Auburn's 2014 Pre-Spring Practice Depth chart prediction for the 2014 season.
Obviously there are some major changes that can/will happen and some unheralded guys could step up, hopefully, and shake things up a bit. These are just the predictions I've got for now.
QB
Nick Marshall
Jeremy Johnson
RB-
Peyton Barber (both CAP and Mason called him the best back on campus)
Cameron Artis-Payne
Roc Thomas
Corey Grant
WR
Dhaquille Williams
Sammie Coates
Ricardo Louis
Marcus Davis
Tony Stevens
Jaylon Denson
Melvin Ray
Stanton Truitt (my sleeper in the 2015 class)
TE-
CJ Uzomah
Brandon Fulse
H-Back/FB
Ricky Parks
Jakell Mitchell
OL
1.Shon Coleman-Alex Kozan- Reese Dismukes - Chad Slade - Avery Young
2. Patrick Miller -Jordan Diamond -Xavier Dampeer -Deon Mix -Braden Smith
DL
Carl Lawson - Gabe Wright - Montravius Adams - Elijiah Daniel
Ladarius Owens - Angelo Blackson - Ben Bradley - Davonte Lambert
also in rotation: Jeffrey Whitaker, Keymiya Harrell
possibly contributing: Justin Thornton (if heavy enough), Andrew Williams and Dontavius Russell
LB
Kris Frost - Cass McKinzy
Tre Williams - Anthony Swain
Cameron Toney - Justin Garrett (if not playing Star)
CB
Jonathon Mincy
Nick Ruffin
Joseph Turner (JUCO guy)
Jonathan Jones
Kalvarez Bessent (likely to RS, IMO, unless he adds 20 lbs before fall camp, but he's a May enrollee so that could help)
STAR
Robenson Therezie
Derrick Moncrief
Justin Garrett
Mackenro Alexander
Safety
Jermaine Whitehead
Joshua Holsey (could move back to corner, if needed)
Khari Harding
Brandon King
Stephen Roberts
With Auburn this year, it is very clear that our strength is on the OL
and DL, but that we will also be greatly improved at the skill
positions. If Nick Marshall can improve his passing acumen as he did
moving along the year and take it up another notch next season, then
Dhaquille Williams and Coates will be a nightmare for defenses to cover
in addition to Marshall running the read option. Our offense should be
ridiculous this year.
On Defense we return almost everyone (except Dee Ford and Chris Davis)
and are adding a very talented recruiting class for depth. I think we
will be greatly improved next year. Our DL will be great again, but I
think our LB play will be the biggest improvement overall if Frost and
McKinzy can just play like they did against FSU all year. The secondary
is the biggest question mark on the entire team. Can we improve there
with the big infusion of talent we signed in the '14 class? If so, we
could have a top 5 scoring defense in the SEC again, and dramatically
improve the ypg numbers we gave up last season
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Post NSD 2014 class grades for Auburn:
For Auburn, I'd go with an overall grade of an A or A-. Only reason we
didn't get an A+ is because we whiffed on our biggest NSD target that
projected as an impact player in a few years (Evans).
QB- A.
I think Sean White has the potential to allow Gus to run a balanced attack, and maybe run an O more similar to his Tulsa days under Paul Smith. White is a gamer, has a strong enough arm, and is possibly the most accurate QB in the class.
RB- A+
Pettway is the #1 fullback in the class (acc'd to Rivals) but he is a thumper at RB with the size to play right away. I think he's an H-back in the future. But the prize was Roc Thomas. He's a slower Percy Harvin ($1 to Neihbur). Doesn't have the top end speed that Harvin has, but he definitely has elite burst and shiftiness, combined with a Caddy Williams kind of leg drive to break tackles. Perfect for Malzahn. I think he plays at 210 or so at Auburn, since he's about 202 lbs right now.
TE- B-.
