A/Day Preview w/Power Rankings

[toddc 13,194]

A-Day Preview w/ Power Ranking

A-Day Preview

 

 

 

A spring game is not the time to unleash everything in the play calling bag, however, anything shown during A-Day 2021 will be completely new and refreshing to Auburn fans. 

 

Fans will get to see Auburn under center for the first time since the Al Borges/Jason Campbell days. Of course we have seen AU under center but this time it won’t be a gimmick; Auburn will also be seen in a true huddle at times. 

 

While staying vanilla, it will be obvious that multiple different schemes, sets, and strategies will be on the table for this offense. 

 

In the A-Day game we should see different variations of the zone run game: Inside Zone, Outside Zone, Wide Zone. 

• Play Action will be prevalent and could come from any look. 

• 12 (2 TE’s) and maybe even 13 (3 TE’s) personnel will be a normal look for the offense. TE’s are an intricate part of the offense and probably have the hardest learning curve. 

• Auburn will throw it around a lot. There will be Quick Game, Drop Back, Sprint Out, Back Shoulders, and whatever else. The goal in this offense is to have almost anything available. 

 

For each position I will give a Power Ranking. This is an educated guess at who is leading the pack vs. who is falling behind based on knowledge from the inside as well as getting to see practice. 

 

QUARTERBACK:

 

1. Bo Nix

2. Grant Loy

3. Trey Lindsey

4. Dematrius Davis

 

• Bo Nix is the undisputed and unquestioned starter here. There are some things he’s got work on. I’m most interested in seeing his poise and mechanics in the under center play action game. 

• They’ve been working hard to get Bo to be fluid with his steps in the play action game... he cannot rush that. Think back to Jason Campbell and some of the longer developing play actions. His patience in the development of the play was key to the success of the play.

• Bo Nix will have to slow it down and trust the play caller. We will see if he’s taking that coaching. 

• Grant Loy has been in and out with an injury but should solidify that backup spot and get some action in the spring game. I’d love to see him throw some intermediate and deeper throws. 

• D. Davis will get his shot to lead some drives and I’ll be watching to see how comfortable he is in his first pressure situation in front of fans. 

 

RUNNINGBACK

 

1. Tank Bigsby

2. Shaun Shivers

3. Devan Barrett

4. Jay Sharp

 

• Bigsby is the most polished player on the team. He will excel on the new variations of the Zone run game (Outside Zone, Wide Zone) 

• Shivers will get a good chance to show that he can be a multi-purpose back instead of a role player. 

• Devan Barrett is most intriguing right now as we haven’t seen him in action since the 2017 season. He is bigger, stronger, and possessing plenty of speed. 

• Adding Jarquez Hunter in the summer and possibly holding out another spot for a portal guy.. we will see. 

 

 

WIDE RECEIVER:

 

1. Kobe Hudson

2. Elijah Canion

3. Ze’Vian Capers

4. Shedrick Jackson

5. Malcolm Johnson

6. Ja’Varrius Johnson

7. Caylin Newton

8. JJ Evans 

 

• Might as well start referring to Hudson, Canion, and Capers as “the big 3”. They will carry this receiver Corp in 2021

• Jackson and Capers have been out with injuries, but they will be sorely needed to step up. 

• From the open practice, it looked as though the receiver group was having to take the most coaching—a long way to go for them right now. 

• Kobe Hudson is the clear front runner, and it isn’t close. 

• Canion is a wild card.. He was recruited here as a big body with strong hands and great leaping ability.. he will now be expected to run a full route tree and create separation. 

• Malcolm Johnson gets the nod over Ja’Varrius due to his size and speed—but it’s extremely close. They really want him to step up. 

• Ja’Varrius Johnson has gotten a lot of praise and I think it’s warranted. He could be a big time player with his route running ability; That is a huge asset to have in this offense. 

• Adding Tar’Varish Dawson and Hal Presley in the summer. 

 

TIGHT END:

 

 

1. Luke Deal

2. John Samuel Shenker

3. Tyler Fromm

4. Landen King

5. Brandon Frazier

 

• Interestingly, being in last place here doesn’t necessarily mean no playing time. This entire group will all get a chance to get on the field. 

• I believe that this position will be experiencing the hardest time with the new playbook.. They are all over the place with so many different looks, motions, and schemes. 

