Things are starting to take shape in Auburn's defensive midfield.
According to redshirt freshman Cameron Toney, Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost have stepped into leadership roles in the linebacker corps this spring.
"They're great leaders, [and] I look up to them," Toney said. "I basically look up to those guys, and I'm in a great position to help those guys out this year."
Toney, who will see his first on-field action this year, has been adjusting well this spring after spending his freshman year taking most of his reps in the scout team.
"Cameron Toney has caught on pretty well," said defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. "When you put them on the scout team and decide to redshirt them, they don't get as many reps at your base defense.
"He's almost going to back to square one learning what he's doing. He's had a pretty solid spring."
Frost and McKinzy recently underwent a position swap, which Frost said both players are getting along well with the change.
McKinzy led the team in tackles last season as Auburn's starter at weakside linebacker, while Frost backed up the recently departed Jake Holland at middle linebacker.
"I have traits of an outside linebacker, and Cass has traits of a middle linebacker," Frost said. "We're adjusting to it well."
Frost also said that McKinzy is doing a good job being the "quarterback" of the defense as the new middle linebacker.
"Cass is doing a really good job with all the calls and making sure the defense is where we need to be and everything," Frost said.
Frost also talked about how much he has liked the move as a player.
"I'm really enjoying it," Frost said. "I'm enjoying having the opportunity to fly around and not really think so much, but just reading and feeling so comfortable with the defense."
Hard-hitting redshirt freshman Khari Harding also just underwent a position change, switching from safety to linebacker.
"He's got good body size to play linebacker," Frost said. "He's fast; he moves well from playing safety. His drops are really good. It's good seeing him here."
Despite the solid spring the linebackers have been having, Johnson still has his worries as fall approaches.
"None of them have really jumped out and [done] anything dynamic," Johnson said. "But I feel like I'm gaining confidence in all of them."
Johnson claimed depth as one of the main problems he sees with his linebacker corps.
"I'm not sure we're going to have that many guys," Johnson said. "If we get into a situation in the fall where I only feel like we've got three guys that are ready, I won't have the availability to play those guys at Mike or Will."
Johnson said he believes if the depth situation works out, he will be able to play who needs to play in the position they need to be in.
"I want the third best guy on the field with them wherever he is," Johnson said. "If we develop some better depth, I see Cassanova at the Mike and Kris at the Will."
With several starters leaving after last season, the linebackers will have their work cut out for them.
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