High praise for O-line

[quietfan 233]

Marshall wraps up spring:

http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/

With spring practice over, here's a position-by-position look at Auburn's offense. I'll look at the defense tomorrow.

QUARTERBACK

Kodi Burns certainly made a big move in the final two scrimmages. He was the offensive MVP in the A-Day game and was even better in Wednesday night's scrimmage. Chris Todd has been accurate and efficient, but he's been limited by arm problems.

Phillip's analysis: If Burns continues to play like he did at the end of spring practice, he'll be difficult for anyone to beat out. Then again, we have to wait and see what Todd does if his arm strength returns.

RUNNING BACKS

Not much happened with running backs in spring practice. Among those on scholarship, only Brad Lester made it through unscathed. But Lester and Ben Tate have both shown what they can do. If Tristan Davis can finally put his foot/toe problems behind him, he'll have a chance to make a big impact. Mario Fannin missed most of spring after suffering a separated shoulder, but there's not doubting his talent. He'll be a threat at tailback and in the slot next season.

Phillip's analysis: As usual, Auburn has big-time talent at tailback. It's just a matter of getting them healthy.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Terrell Zachery and James Swinton were two of the more improved players in spring practice. Rod Smith was steady as usual. Robert Dunn was in and out of practice because of class conflicts. Quindarius Carr, Montez Billings and Chris Slaughter also had their shining moments. Tim Hawthorne suffered a broken arm early and missed the rest of spring.

Phillip's analysis: There's little question that the receivers as a whole have made major strides from last season, when many of them were shaky at best. Swinton can be a gamebreaker if he finally harnesses his talent. Dunn could be a star in Tony Franklin's spread offense.

TIGHT ENDS

Tommy Trott, lighter and happier with his role in Franklin's offense, has been one of the stars of spring practice. Gabe McKenzie has fallen a bit behind. Brent Slusher and Bailey Woods are fighting for the third spot.

Phillip's analysis: Based on spring practice, Trott seems to be on the verge of a breakout season. He's shown the hands and athleticism that made him one of the South's top recruits. McKenzie hasn't been as spectacular, but he's proved he can play in the SEC.

OFFENSIVE LINE

With five starters returning, there weren't a lot of questions. Guard Chaz Ramsey missed most of spring with a bad back, but he is expected to be ready to go in August. Sophomore Byron Isom performed admirably as the starter in his place. Coach Hugh Nall says sophomore Bart Eddins made remarkable improvement over the course of spring. He says redshirt freshmen Jared Cooper and Kyle Coulaghan and sophomore Mike Berry also made major moves. Guard Tyronne Green is an All-America candidate. Left tackle Lee Ziemba is a fierce competitor with great talent. Jason Bosley is a hard-nosed, intelligent leader at center. Ryan Pugh will hold down the right tackle spot for one more season before moving over to replace Bosley at center.

Phillip's analysis: This could be the best line in Nall's 10 Auburn seasons. Any one of the starters could have an all-conference season or better. And there are talented players behind them.

CHN has had some great offensive lines and some monsters lining up there. Could this fall's really be the best? What say you...?

[AUBandDad 0]

I'm of the opinion that there is no one individual player on the OL who is any better than the best ones Nall has produced while at . However, I think this OL probably has more top-notch lineman than perhaps any other he has had. I don't think there is a weak link at all. If they form a cohesive unit, and I think there is a good chance they will since there didn't seem to be nearly as much shifting around every 3 days or so, I think the line as a unit can, and hopefully will, be his best. Just my opinion.

[Hoopie 6]

PM stated that Tyrone Green is an All-american candidate. I agree.... this line is good all the way across.. and deep enough to substitute effectively. This line is also young and going to be just as good next 2 years.

[AUloggerhead 2,550]

Being talented & deep on the OL is a nice luxury to have. Now if there's an injury to th front 5, CHN won't have to play musical chairs with the other starters.

[mcgufcm 4,109]

I like this line a lot, and I'm with everyone about the luxury of depth. The only injury I could see causing a ripple would be Bosley. I figure we'd move Pugh in and find a new RT. Maybe I'm wrong there, but it makes sense to me. Regardless, Mike Berry, Byron Isom, Bart Eddins, Andrew McCain... we've never had such a long list of names that could CLEARLY start in the SEC backing up on the line.

As for the other stuff, it's about what I expected except that I think Gabe is big time talent. It would be a shame if his blocking/receiving combination fell by the wayside just because of an offensive system. He's a prototype "big target" and he's a gamer. Everyone talks about his hands, but he rarely ever had drops in live action.

[mowegl 4]

I like this line a lot, and I'm with everyone about the luxury of depth. The only injury I could see causing a ripple would be Bosley. I figure we'd move Pugh in and find a new RT. Maybe I'm wrong there, but it makes sense to me. Regardless, Mike Berry, Byron Isom, Bart Eddins, Andrew McCain... we've never had such a long list of names that could CLEARLY start in the SEC backing up on the line.

As for the other stuff, it's about what I expected except that I think Gabe is big time talent. It would be a shame if his blocking/receiving combination fell by the wayside just because of an offensive system. He's a prototype "big target" and he's a gamer. Everyone talks about his hands, but he rarely ever had drops in live action.

Seriously that's what I dont get. Gabe made two of the best catches last year on poorly thrown balls, and Trott couldnt catch a cold during the game. But Trott has good hands and Gabe doesnt.

[mcgufcm 4,109]

I'm not a Trott naysayer. I'm just saying that Gabe is an NFL caliber TE that picks his game up on Saturdays. I remember Spurrier talking about how average Jabar Gaffney was at practice. He said he was surprised the first big break out Gaffney had because he never looked special in practice, but he was a gamer. Gabe is like that.

[Hoopie 6]

If I'm the coach and a guy doesn't practice well, then he wil get limited chances in a game. If he proves himself during those limited chances, then I guess he plays more. Gabe appears to be a much more agile athlete than Trott, but has struggled in the scrimmages along with practices. I couldn't understand why he didn't play last year, but saw a couple of plays that he should have made in the scrimmage. We run 2 TE's in some sets and I'm rooting for Gabe to put it together.

[mowegl 4]

I'm not a Trott naysayer. I'm just saying that Gabe is an NFL caliber TE that picks his game up on Saturdays. I remember Spurrier talking about how average Jabar Gaffney was at practice. He said he was surprised the first big break out Gaffney had because he never looked special in practice, but he was a gamer. Gabe is like that.

I think Trott is a good player too. I just think there's something to be said for being able to execute it in the game against pressure and guys trying to take your head off. That said I think Tommy is elevating his game this year and anything less than big things would be disappointing. Also, if Gabe isn't doing what he needs to do in practice, etc. to make it on the field then I think he needs to take care of the little things first. He's still got a few months to get his act together.