• JJ Pegues and Luke Deal were battling it out for alpha.. but Deal is alone at the top IMO. We know what Shenker can do.. but Deal as a blocker is a game changer. 

• Luke Deal is probably the best blocker on the team.. and that includes the OL. 

• Shenker isn’t participating in spring so he is at a small disadvantage but has proven to be sure-handed and good in the open field as a blocker. 

• Fromm is the one I’m most wanting to see. 

• Landen King could be the breakout star. Probably the highest ceiling as a receiver. 

• Brandon Frazier is working to find his niche in the offense. 

 

 

OFFENSIVE LINE:

 

1. Alec Jackson

2. Tashawn Manning

3. Brodarius Hamm

4. Nick Brahms

5. Keiondre Jones

6. Brenden Coffey

7. Austin Troxell

8. Brandon Council

9. Tate Johnson

10. Jalil Irvin

11. Kam Stutts

12. Avery Jernigan

13. Killian Zierer

14. Prince Michael Sammons

15. Garner Langlo

 

• Alec Jackson is my alpha dog pick for the season. At open practice he was the guy helping younger guys and had multiple good reps in IZ pods against the 1st team DL.

• Jackson and Manning are basically tied at the top. 

• Brodarius Hamm could easily be playing guard when the season rolls around. 

• I think Nick Brahms will do everything in his power to hold that center spot. 

• Keiondre Jones is strong in the run game, but still trying to refine his pass set. 

• Brandon Council has been out, but when he comes back, I feel strongly that one of the top 5 will be bumped down. Seniority doesn’t matter. Best 5 will play. 

• Brenden Coffey will have a say at one of the tackle spots. 

• Austin Troxell is a fighter, but he will have to turn it up a notch. 

• Tate Johnson has a bright future... He will be highly thought of as a back up. 

• Avery Jernigan could be the center at Auburn one day.. will have to wait his turn for now. 

• Stutts seems to have found a comfortable position in guard and could be on the 2 deep. 

• Garner Langlo could be a monster when he adds much needed weight. 

• Adding Colby Smith in the summer. 

 

DEFENSIVE LINE: 

 

1. Colby Wooden

2. Zykeivous Walker

3. Tyrone Truesdell

4. Jay Hardy

5. Dre Butler

6. Marquis Burks

7. Caleb Johnson

8. Lee Hunter

9. JJ Pegues

10. Daniel Foster Allen

11. Jeremiah Wright

 

• Unfortunately Wright will probably be out most, if not all of the season. He was moving up the board. 

• Colby Wooden is the alpha here and it isn’t all that close. 

• Walker started to figure things out late in the season.. with some added weight he should be much more consistent. Gaining comfortability on the inside. 

• Truesdell is going to fit better at nose and won’t have to play near as many snaps.. that will benefit him. 

• Hardy is one who could break out at any moment. He’s got that elite frame and strong athleticism. 

• Butler and Burks are pretty close. Butler has major potential with his frame. Burks is a guy who won’t play a huge amount of snaps, but could be effective when he does. Reminds me some of Ben Bradley from the 2013 team. 

• Caleb Johnson makes plays when he checks in... can sometimes get lost in the shuffle, but I expect him to earn some snaps. 

• Lee Hunter is a beast in the making but he’s got a ways to go. Will probably have a wow moment and the go quiet.. consistency is the most difficult thing for talented newcomers. 

• How does it feel seeing Pegues in this lineup? Personally, I love it. The biggest unknown on the team. Can’t wait to see him in action. 

• Adding Ian Mathews, Tobechi Okoli, and Marquis Robinson in the summer.. potentially a strong group of freshman here. Lot of raw athleticism and great size... they will have time to develop. 

 

EDGE/OUTSIDE LINEBACKER:

 

1. Derick Hall

2. TD Moultry

3. Stone Handy

4. Romello Height

5. Cam Riley

6. Chandler Wooten

 

• Good looking group for spring that will have to continue to learn how to play in space. Big change for most of these guys. 

• Derick Hall is the alpha dog here, and may be the alpha of the entire defense as well. 

• Moultry ran with the 1’s at open practice and looks comfortable in that position. 

• Handy could be the freak here when all is put together. 

• Romello Height is one I want to see in action. He has the ability... does he have the physicality?

• Keep in mind, this position is much different than the buck. They will be playing in space often. A true OLB. 

• Adding Dylan Brooks and Eku Leota in the summer.. Both are major talents and may have a say in the rotation sooner than later. 