Chris Laye is a solid player, but more of an in-line blocker and developmental guy. Jakell Mitchell had offers from everyone before he tore his ACL. He's ahead of schedule in rehab and has a great skillset at TE/HBack. Still think Mitchell takes a few years behind Uzomah and Ricky Parks.
WR- A-.
Auburn landed possibly the best overall player in the class in Dhaquille Williams. He is the reason this position is given an A- grade, without him, it's a B or B-. He has a Dez Bryant skillset and is ferocious when the ball is in the air. Auburn needed to improve the passing game, and a player like DQ opposite an improved (hopefully) Sammie Coates will be hell on DBs in the SEC, IMO. The most underrated player in Auburn's class, to me, is a WR as well in Stanton Truitt. This kid is freakin' electric in space and was a TD machine playing QB in HS. Myron Burton was a camp standout and a favorite of Coach D Craig.
OL- B+.
Xavier Dampeer fills an immediate need at backup center behind Dismukes and could be the incumbent when Dismukes leaves after 2014, now that Tunde Fariyuke has decided not to continue football. The big prize came in Braden Smith. AU got on him late but immediately when it became clear that Greg Robinson was gone. This was huge because it alleviated the dire need for a massive class in 2015 of offensive tackles. I think Smith has elite NFL potential at tackle if he can improve his agility, which is Auburn S&C coach's (Ryan Russell) big thing with big men. Smith has long arms, he's 6'5 (some list him 6'6) and only 290 lbs but there is video of him benching 515 lbs THREE times on YouTube. Kid is a monster
DL- A
For the second year in a row, Auburn has added four DL rated 4* or better to the unit. We like to rotate 10 or more DL in games to keep them fresh so this is critical to continue to sign great DL classes. We didn't land any 5* like last year but Davonte Lambert is an immediate impact guy that gives some great flexibility on the DL, similar to Elijiah Daniel.
LB- B+
Tre Williams was the staff's top ILB target and ended up ranked that way at the end of the year. Will possibly get PT right away behind Frost, Cass McKinzy and Swain and sets himself up to take over as the incumbent behind one of them. Deshaun Davis' film, to me, is actually better than Tre Williams. Now, he's only about 5'11, 205 lbs, so he'll need to add weight and a lot of strength, but Davis is a player and has great, great film.
DB- A
AU has had major secondary issues for probably the last 5 years, and I think talent is a major reason for that. We've struggled to recruit great DBs. This class was loaded with talented players. Nick Ruffin is the best of the group, IMO. 6' or 6'1 with freakishly long arms and very sound fundamentals. Bessent (if he isn't kicked out of the class due to issues) provides a guy that could develop into a great player with added weight. Stephen Roberts projects best at safety to me and did great there in the Under Armour practices. Derrick Moncrief was the #1 JUCO Safety and is huge at 6'3, 225. He'll provide immediate help back there with Ryan Smith gone.
QB- A.
I think Sean White has the potential to allow Gus to run a balanced attack, and maybe run an O more similar to his Tulsa days under Paul Smith. White is a gamer, has a strong enough arm, and is possibly the most accurate QB in the class.
RB- A+
Pettway is the #1 fullback in the class (acc'd to Rivals) but he is a thumper at RB with the size to play right away. I think he's an H-back in the future. But the prize was Roc Thomas. He's a slower Percy Harvin ($1 to Neihbur). Doesn't have the top end speed that Harvin has, but he definitely has elite burst and shiftiness, combined with a Caddy Williams kind of leg drive to break tackles. Perfect for Malzahn. I think he plays at 210 or so at Auburn, since he's about 202 lbs right now.
TE- B-.
Chris Laye is a solid player, but more of an in-line blocker and developmental guy. Jakell Mitchell had offers from everyone before he tore his ACL. He's ahead of schedule in rehab and has a great skillset at TE/HBack. Still think Mitchell takes a few years behind Uzomah and Ricky Parks.
WR- A-.
