Auburn released the first depth chart of the season Tuesday morning, setting several positions in stone. Incumbent starters reclaimed their place, newcomers emerge as key contributors, and a few camp battles for positions have been decided.
To nobody's surprise, junior Jeremy Johnson is listed as the starting quarterback, while redshirt freshman Sean White is entrenched as his backup.
The running back competition, which had been closely contested for the majority of camp, has been decided -- partially. Sophomore Roc Thomas is listed as the starter, with Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson listed as two options for the second running back spot. However, coach Gus Malzahn mentioned that all three will play.
Alex Kozan and Devonte Danzey are both listed as options for starting left guard, while Austin Golson, who was in a battle with Xavier Dampeer, is listed as the starting center.
Ricardo Louis, Melvin Ray, and D'haquille 'Duke' Williams are listed as the starting receivers, although Williams has an "OR" next to his name, with Tony Stevens listed as his alternate. Williams, who missed time earlier in camp due to a suspension, is still working his way back up to the first team.
The defense holds some interesting results as well.
Freshman Tim Irvin, who had impressed coaches since his arrival in the spring, is listed as the starter at the Nickel position.
The linebacker listings are a little more confusing. Kris Frost and Tre' Williams are listed as the starters for two of the linebacker spots, but each one has a large "OR" next to their name. Williams is listed as the alternate to Frost, while senior Cassanova McKinzy is listed as the alternate to Williams.
Again, the appearance of the "OR" just indicates that all three will get ample playing time, according to Malzahn.
The starters at the defensive line are as expected: DaVonte Lambert and Carl Lawson start at the end spots, while Dontavius Russell and Montravius Adams will line up at the tackle positions.
Jonathan Jones will start at field cornerback, while Michigan transfer Blake Countess will get the nod at the boundary cornerback position. Jonathan 'Rudy' Ford and Georgia transfer Tray Matthews are listed as the starting safeties.
The specialists, which have been in a dead heat for months, finally have answers as well.
Daniel Carlson, who handled punting and kicking duties in 2014, will only be responsible for placekicking, while junior Kevin Phillips will take over as the starting punter. Phillips beat out freshman Ian Shannon for the job.
The starting punt returner is listed as either junior Marcus Davis, sophomore transfer Jason Smith, or sophomore Gray King. Davis, however, said he would be the starting punt returner in Sunday's press conference.
The kickoff return team looks like it will be a by-committee approach. Rudy Ford and Blake Countess are listed as the first-teamers, while Ricardo Louis and Roc Thomas are listed as the alternates.
This is all preliminary, but the depth chart is finally in place less than a week before the season opener in Atlanta.
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