 

LINEBACKER:

 

1. Zakoby McClain

2. Owen Pappoe

3. Chandler Wooten

4. Cam Riley

5. Wesley Steiner

6. Desmond Tisdol

7. Kameron Brown

 

• McClain and Pappoe are truly 1a and 1b. Those two will play multiple positions at the LB level and will not leave the field too often. 

• Chandler Wooten will also be well versed as he’s knocking off the rust. I like his versatility. 

• Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner are also very close and both should get some playing time. They’re the next guys up without a doubt. 

• Riley has added some weight and will be ready to roll. So much potential for him. 

• Steiner is one of the strongest people on the team.. I’m wanting to see if he’s retained his speed and quickness with the extra bulk. 

• Desmond Tisdol has been limited but he looks the part 100%. I’m very interested to see him in action as well. 

• Adding Joko Willis in the summer. 

 

 

Cornerback: 

 

1. Roger McCreary

2. Nehemiah Pritchett

3. Jaylin Simpson

4. Kamal Hadden

5. Marco Domio

6. Trey Elston

 

• Roger McCreary is number 1 and nobody is coming close to beating him. An NFL talent. 

• Pritchett is highly regarded by the new staff and they like him at the slot corner—formerly known as the nickel. Having his speed and man coverage skills in that position will help the entire secondary.

• Jaylin Simpson is one who can’t be denied. He will find his way onto the field but he won’t have the easiest path. They love his game and he can be an impact player as the 2nd or 3rd guy. 

• Kamal Hadden shows tons of promise and has a ridiculous wing-span. He will need some refining first, but wouldn’t be surprised to see him find a role soon. 

• Domio has been sidelined and while he is fast and talented, it is not a good time to be out. Competition is only getting better at this position. 

• I added Trey Elston, a walk on, because he stood out a few times at the open practice. He’s big and seemed to hold his own with the big dogs. 

• Adding A.D. Diamond and Dreshun Miller in the summer. Diamond, IMO was a true Diamond in the rough and Miller is going to challenge for a starting job—he’s that good. 

 

 

Safety:

 

1. Smoke Monday

2. Ladarius Tennison 

3. Chris Thompson Jr. 

4. Eric Reed Jr. 

5. Ahmari Harvey

6. Zion Puckett

 

• Smoke Monday is the stand alone vet and one who I think will be helped out tremendously in this defense. He will have the luxury to not be in man coverage often at all. He can be very effective in almost every other phase of the game. 

• Tennison—who I called a spark plug when he committed—is bringing some much needed energy to the safety room. He’s got a ton of burst and can cover the entire field comfortably. A budding star at AU. 

• Thompson was more than likely the perceived starter, and he will play often, but he’s one that needs to be in a similar role to Monday: not being in man coverage too often. 

• I consider Reed to be a wildcard.. he could play slot corner if needed and has good size with good speed. He’s one I want to watch closely along with Tisdol and Height. Just haven’t seen enough of those guys yet. 

• Ahmari Harvey has been a pleasant surprise to help with depth. I gave him a 9 in Football IQ and smart players have an advantage early. 

• Puckett is another battling injury and it couldn’t come at a worse time with the new staff evaluating much like with Domio. 

• Adding Cayden Bridges, Juwon Gaston in the summer.

[toddc 13,194]

Our edges and linebacker corp is just ridiculous! I’m looking forward to our entire defense though. We have got the talent if CDM can bring it together baby!

[McLoofus 35,182]

43 minutes ago, toddc said:

• JJ Pegues and Luke Deal were battling it out for alpha.

Huh.

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,641]

21 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

Huh.

you don't give up haha 

I would like to see a breakdown by those who watched practices in how the two stacked up in terms of blocking ability. Someone told me that Luke was substantially better last season

[WFE12 9,191]

OMG no more sugar huddle or shotgun in goal line situations? Beautiful....Also the WR’s having a long way to go is understandable they are actually having to run a real route tree and Derick Hall being the alpha of the whole defense is really interesting. I really hope this is the year we have a legit edge threat.

[oracle79 3,569]

1 hour ago, toddc said:

From the open practice, it looked as though the receiver group was having to take the most coaching—a long way to go for them right now. 

Shocking right?