Auburn landed possibly the best overall player in the class in Dhaquille Williams. He is the reason this position is given an A- grade, without him, it's a B or B-. He has a Dez Bryant skillset and is ferocious when the ball is in the air. Auburn needed to improve the passing game, and a player like DQ opposite an improved (hopefully) Sammie Coates will be hell on DBs in the SEC, IMO. The most underrated player in Auburn's class, to me, is a WR as well in Stanton Truitt. This kid is freakin' electric in space and was a TD machine playing QB in HS. Myron Burton was a camp standout and a favorite of Coach D Craig.
OL- B+.
Xavier Dampeer fills an immediate need at backup center behind Dismukes and could be the incumbent when Dismukes leaves after 2014, now that Tunde Fariyuke has decided not to continue football. The big prize came in Braden Smith. AU got on him late but immediately when it became clear that Greg Robinson was gone. This was huge because it alleviated the dire need for a massive class in 2015 of offensive tackles. I think Smith has elite NFL potential at tackle if he can improve his agility, which is Auburn S&C coach's (Ryan Russell) big thing with big men. Smith has long arms, he's 6'5 (some list him 6'6) and only 290 lbs but there is video of him benching 515 lbs THREE times on YouTube. Kid is a monster
DL- A
For the second year in a row, Auburn has added four DL rated 4* or better to the unit. We like to rotate 10 or more DL in games to keep them fresh so this is critical to continue to sign great DL classes. We didn't land any 5* like last year but Davonte Lambert is an immediate impact guy that gives some great flexibility on the DL, similar to Elijiah Daniel.
LB- B+
Tre Williams was the staff's top ILB target and ended up ranked that way at the end of the year. Will possibly get PT right away behind Frost, Cass McKinzy and Swain and sets himself up to take over as the incumbent behind one of them. Deshaun Davis' film, to me, is actually better than Tre Williams. Now, he's only about 5'11, 205 lbs, so he'll need to add weight and a lot of strength, but Davis is a player and has great, great film.
DB- A
AU has had major secondary issues for probably the last 5 years, and I think talent is a major reason for that. We've struggled to recruit great DBs. This class was loaded with talented players. Nick Ruffin is the best of the group, IMO. 6' or 6'1 with freakishly long arms and very sound fundamentals. Bessent (if he isn't kicked out of the class due to issues) provides a guy that could develop into a great player with added weight. Stephen Roberts projects best at safety to me and did great there in the Under Armour practices. Derrick Moncrief was the #1 JUCO Safety and is huge at 6'3, 225. He'll provide immediate help back there with Ryan Smith gone.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
NSD primer for the Auburn '13 class
Well, here we are. Back to NSD. Last year was, for the most part, a let down for AU fans. We lost out on Eddie Goldman, Ronald Darby and Justin Shanks to FSU (the Goldman/Shanks deal was a crusher). Avery Young was probably the one recruit that stopped AU fans from complete meltdown on that day.
One year later we're actually, somehow, in a better spot than last year. This, following a 3-9 season where Auburn finished 0-8 in the SEC and had a complete staffing overhaul. Most AU fans will tell you that this is 100% for the better of Auburn and, on top of there being change needed, Auburn actually made substantial upgrades at nearly every coaching position across the board. And somehow upgraded the recruiting prowess by adding 6 assistants who were, at some point, recruiting coordinators at D1 programs.
All of this being said here is how I feel (on Tuesday, Jan. 29th, one week before NSD, and subject to change) that Auburn wraps up the signing class of 2013.
