The Auburn Tigers returned to action at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday for the first time since Chris Davis' 109-yard field-goal return for a touchdown to knock off undefeated archrival Alabama.
While last weekend's rainy weather kept the Tigers from scrimmaging at their home stadium, Saturday's spring weather was perfect for a half-practice, half-scrimmage to wrap up Auburn's third full week of camp.
"With the older guys, they did the first half," said head coach Gus Malzahn. "With the actual scrimmage part, we let a lot of the younger guys go. Really, it was an emphasis on building depth. There were some of the guys who were starters last year, guys we knew a lot about, who didn't participate in the scrimmage."
Auburn invited former players and current high school coaches who were a part of the staff's coaching clinic during the week to watch Saturday's practice.
"We had a lot of people watching them today," Malzahn said. "Our lettermen were back today, and it's always good to see those guys. We had a coaches' clinic the last three days with almost 1,000 coaches. It was great to see that turnout, and they got to watch our practice today."
On the field, the biggest news of the day came on the offensive line.
Patrick Miller, who is competing with Shon Coleman for Auburn's starting left tackle job, moved over to right tackle for some reps Saturday. Avery Young, Auburn's returning starter at right tackle, moved inside to right guard and rotated with fellow returning starter Chad Slade.
"We've got a deep o-line," Miller said after practice. "It's a race, and everybody's fighting for a starting job...you have to be ready for anything. We've got six of the best offensive linemen in college football, and we've got five spots."
Miller was the Tigers' starting right tackle for the first five games of 2013 before a suspension because of a violation of team rules. Young took over for the final nine games, including the SEC and BCS Championship Games.
Young said he had never played at right guard before Auburn's last two practices, which were on Thursday and Saturday.
"Everything they put on my plate, I've got to handle it," Young said. "All offensive linemen should be able to play all positions, no matter who you are. Basically, if you're on that field, you should know how to play all five spots."
Several players said redshirt freshman running back Peyton Barber scored a rushing touchdown in Saturday's scrimmage.
Malzahn said he has been impressed with Barber's spring practices so far.
"He's getting a lot of reps, which is good," Malzahn said. "He definitely needs reps with different groups. You can see he's improving. He wants to be good, and he's a tough guy."
On defense, safeties Brandon King and Derrick Moncrief were said to have laid big hits Saturday. Moncrief, who was rated the No. 1 junior college safety by 247Sports.com last year, also had an interception in the scrimmage.
"(Moncrief) is picking (Auburn's defensive scheme) up well," said cornerback Jonathan Jones. "He's got around older guys like Jermaine Whitehead and Joshua Holsey. He's picking up the defense find and is making plays."
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