[McLoofus 35,182]

1 hour ago, Dual-Threat Rigby said:

you don't give up haha 

I would like to see a breakdown by those who watched practices in how the two stacked up in terms of blocking ability. Someone told me that Luke was substantially better last season

Just thought it was an interesting contrast to some of the other opinions expressed

It would be my guess that Deal is indeed a better blocker and Pegues is the better route runner, pass catcher, and ball carrier after the catch. 

[toddc 13,194]

48 minutes ago, WFE12 said:

OMG no more sugar huddle, shotgun in goal line situations? Beautiful....Also the WR’s having a long way to go is understandable they are actually having to run a real route tree and Derick Hall being the alpha of the whole defense is really interesting. I really hope this is the year we have a legit edge threat.

And look at TD Moultry making a move at #2!! This might be the perfect position for him, especially playing in space and off the los so he won’t jump off sides!

[toddc 13,194]

2 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

Just thought it was an interesting contrast to some of the other opinions expressed

It would be my guess that Deal is indeed a better blocker and Pegues is the better route runner, pass catcher, and ball carrier after the catch. 

Deal is a better blocker out in space but JJ was a bulldozer in close.

[DAG 33,955]

I think with some of the unknown with the WRs, TEs are going to have to be key for that safety valve.

[Tigerpro2a 5,650]

4 hours ago, McLoofus said:

Huh.

I see what you did there....you sly devil LOL

[aubiefifty 16,695]

lord help us. and it was just announced on finebaum we again have the toughest schedule in the country. sometimes i think someone took that mentality of us playing anyone anywhere and figured out a way to keep us buried under way harder schedules than other teams have to face. when is the last time the turds were considered to have the toughest schedule in the nation? i know wwe have our own guys than handle a lot of that but why can't we have a more favorable schedule? again i am not scared but i often feel like it is starting us at 0 and 1 before we ever snap the ball. and i have a feeling this year is gonna be tough anyway.

[bigbird 60,368]

3 hours ago, toddc said:

Deal is a better blocker out in space but JJ was a bulldozer in close.

Disagree. Deal's blocking was substantially better in every alignment...for any position

[au302 2,669]

Interesting about the o-line, good to hear Jackson is becoming the alpha dog and improving, as we desperately need someone to step up at LT. You mention Bro Hamm could be at guard by the time the season starts, which I also think is a good idea if Coffey can man RT. Only thing is that would push Jones to the bench which is not ideal because I think he fits our new downhill offense really well since he is a really good run blocker. Is there any chance one of Jones or Hamm could play center if Council is not ready and Brahms has not improved? Probably a silly question but that would give us a really good right running game if we had Jones at center and Hamm at RG or vice versa. I have always loved Brahms, but just not sold on him starting at center at this point unless he has tremendously improved. Hopefully Council gets healthy and he can take over there.

[LKEEL75 2,566]

58 minutes ago, aubiefifty said:

lord help us. and it was just announced on finebaum we again have the toughest schedule in the country. sometimes i think someone took that mentality of us playing anyone anywhere and figured out a way to keep us buried under way harder schedules than other teams have to face. when is the last time the turds were considered to have the toughest schedule in the nation? i know wwe have our own guys than handle a lot of that but why can't we have a more favorable schedule? again i am not scared but i often feel like it is starting us at 0 and 1 before we ever snap the ball. and i have a feeling this year is gonna be tough anyway.

That sux.  I completely agree that we never catch a scheduling break

[toddc 13,194]

I saw a list that had us at #2 toughest schedule with Arkansas at one, but you could argue either way.

[Win4AU 4,052]

I need to see Alec Jackson or any of the tackles pass protect before I’ll call them an Alpha dog.  

[WFE12 9,191]

 

[WFE12 9,191]

Let’s go baby

[W.E.D 11,070]

22 hours ago, toddc said:

A-Day Preview w/ Power Ranking

A-Day Preview

 

 

 

A spring game is not the time to unleash everything in the play calling bag, however, anything shown during A-Day 2021 will be completely new and refreshing to Auburn fans. 

 

Fans will get to see Auburn under center for the first time since the Al Borges/Jason Campbell days. Of course we have seen AU under center but this time it won’t be a gimmick; Auburn will also be seen in a true huddle at times. 

 

While staying vanilla, it will be obvious that multiple different schemes, sets, and strategies will be on the table for this offense. 

 

In the A-Day game we should see different variations of the zone run game: Inside Zone, Outside Zone, Wide Zone. 

• Play Action will be prevalent and could come from any look. 

