At last, Tigers see offensive line as unit

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At last, Tigers see offensive line as unit

Sunday, August 13, 2006

CHARLES GOLDBERG

News staff writer

AUBURN - Joe Cope, meet Tim Duckworth.

Ben Grubbs, that's King Dunlap. Jonathan Palmer, please move back to right tackle.

Auburn's starting offensive line finally found itself on the practice field for the first time this fall Saturday, and, in practical terms, for one of the few times ever in its current configuration.

Injuries in the spring and into the fall, the movement of players across the line and an excused absence delayed the Tigers' projected opening-night front five appearing in game-type drills until Saturday's morning workout, the 12th practice of the fall.

No wonder coach Tommy Tuberville was smiling.

"A much better offensive line," he said after practice.

Auburn will start the season as a Top 10 team, partly because of a top-notch running game powered by tailback Kenny Irons and an offensive line that features four seniors and an experienced junior. But some of that experience is only on paper. The Tigers are replacing both tackles in Marcus McNeill and Troy Reddick, and while most everybody who is stepping in has played quite a bit, they haven't played as a starting unit.

That began to change Saturday.

Cope, who came back after missing a week with a knee injury, returned to center, which allowed Palmer to move back to tackle. Duckworth was allowed to practice a day after Tuberville declared him "a total disaster" because of various nicks. Grubbs came back from a minor injury and Dunlap continued to round into shape after missing the first few practices because of a death in the family. Their backups at least benefited by finding unexpected playing time the first two weeks of the fall - until some of them got hurt, too.

Duckworth also missed time in spring practice with a knee injury. Palmer played a little guard, tackle and center during that time, too.

Tuberville welcomed back his starters after two weeks of deliberate steps that prompted the Tigers to worry about pass protection in the first scrimmage; and to postpone the second scrimmage because of their injuries and injuries to others.

"But that's what two-a-days are about. It's like a mini-spring practice," Tuberville said. "But once school starts, we've got to start getting some consistency and getting guys to the spot they're going to play to get a little communication game going."

Now just three weeks before the first game, offensive coordinator Al Borges says he's ready to add more of the passing game behind the line.

"We were behind in pass protection, but we got some of our linemen back, and we were pretty good, the best we've been," Borges said.

Cope, the picture of frustration during his week on the sidelines, said he was expecting to find that comfort zone.

"That's what we've been waiting for," he said. "All spring, Duck was banged up and, first day in pads, I got banged up. So finally we got all five of us getting back together and getting going. It felt good having that camaraderie."