Auburn Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

Oct 22, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pittway (36) celebrates a touchdown with fullback Chandler Cox (27) and quarterback Sean White (13) during the third quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 56-3. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Malik Miller (32) carries against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Red Wolves 51-14. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rebuilding the offensive line

The Auburn offensive line paved the way for an SEC-leading 271.3 rushing yards per game last season and posted a solid 5.5 yards per carry on average. However, the Tigers must replace two starters from last year’s unit. There’s a lot of talent available, but the coaching staff appears to be shaking up the lineup to find the best fits for 2017 – a practice that is likely to continue into the fall.

Left guard Alex Kozan and right tackle Robert Leff are gone, but Braden Smith, Austin Golson and Darius James return. Golson has practiced at center, where he started nine games last year after lining up at left tackle during the first four weeks of the season. James started the final eight games at left tackle and played in all 13. Smith started all 13 games at right guard last year.

James is a safe bet to win the starting job at left tackle, and Smith has spent the majority of spring practice at right tackle. Smith, a rising senior that could have jumped to the NFL early, has started 27 career games, including two at right tackle. He could be an All-SEC performer this season.

Mike Horton is the best bet to slide into the lineup at right guard. Horton played in 12 games last season and was often used as the sixth lineman when the Tigers needed on in short yardage situations.

Marquel Harrell appeared in four games last season and has the inside track at left guard. However, the position is far from settled. Graduate transfer Casey Dunn won’t arrive in Auburn until the fall, but he could push for a starting job. Dunn was a two-time FCS All-American at Jacksonville State, would be a solid option at center, which would shift Golson to either guard or tackle.

Prince Tega Wanogho is also in the mix to start, and five-star signee Calvin Ashley is also likely to push for playing time. Another transfer could also play a factor should former Cal lineman Aaron Cochran decide to join the Tigers this summer.

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