• 12 (2 TE’s) and maybe even 13 (3 TE’s) personnel will be a normal look for the offense. TE’s are an intricate part of the offense and probably have the hardest learning curve. 

• Auburn will throw it around a lot. There will be Quick Game, Drop Back, Sprint Out, Back Shoulders, and whatever else. The goal in this offense is to have almost anything available. 

 

For each position I will give a Power Ranking. This is an educated guess at who is leading the pack vs. who is falling behind based on knowledge from the inside as well as getting to see practice. 

 

QUARTERBACK:

 

1. Bo Nix

2. Grant Loy

3. Trey Lindsey

4. Dematrius Davis

 

• Bo Nix is the undisputed and unquestioned starter here. There are some things he’s got work on. I’m most interested in seeing his poise and mechanics in the under center play action game. 

• They’ve been working hard to get Bo to be fluid with his steps in the play action game... he cannot rush that. Think back to Jason Campbell and some of the longer developing play actions. His patience in the development of the play was key to the success of the play.

• Bo Nix will have to slow it down and trust the play caller. We will see if he’s taking that coaching. 

• Grant Loy has been in and out with an injury but should solidify that backup spot and get some action in the spring game. I’d love to see him throw some intermediate and deeper throws. 

• D. Davis will get his shot to lead some drives and I’ll be watching to see how comfortable he is in his first pressure situation in front of fans. 

 

RUNNINGBACK

 

1. Tank Bigsby

2. Shaun Shivers

3. Devan Barrett

4. Jay Sharp

 

• Bigsby is the most polished player on the team. He will excel on the new variations of the Zone run game (Outside Zone, Wide Zone) 

• Shivers will get a good chance to show that he can be a multi-purpose back instead of a role player. 

• Devan Barrett is most intriguing right now as we haven’t seen him in action since the 2017 season. He is bigger, stronger, and possessing plenty of speed. 

• Adding Jarquez Hunter in the summer and possibly holding out another spot for a portal guy.. we will see. 

 

 

WIDE RECEIVER:

 

1. Kobe Hudson

2. Elijah Canion

3. Ze’Vian Capers

4. Shedrick Jackson

5. Malcolm Johnson

6. Ja’Varrius Johnson

7. Caylin Newton

8. JJ Evans 

 

• Might as well start referring to Hudson, Canion, and Capers as “the big 3”. They will carry this receiver Corp in 2021

• Jackson and Capers have been out with injuries, but they will be sorely needed to step up. 

• From the open practice, it looked as though the receiver group was having to take the most coaching—a long way to go for them right now. 

• Kobe Hudson is the clear front runner, and it isn’t close. 

• Canion is a wild card.. He was recruited here as a big body with strong hands and great leaping ability.. he will now be expected to run a full route tree and create separation. 

• Malcolm Johnson gets the nod over Ja’Varrius due to his size and speed—but it’s extremely close. They really want him to step up. 

• Ja’Varrius Johnson has gotten a lot of praise and I think it’s warranted. He could be a big time player with his route running ability; That is a huge asset to have in this offense. 

• Adding Tar’Varish Dawson and Hal Presley in the summer. 

 

TIGHT END:

 

 

1. Luke Deal

2. John Samuel Shenker

3. Tyler Fromm

4. Landen King

5. Brandon Frazier

 

• Interestingly, being in last place here doesn’t necessarily mean no playing time. This entire group will all get a chance to get on the field. 

• I believe that this position will be experiencing the hardest time with the new playbook.. They are all over the place with so many different looks, motions, and schemes. 

• JJ Pegues and Luke Deal were battling it out for alpha.. but Deal is alone at the top IMO. We know what Shenker can do.. but Deal as a blocker is a game changer. 

• Luke Deal is probably the best blocker on the team.. and that includes the OL. 

• Shenker isn’t participating in spring so he is at a small disadvantage but has proven to be sure-handed and good in the open field as a blocker. 

• Fromm is the one I’m most wanting to see. 

• Landen King could be the breakout star. Probably the highest ceiling as a receiver. 

• Brandon Frazier is working to find his niche in the offense. 