*using 247 composite rankings
QB- Jeremy Johnson 4*
QB- Nick Marshall 3* (JUCO)
RB- Cameron Artis-Payne 3* (JUCO)
RB- Tarean Folston 4*
RB- Johnathan Ford 4*
WR- Jason Smith 4*
WR- Earnest Robinson 4*
WR- Tony Stevens 4*
WR- Dominic Walker 3*
WR- Christian Cumberlander 3* (PREP)
OL- Devonte Danzey 3* (JUCO)
DE- Carl Lawson 5*
DE- Tashawn Bower 4*
DE- Elijah Daniel 4*
DT- Ben Bradley 4* (JUCO)
DT- Toby Johnson 4* ((JUCO)longshot here is Montravius Adams, who would replace Johnson)
LB- Reuben Foster 5*
LB- Cameron Toney 3*
LB- Kenny Flowers 3* (JUCO)
LB- Jonathan Walton 3*
Star- Brandon King 3* (JUCO)
S- Khari Harding 3*
CB- Kamryn Melton 3*
CB- Mackenzie Alexander 5*
ATH- Marcus Davis- 3*
K- Daniel Carlson 3*
P- Jimmy Hutchinson 3*
That would be 27 total commits, 3 of which can count back to the 2012 class with Danzey, Payne and Bradley enrolling early.
Here is the star breakdown:
5*- 3
4*-10
3*- 14
That, my AU friends, is an exceptional class and possibly a top 6-8 finish. Nothing short of amazing. I stuck my neck out on a few of these and it's certainly possible we don't land Alexander, Daniels, Toby Johnson, Adams, or Folston, but I feel very confident on the rest.
War Damn Eagle!
One year later we're actually, somehow, in a better spot than last year. This, following a 3-9 season where Auburn finished 0-8 in the SEC and had a complete staffing overhaul. Most AU fans will tell you that this is 100% for the better of Auburn and, on top of there being change needed, Auburn actually made substantial upgrades at nearly every coaching position across the board. And somehow upgraded the recruiting prowess by adding 6 assistants who were, at some point, recruiting coordinators at D1 programs.
All of this being said here is how I feel (on Tuesday, Jan. 29th, one week before NSD, and subject to change) that Auburn wraps up the signing class of 2013.
*using 247 composite rankings
QB- Jeremy Johnson 4*
QB- Nick Marshall 3* (JUCO)
RB- Cameron Artis-Payne 3* (JUCO)
RB- Tarean Folston 4*
RB- Johnathan Ford 4*
WR- Jason Smith 4*
WR- Earnest Robinson 4*
WR- Tony Stevens 4*
WR- Dominic Walker 3*
WR- Christian Cumberlander 3* (PREP)
OL- Devonte Danzey 3* (JUCO)
DE- Carl Lawson 5*
DE- Tashawn Bower 4*
DE- Elijah Daniel 4*
DT- Ben Bradley 4* (JUCO)
DT- Toby Johnson 4* ((JUCO)longshot here is Montravius Adams, who would replace Johnson)
LB- Reuben Foster 5*
LB- Cameron Toney 3*
LB- Kenny Flowers 3* (JUCO)
LB- Jonathan Walton 3*
Star- Brandon King 3* (JUCO)
S- Khari Harding 3*
CB- Kamryn Melton 3*
CB- Mackenzie Alexander 5*
ATH- Marcus Davis- 3*
K- Daniel Carlson 3*
P- Jimmy Hutchinson 3*
That would be 27 total commits, 3 of which can count back to the 2012 class with Danzey, Payne and Bradley enrolling early.
Here is the star breakdown:
5*- 3
4*-10
3*- 14
That, my AU friends, is an exceptional class and possibly a top 6-8 finish. Nothing short of amazing. I stuck my neck out on a few of these and it's certainly possible we don't land Alexander, Daniels, Toby Johnson, Adams, or Folston, but I feel very confident on the rest.
War Damn Eagle!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Auburn '13 QB Target, Ryan Buchanan
The Skinny
Ryan Buchanan
Jackson Prep HS (Jackson, MS)
6'3, 205 lbs.
