Spring practice notebook: Tempers flare during physical drills; Wildcat candidates; QBs punting
Shedrick Jackson and Roger McCreary in drills. Auburn Football practice on Monday, March 25, 2019 in Auburn, Ala.
With four more days until football returns to Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn held a practice open to the media Wednesday afternoon.
The Tigers will practice once more this week before their annual A-Day spring game Saturday at 3 p.m. CST on Pat Dye Field.
At the final viewing period of the spring, here's what The Plainsman observed.
Tempers flared during Tiger Drill, where offensive and defensive players attempt to drive one another to the ground. In a drill between sophomore receiver Shedrick Jackson and a defensive player who couldn't be seen in the scrum, Jackson's helmet was knocked off. The two continued to go at it after whistles had been blown. Coaches and teammates had to get involved to break the two up. Both sides — offense and defense — were jawing at each other after the fact, as well.
In a separate drill, Sal Cannella and Zakoby McClain appeared to get into it after McClain lost. McClain stood over Cannella and got in his face. They shoved each other and McClain slapped Cannella on the helmet a few times. There wasn't as big a commotion for that incident, so it was unclear whether it was an actual fight.
Sophomore receiver Seth Williams continued to struggle in the Tiger Drill as he has all spring. He lost two drills, including the first where his helmet was also knocked off.
It appeared the players enjoyed the flaring tempers, however. Both sides were fired up when their respective player won a drill. After the Tiger Drill period ended, players raced to the outside practice field, jumping up and down and exclaiming how excited they were after the drills. Kristi Malzahn watched and clapped, saying she "loved it."
Offense
Kolbi Fuqua, who reportedly entered the transfer portal last week, was still at practice, working with receivers.
Kodi Burns was carrying out tennis ball drills with his receiving corps. Harold Joiner, who has been playing a little bit of everything on offense this spring, was with the receivers.
With the first-team offensive line in front of them, Malik Willis and Bo Nix took starting snaps with Whitlow and D.J. Williams, respectively. Whitlow, who was consistently communicating with Cadillac Williams throughout the entire period, was coaching Williams during the drill.
Whitlow continued to show his leadership as the go-to energy guy for the offense. During stretching drills, while Dababy's "Suge" blasted over the PA system, Whitlow bounced around players, yelling and energizing his teammates.
Whitlow worked at the Wildcat along with Joiner.
Defense
Sophomore Christian Tutt started at nickel in a drill, while Javaris Davis occupied a corner slot.
Devan Barrett, who has officially moved from offense to defense this spring, rotated in with the starters at cornerback.
Special teams
Javaris Davis, Matthew Hill, D.J. Williams, Kam Martin and Whitlow worked at kick returner. Noah Igbinoghene, who started there for the past two seasons, was not returning kicks.
Quarterbacks went through a punting drill, practicing pooch punts.
Anders Carlson made all six of his field goals during a drill, including a 52-yarder.
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