 

 

OFFENSIVE LINE:

 

1. Alec Jackson

2. Tashawn Manning

3. Brodarius Hamm

4. Nick Brahms

5. Keiondre Jones

6. Brenden Coffey

7. Austin Troxell

8. Brandon Council

9. Tate Johnson

10. Jalil Irvin

11. Kam Stutts

12. Avery Jernigan

13. Killian Zierer

14. Prince Michael Sammons

15. Garner Langlo

 

• Alec Jackson is my alpha dog pick for the season. At open practice he was the guy helping younger guys and had multiple good reps in IZ pods against the 1st team DL.

• Jackson and Manning are basically tied at the top. 

• Brodarius Hamm could easily be playing guard when the season rolls around. 

• I think Nick Brahms will do everything in his power to hold that center spot. 

• Keiondre Jones is strong in the run game, but still trying to refine his pass set. 

• Brandon Council has been out, but when he comes back, I feel strongly that one of the top 5 will be bumped down. Seniority doesn’t matter. Best 5 will play. 

• Brenden Coffey will have a say at one of the tackle spots. 

• Austin Troxell is a fighter, but he will have to turn it up a notch. 

• Tate Johnson has a bright future... He will be highly thought of as a back up. 

• Avery Jernigan could be the center at Auburn one day.. will have to wait his turn for now. 

• Stutts seems to have found a comfortable position in guard and could be on the 2 deep. 

• Garner Langlo could be a monster when he adds much needed weight. 

• Adding Colby Smith in the summer. 

 

DEFENSIVE LINE: 

 

1. Colby Wooden

2. Zykeivous Walker

3. Tyrone Truesdell

4. Jay Hardy

5. Dre Butler

6. Marquis Burks

7. Caleb Johnson

8. Lee Hunter

9. JJ Pegues

10. Daniel Foster Allen

11. Jeremiah Wright

 

• Unfortunately Wright will probably be out most, if not all of the season. He was moving up the board. 

• Colby Wooden is the alpha here and it isn’t all that close. 

• Walker started to figure things out late in the season.. with some added weight he should be much more consistent. Gaining comfortability on the inside. 

• Truesdell is going to fit better at nose and won’t have to play near as many snaps.. that will benefit him. 

• Hardy is one who could break out at any moment. He’s got that elite frame and strong athleticism. 

• Butler and Burks are pretty close. Butler has major potential with his frame. Burks is a guy who won’t play a huge amount of snaps, but could be effective when he does. Reminds me some of Ben Bradley from the 2013 team. 

• Caleb Johnson makes plays when he checks in... can sometimes get lost in the shuffle, but I expect him to earn some snaps. 

• Lee Hunter is a beast in the making but he’s got a ways to go. Will probably have a wow moment and the go quiet.. consistency is the most difficult thing for talented newcomers. 

• How does it feel seeing Pegues in this lineup? Personally, I love it. The biggest unknown on the team. Can’t wait to see him in action. 

• Adding Ian Mathews, Tobechi Okoli, and Marquis Robinson in the summer.. potentially a strong group of freshman here. Lot of raw athleticism and great size... they will have time to develop. 

 

EDGE/OUTSIDE LINEBACKER:

 

1. Derick Hall

2. TD Moultry

3. Stone Handy

4. Romello Height

5. Cam Riley

6. Chandler Wooten

 

• Good looking group for spring that will have to continue to learn how to play in space. Big change for most of these guys. 

• Derick Hall is the alpha dog here, and may be the alpha of the entire defense as well. 

• Moultry ran with the 1’s at open practice and looks comfortable in that position. 

• Handy could be the freak here when all is put together. 

• Romello Height is one I want to see in action. He has the ability... does he have the physicality?

• Keep in mind, this position is much different than the buck. They will be playing in space often. A true OLB. 

• Adding Dylan Brooks and Eku Leota in the summer.. Both are major talents and may have a say in the rotation sooner than later. 

 

LINEBACKER:

 

1. Zakoby McClain

2. Owen Pappoe

3. Chandler Wooten

4. Cam Riley

5. Wesley Steiner

6. Desmond Tisdol

7. Kameron Brown

 

• McClain and Pappoe are truly 1a and 1b. Those two will play multiple positions at the LB level and will not leave the field too often. 

• Chandler Wooten will also be well versed as he’s knocking off the rust. I like his versatility. 

• Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner are also very close and both should get some playing time. They’re the next guys up without a doubt. 

• Riley has added some weight and will be ready to roll. So much potential for him. 

• Steiner is one of the strongest people on the team.. I’m wanting to see if he’s retained his speed and quickness with the extra bulk. 

