Auburn kicked off spring practice today looking to rebound from a disappointing 7-6 record in 2015. The Tigers will hold 13 practices leading up to A-Day, the annual spring game, on April 9.
Auburn's first practice was open to the media for 20 minutes. Here are some news and notes:
- One of the most important position battles this spring is at quarterback, where returners Jeremy Johnson, Sean White and Tyler Queen will compete with junior college transfer John Franklin III for the starting job. In a press conference Tuesday morning, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said the four will share equal reps in the spring. Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee worked with the quarterbacks on the read-option and ball security.
- While Jovon Robinson, Roc Thomas and Kerryon Johnson are expected to compete for the carries made available by the departure of Peyton Barber to the NFL, Chandler Cox and Kamryn Pettway are also getting looks at running back this spring. The two split time at H-back last year.
- Auburn must replace two offensive tackles — Shon Coleman and Avery Young — who left early for the NFL Draft. The first-unit offensive line on Tuesday was, left to right, Robert Leff, Alex Kozan, Austin Golson, Braden Smith and Darius James. Leff, Kozan, Golson and Smith spent time on the line last season. James started two games at right tackle at Texas in 2014 before transferring to Auburn.
- Marcus Davis returned punts for Auburn last season. He, Stanton Truitt, Kyle Davis, Jason Smith, Ryan Davis and Javaris Davis were practicing at returner today.
- All-SEC cornerback Carlton Davis has switched from No. 18 to No. 6. Defensive end DaVonte Lambert wore the number last season.
- Former coach Pat Dye, who coached at Auburn from 1982–91 and remains heavily involved in the program, was in attendance at practice today.
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