As the dew settled on a clear-skied, 70 degree morning, the Auburn Tigers took to the practice field for the first time in a new decade Wednesday. The early practices are a shift from last year's regimen, which saw much of spring training at night. Head coach Gene Chizik said changes in the trends of the athletes' schedules prompted the change. "We're kind of getting in that mode where classes are more in the afternoon," Chizik said. "When you get them in the morning they're fresh, they're very alert and they're ready to go. I think that for everybody, players and coaches, it's really been a benefit."
Loose drills and fundamentals were the day's fare as the team practiced in helmets and shorts. Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn presided over the four quarterbacks vying for the starting position: Clint Moseley, Barrett Trotter, Neil Caudle and transfer Cam Newton. "(Newton) is an intelligent young man," Malzahn said. "He's not scared to work. He wants to be coach-able and he wants to do well. He had a good attitude and we expect him to correct the mistakes he makes each day." Newton said he hopes to mesh with the current Tigers before the rest of the 2010 recruits arrive.
"My number one expectation from myself is go gain the trust of my team," Newton said. "There's a difference between when the ball is on the field and just working out. You learn a lot from your coaches, but you learn more from your peers. They're going to kick it to you straight." Several key players are in question, namely Tyrik Rollinson and Zac Etheridge. Speculation flew in the off season after Rollinson suggested that he would transfer from Auburn on his Facebook page. Chizik said Rollinson is still a part of the team but is taking time off to focus on his grades. Etheridge, who sustained a neck injury in Auburn's game against Ole Miss last fall, has spent the winter rehabilitating. Despite the lengthy process, Chizik sounded optimistic about Etheridge returning in the fall.
"Zac has been able to do a few different things," Chizik said. "Obviously he's very limited in what his role is right now. It's a day-by-day process with him with what he can and can't do so we're just going to play that by ear." Chizik said that competition is key in choosing starters, particularly at quarterback. While no specific deadline will be set as to when the staff will make such decisions, Chizik said it is hoped that candidates can be narrowed down in the coming months. "What you played last year means nothing," Chizik said. "We've got some talented freshmen coming in, so if you're not getting the job done to the standard that we believe in and the standard that we adhere to, you're going to get beat out by a freshman."
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