• Desmond Tisdol has been limited but he looks the part 100%. I’m very interested to see him in action as well. 

• Adding Joko Willis in the summer. 

 

 

Cornerback: 

 

1. Roger McCreary

2. Nehemiah Pritchett

3. Jaylin Simpson

4. Kamal Hadden

5. Marco Domio

6. Trey Elston

 

• Roger McCreary is number 1 and nobody is coming close to beating him. An NFL talent. 

• Pritchett is highly regarded by the new staff and they like him at the slot corner—formerly known as the nickel. Having his speed and man coverage skills in that position will help the entire secondary.

• Jaylin Simpson is one who can’t be denied. He will find his way onto the field but he won’t have the easiest path. They love his game and he can be an impact player as the 2nd or 3rd guy. 

• Kamal Hadden shows tons of promise and has a ridiculous wing-span. He will need some refining first, but wouldn’t be surprised to see him find a role soon. 

• Domio has been sidelined and while he is fast and talented, it is not a good time to be out. Competition is only getting better at this position. 

• I added Trey Elston, a walk on, because he stood out a few times at the open practice. He’s big and seemed to hold his own with the big dogs. 

• Adding A.D. Diamond and Dreshun Miller in the summer. Diamond, IMO was a true Diamond in the rough and Miller is going to challenge for a starting job—he’s that good. 

 

 

Safety:

 

1. Smoke Monday

2. Ladarius Tennison 

3. Chris Thompson Jr. 

4. Eric Reed Jr. 

5. Ahmari Harvey

6. Zion Puckett

 

• Smoke Monday is the stand alone vet and one who I think will be helped out tremendously in this defense. He will have the luxury to not be in man coverage often at all. He can be very effective in almost every other phase of the game. 

• Tennison—who I called a spark plug when he committed—is bringing some much needed energy to the safety room. He’s got a ton of burst and can cover the entire field comfortably. A budding star at AU. 

• Thompson was more than likely the perceived starter, and he will play often, but he’s one that needs to be in a similar role to Monday: not being in man coverage too often. 

• I consider Reed to be a wildcard.. he could play slot corner if needed and has good size with good speed. He’s one I want to watch closely along with Tisdol and Height. Just haven’t seen enough of those guys yet. 

• Ahmari Harvey has been a pleasant surprise to help with depth. I gave him a 9 in Football IQ and smart players have an advantage early. 

• Puckett is another battling injury and it couldn’t come at a worse time with the new staff evaluating much like with Domio. 

• Adding Cayden Bridges, Juwon Gaston in the summer.

Great breakdown of everything.  Is this yours or a beat reporters? 

[toddc 13,194]

39 minutes ago, W.E.D said:

Great breakdown of everything.  Is this yours or a beat reporters? 

I had that info on my original but a Mod changed it up I guess. Added author in tags

[steeleagle 2,945]

I love how they delay the TEs, as they get lost w all the motion, and it is such a high percentage throw and yardage gain that could get 1st downs, or give you a short yardage option on next play for a small run.

Also in many of these plays the TE does have to know a lot of new plays, with short routes, longer routes, etc...but it gives the QB a clear almost always open option to use a TE that has great hands...

If we do this a lot...I will love it. It will easy to flush those nightmare pass plays in the past where he was a bomb or a bubble screen only most of the time...

[WFE12 9,191]

 

[AUwent 3,747]

On 4/14/2021 at 4:31 PM, aubiefifty said:

lord help us. and it was just announced on finebaum we again have the toughest schedule in the country. sometimes i think someone took that mentality of us playing anyone anywhere and figured out a way to keep us buried under way harder schedules than other teams have to face. when is the last time the turds were considered to have the toughest schedule in the nation? i know wwe have our own guys than handle a lot of that but why can't we have a more favorable schedule? again i am not scared but i often feel like it is starting us at 0 and 1 before we ever snap the ball. and i have a feeling this year is gonna be tough anyway.

Allow me to introduce you to the 2023 schedule.

[GoAU 1,599]

On 4/14/2021 at 11:46 AM, WFE12 said:

OMG no more sugar huddle or shotgun in goal line situations? Beautiful....Also the WR’s having a long way to go is understandable they are actually having to run a real route tree and Derick Hall being the alpha of the whole defense is really interesting. I really hope this is the year we have a legit edge threat.

But I’ve heard they’re dusting off the Whirleybird....