aubiefifty 16,798 Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 oanow.com Auburn spring practice primer: Defensive line Josh Vitale | AU Writer Follow on Twitter Like on Facebook Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson stands up Georgia's Nick Chubb in the first half on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 in Athens, Ga. 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 first, coach Rodney Garner’s group: The defensive line. Lost: DE Carl Lawson, DT Montravius Adams, DT Devaroe Lawrence, DT Maurice Swain Jr. Returning: DE Marlon Davidson, DE Jeff Holland, DE Nick Coe, DE Paul James III, DE Byron Cowart, DT Dontavius Russell, DT Derrick Brown, DT Andrew Williams, DT Antwuan Jackson Jr. Newcomers for spring: DT Tashawn Manning Coming in the fall: DE Markaviest Bryant, DT Alec Jackson, DT Tyrone Truesdell Outlook: There’s no question that Auburn will again have plenty of depth along the defensive line. Davidson (2 ½ sacks) and Russell are both returning starters on the right side of the line, Holland (two sacks) was the top backup behind Lawson, Williams got reps behind Adams, and Brown got experience at both end and tackle as a freshman, so there’s experience there, too. The question is not how to replace the reps, though, but rather how to replace the playmaking ability of Lawson and Adams. Combined, that duo accounted for 54 percent of the team’s sacks (13 ½) and 45 percent of the team’s quarterback hurries (39) as well as two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and an interception. With Bryant, Alec Jackson and Truesdell — as well as linebacker T.D. Moultry, who could play some buck — not joining the Tigers until the fall, this spring will be huge for end Coe and tackle Antwuan Jackson Jr., who are two former four-star commits who redshirted in 2016 and could put themselves in a position to make an impact in 2017. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson stands up Georgia's Nick Chubb in the first half on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 in Athens, Ga. 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 first, coach Rodney Garner’s group: The defensive line. Lost: DE Carl Lawson, DT Montravius Adams, DT Devaroe Lawrence, DT Maurice Swain Jr. Returning: DE Marlon Davidson, DE Jeff Holland, DE Nick Coe, DE Paul James III, DE Byron Cowart, DT Dontavius Russell, DT Derrick Brown, DT Andrew Williams, DT Antwuan Jackson Jr. Newcomers for spring: DT Tashawn Manning Coming in the fall: DE Markaviest Bryant, DT Alec Jackson, DT Tyrone Truesdell Outlook: There’s no question that Auburn will again have plenty of depth along the defensive line. Davidson (2 ½ sacks) and Russell are both returning starters on the right side of the line, Holland (two sacks) was the top backup behind Lawson, Williams got reps behind Adams, and Brown got experience at both end and tackle as a freshman, so there’s experience there, too. The question is not how to replace the reps, though, but rather how to replace the playmaking ability of Lawson and Adams. Combined, that duo accounted for 54 percent of the team’s sacks (13 ½) and 45 percent of the team’s quarterback hurries (39) as well as two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and an interception. With Bryant, Alec Jackson and Truesdell — as well as linebacker T.D. Moultry, who could play some buck — not joining the Tigers until the fall, this spring will be huge for end Coe and tackle Antwuan Jackson Jr., who are two former four-star commits who redshirted in 2016 and could put themselves in a position to make an impact in 2017.
WarEagleHunter1221 1,690 Posted February 23, 2017 Share Posted February 23, 2017 I am still pretty stoked for the show I believe our D-Line will put on this year. Losing Lawson and Adams is obviously not ideal but I do believe (and hope) that there will not be too much of a dip in terms of production. I believe that Davidson will step up into more of a leadership role this season and that Cowart will finally have his chance to change the minds of the many rightful doubters. I mean even when the backups were plugged in last year, there wasn't that much of a dip in production. Those guys were hungry and played like it almost every play. Our d-line was by far the best unit on the field last year (outside of our kicking unit, maybe) and I believe they will return to form this spring even without the two biggest pass rushers. Our D-line kept us in contention of many games last year and that is with them being on the field the vast majority of the game. Get the big boys some rest during offensive plays and they will be a forced to be reckoned with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milehighfan 1,240 Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 What about Jauntavious Johnson. He should or at least I hope he will be ready to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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