as soon as practice Saturday, but he had not yet been cleared by the medical staff. Jones is not expected to contribute significantly this season, but if he does, it will be because of injuries in the trenches, which could affect the Tigers' outlook for the season considerably.

Estimated return: Imminent

Luke Deal, tight end (ACL)

Freshman tight end Luke Deal arrived at Auburn in December, and quickly suffered a major injury, requiring surgery to repair a torn ACL. He is on the field in a very limited role in preseason practices, but expecting him to contribute this season might be unfair to him, his body and his future. Deal needs time to heal, and sitting out the season is likely what is best for him.

Estimated return: 2020

Kameron Brown, linebacker (undisclosed)

Kameron Brown is the younger brother of All-SEC defensive tackle Derrick Brown, and was seen as a potential fullback or linebacker after signing with Auburn out of high school. He's practicing at linebacker in preseason camp, but was seen Monday in an orange jersey. The extent of his injury is not known publiclly, but we don't believe it to be serious or something that would affect his playing time. He's a candidate to help with special teams this season.

Estimated return: Imminent

Ja'Varrius Johnson, receiver (groin)

Freshman receiver Ja'Varrius Johnson was a 4-star signee in the class of 2019, but hasn't been able to make a mark in preseason camp because of a tight groin injury, Auburn Undercover has learned. He is not expected to contribute on offense this season as a result, and it's not clear when he will be fully healthy. In a time when the Tigers need as many receivers as possible on the field, his opportunity to impress coaches as starters sit on the sideline is quickly passing him by.

Estimated return: To be determined

Jashawn Sheffield, receiver (lower leg)

2COMMENTS

Much like fellow freshman Ja'Varrius Johnson, Jashawn Sheffield has been unable to practice at full strength in recent practices. He was in an orange, non-contact jersey and wore shorts Monday as his teamamtes wore full pads. Coaches do not expect him to contribute much, if at all, this season at receiver. We're told he suffered a lower leg injury, and the severity of the setback is not clear.

Estimated return: To be determined

Anthony Schwartz, receiver (hand)

Anthony Schwartz broke a bone in his left hand during a blocking drill during Auburn's first day in shoulder pads. It was only the third practice of preseason camp, and his third practice since the Music City Bowl. He skipped all of spring drills to focus on his track career.

Schwartz underwent surgery Aug. 5 and is wearing a sling over his left arm to keep the hand immobile as it heals from the surgery. Coaches are hopeful he returns for the season opener, but one insider tells Auburn Undercover such a return would be pushing the timetable for recovery. Schwartz is the fastest player on offense and a huge weapon on jet-sweeps and deep routes, and his absence at flanker has drastically affected the offense's capabilities in preseason practices and scrimmages. His injury is probably the second-most concerning of the bunch, but he will return soon.

Estimated return: September

 

[AUGoo 2,660]

1 minute ago, Dual-Threat Rigby said:

depends on how much you trust in those who develop the OL. There's quite a few raw and moldable prospects coming in next year, there's a better chance than many are giving for them to be a strength in 2020. And they don't really need to be dominant, theoretically every other offensive unit around them should be WAY better with another year of natural development

How well do we develop?

The most obvious under developed positions, to me, are QB and RB. 

Does Gus do any better job with young OL's?

[McLoofus 35,182]

3 hours ago, tbone4jc said:

Funny thing happened last year at Clemson starting a young freshman after the JR QB played the first 4 games...

But that's the thing. Dabo didn't have to go with the freshman. The freshman took the job from an experienced guy who won a ton of games the previous year. 

Having talented freshmen is great. Having only freshmen isn't ideal.

[Sizzle 3,912]

5 hours ago, eulessau said:

I hope he doesn’t.  We need for Oregon to have to prepare for both qb’s all the way to game time.  Hopefully, Gus can pick a starter and manage to keep it quiet till the pregame interview.

It doesn’t matter if he makes an announcement or not. Oregon doesn’t have any film on either QB. 

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,662]

1 hour ago, AUGoo said:

How well do we develop?

The most obvious under developed positions, to me, are QB and RB. 

Does Gus do any better job with young OL's?

I mean Grimes did a good job of replacing guys after 2013, Coleman did great, Braden was a prodigy but he did great. Kozan, Golson, Horton, the 2015 OL in general was pretty deep I felt. What you're asking isn't a Gus question (I dont think you can blame RBs on Gus either), although he certainly hampered the kinda guys that Hand seems to be bringing into Texas. OL sucked the past few years bc of Hand, they were great with Grimes, so I have to assume they'll be somewhere between those two extremes with two offseasons of JB working out bad technique

[tbone4jc 2,241]

3 hours ago, GwillMac6 said:

QB is not the problem. Both are studs and whoever is the starter is going to be a star. OL is. This will be the last year our OL is somewhat competent. Next year is going to be a ish show on the OL. We are going to be paying for our misses on the recruiting trail at OL the next few years.

I know. I was replying to the post I quoted. MW just didn't work out but there are plenty of teams who start freshmen.

[tbone4jc 2,241]

2 hours ago, dyehardfanAU said:

There are always edge cases and outliers.  That has nothing to do with Gus/AU having recruited so poorly at QB until this last class.

Joey G was 2018. 

[gr82b4au 5,568]

That injury list- wow. Can we even scrimmage? 

[AuburnTiger4Life 2,225]

11 minutes ago, gr82b4au said:

That injury list- wow. Can we even scrimmage? 

Most of them are true freshmen that were most likely headed for a red shirt anyways 

[Gowebb11 9,314]

13 hours ago, eulessau said:

I hope he doesn’t.  We need for Oregon to have to prepare for both qb’s all the way to game time.  Hopefully, Gus can pick a starter and manage to keep it quiet till the pregame interview.

You have to prepare for 2 QBs when both have played and you have game tape on them. They have to prepare for Gus’s entire offense, not our QBs in this situation. 

[Auburn2Eugene 2,317]

8 hours ago, Randman5000 said:

What's interesting is Hastings and Stove have not worn non-contact jerseys over the last week despite being held out of drills, leaving open the question of whether there's some gamesmanship happening with Oregon's spies.

This is interesting...

This could mean that Gus is actually playing games sending Nix out with the 1st team during the viewing periods of last week's practices.

[aujeff11 6,243]

@DAG

I naturally get optimistic at the start of every football season, but your new avi really has me pumped up!