4.82 forty
1,600 yds passing for 16 TDs. (very run heavy offense)
YouTube Highlights video 1
YouTube Highlights video 2
Amateur Analysis
Really, really good feet with an absolutely ideal build. Has a great knack for fitting balls into tight windows. Particularly like how you can tell he knows that offense like the back of his hand. Every throw he makes tends to be in rhythm with his drops and this is directly attributed to his full knowledge of the playbook. Little bit of a 3/4 release but if he's 6'3 that won't be too big of an issue. Seems to be fairly accurate on the deep ball, but is very very accurate on the intermediate throws. With his 3/4 delivery it does tend to make the ball not necessarily sizzle out of his hand and it tends to come out wobbly when he has to rush the throws, and he doesn't step into his throws as much under duress. This should get better working with a good, college QB coach that can refine his mechanics.
Overall, I feel comfortable at this point in saying that Buchanan is the most underrated QB in the '13 class when looking at his rankings on the more popular recruiting sites out there. In, what I feel is, one of the best years for QBs I've seen in the 5 or so years I've really been following recruiting, I'd have no qualms about seeing Buchanan in the top 5-7 range for QBs. The level of competition Ryan faces is pretty sub-par, so this might be a kid who has to do some camping to truly prove to some that he's worthy or being called one of the top passers in the country.
Recruiting
Buchanan, relative to the fast paced recruitment we've all become used to, has remained under the radar for quite some time. Most of the top 10 or so QBs in this class have been well known players for the past year or 2 in recruiting circles. But, now that coaches have gotten a hold of his film, most of them seem to like what they see and what to get him on campus ASAP to evaluate in person. Recently colleges such as Auburn, Florida and Arkansas have all picked up interest, with Auburn offering on his visit this past weekend. I feel that if Auburn wants him, at this point, Auburn could get him. But, I don't feel Auburn is ready to settle on it's number one target for QB just yet, but it should happen soon. He plans a decision before his Sr. season and AU would like to have it's QB by then as well. Ole Miss will be tough to beat, as they always are in that area of Mississippi, and he has a sister that goes to Ole Miss. I've heard Loeffler is his favorite coach he's talked to, after his recent visit, but have also heard that Bobby Petrino was his favorite. Either way Loeffler wouldn't be too far behind if Auburn really wants him.
Prediction:
Ole Miss
Ryan Buchanan
Jackson Prep HS (Jackson, MS)
6'3, 205 lbs.
4.82 forty
1,600 yds passing for 16 TDs. (very run heavy offense)
YouTube Highlights video 1
YouTube Highlights video 2
Amateur Analysis
Really, really good feet with an absolutely ideal build. Has a great knack for fitting balls into tight windows. Particularly like how you can tell he knows that offense like the back of his hand. Every throw he makes tends to be in rhythm with his drops and this is directly attributed to his full knowledge of the playbook. Little bit of a 3/4 release but if he's 6'3 that won't be too big of an issue. Seems to be fairly accurate on the deep ball, but is very very accurate on the intermediate throws. With his 3/4 delivery it does tend to make the ball not necessarily sizzle out of his hand and it tends to come out wobbly when he has to rush the throws, and he doesn't step into his throws as much under duress. This should get better working with a good, college QB coach that can refine his mechanics.
Overall, I feel comfortable at this point in saying that Buchanan is the most underrated QB in the '13 class when looking at his rankings on the more popular recruiting sites out there. In, what I feel is, one of the best years for QBs I've seen in the 5 or so years I've really been following recruiting, I'd have no qualms about seeing Buchanan in the top 5-7 range for QBs. The level of competition Ryan faces is pretty sub-par, so this might be a kid who has to do some camping to truly prove to some that he's worthy or being called one of the top passers in the country.
Recruiting
Buchanan, relative to the fast paced recruitment we've all become used to, has remained under the radar for quite some time. Most of the top 10 or so QBs in this class have been well known players for the past year or 2 in recruiting circles. But, now that coaches have gotten a hold of his film, most of them seem to like what they see and what to get him on campus ASAP to evaluate in person. Recently colleges such as Auburn, Florida and Arkansas have all picked up interest, with Auburn offering on his visit this past weekend. I feel that if Auburn wants him, at this point, Auburn could get him. But, I don't feel Auburn is ready to settle on it's number one target for QB just yet, but it should happen soon. He plans a decision before his Sr. season and AU would like to have it's QB by then as well. Ole Miss will be tough to beat, as they always are in that area of Mississippi, and he has a sister that goes to Ole Miss. I've heard Loeffler is his favorite coach he's talked to, after his recent visit, but have also heard that Bobby Petrino was his favorite. Either way Loeffler wouldn't be too far behind if Auburn really wants him.
Prediction:
Ole Miss
Auburn QB Targets in my top 10....
For the next week or so, I'm going to go through the top 5 or so QB targets that Auburn is targeting and do a write up and what I think of them, as well as where we stand with them in their recruitment.......
I'll do the first one today starting with Ryan Buchanan (a personal favorite of mine).....
I'll do the first one today starting with Ryan Buchanan (a personal favorite of mine).....
Monday, April 2, 2012
'13 Top 10 QBs:
Here are some of the 2013 QBs and how I feel they stack up against the rest of the country from watching the film out there on about 25-30 QBs so far this year. This is an incredible year for QB talent, so I'm happy that AU has a need and an incredible evaluator and teacher of QBs. I have no doubts that Scot Loeffler will land Auburn someone from the top 5-6 on this list.
Top 10
1. Ryan Burns
2. Kevin Olsen
3. Max Browne
4. Ryan Buchanan
5. Cooper Bateman
6. Hayden Rettig
7. Christian Hackenberg
8. Eddie Printz
9. Shane Morris
10. Brice Ramsey
Highest Ceiling
1. Ryan Burns
2. Max Browne
3. Tyrone Swoopes
Highest Floor
1. Ryan Burns
2. Kevin Olsen
3. Eddie Printz
Sleepers
1. Cord Sandberg
2. Jeremy Johnson
3. Austin Allen
Future #1 pick
1. Ryan Burns
2. Max Browne
3. Kevin Olsen
Top 10
1. Ryan Burns
2. Kevin Olsen
3. Max Browne
4. Ryan Buchanan
5. Cooper Bateman
6. Hayden Rettig
7. Christian Hackenberg
8. Eddie Printz
9. Shane Morris
10. Brice Ramsey
Highest Ceiling
1. Ryan Burns
2. Max Browne
3. Tyrone Swoopes
Highest Floor
1. Ryan Burns
2. Kevin Olsen
3. Eddie Printz
Sleepers
1. Cord Sandberg
2. Jeremy Johnson
3. Austin Allen
Future #1 pick
1. Ryan Burns
2. Max Browne
3. Kevin Olsen
Friday, March 16, 2012
Way too Early '13 Mock Class
2013 AU Mock Class.....
Let's try our first one here in March:
QB- Hayden Rettig
QB- Jeremy Johnson
RB- Tyshon Dye
FB- Josh Anderson
WR- Earnest Robinson
WR- Isaiah Jones
TE- OJ Howard (I think we flip him, going out on a limb mostly here)
TE- Standish Dobard
OL- Austin Golson (another potential flip...visited several times, quietly, already)
OG- Tyrone Crowder
DL- Dee Liner
DE- Carl Lawson
DT- Jay Ellison or Rod Crayton (if we offer)
DE- Jordan Sherit
DL- one more "best available" guy....hopefully Montravius Adams or Kenny Bigelow
LB- Trey Johnson
LB- Cameron Toney
CB- Kamryn Melton
CB- Noel Ellis
S- Vonn Bell
K- Harrison Butker
LS- Trevor Morgan
P- Jimmy Hutchinson
This would be a class of 23. I'm sure we'll have some EEs to count towards the '12 class. I can't see us bringing in more than 20 in the spring/summer though with the small graduating class that we have coming in.
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