Auburn football 2017: Projected Tigers depth chart
By John Buhler
Offense
Frankly, Auburn looks to be in great shape on the offensive side of the ball. The Tigers didn’t lose a great deal of talent to the NFL Draft or the undrafted free agency. Sure, former starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson is gone, but he never really wowed under center. This biggest loss for the Auburn offense is easily Lashlee, now that he is in Storrs. Fortunately, Auburn landed a solid offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey, most recently with the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Quarterback: Jarrett Stidham, Redshirt Sophomore
The most important position for the Auburn offense is easily the quarterback position. Had that position group been even remotely competent last year, this could have been a 10-win team. Expect former Baylor Bears signal-caller Jarrett Stidham to lead War Eagle Nation, with Sean White and John Franklin III backing him up.
Running Back: Kamryn Pettway, Redshirt Junior
Running Back: Kerryon Johnson, Junior
After Peyton Barber bolted to the NFL abruptly two years ago, the Auburn rushing attack was in a bit of flux. That is not the case in 2017, as the Tigers return a pair of solid backs that will feed off each other. Redshirt Junior Kamryn Pettway will likely be the bell-cow with junior Kerryon Johnson backing him up as the change of pace. Both have the ability to take over games on the ground. Just ask Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema.
Wide Receiver: Kyle Davis, Sophomore
Wide Receiver: Darius Slayton, Redshirt Sophomore
The wide receiver crew is a very young group for the Tigers. They will lean on mostly underclassmen to move the sticks. Fortunately for Malzahn and the Tigers receiving corps, Stidham had shown at Baylor he could be proficient in the up-tempo spread. Sophomore Kyle Davis could have a breakout year for the Tigers on the outside. Redshirt Sophomore Darius Slayton could end up being Stidham’s most reliable target.
Tight End: Jalen Harris, Junior
Auburn has used its tight end more as an h-back under Malzahn. This means Auburn prefers its tight end to block more in the backfield than to go out and be a pass catcher. While Auburn has pounded the rock well under Malzahn, look for the Tigers to air it out more with Stidham in the gun. This could lead to a solid junior season for tight end Jalen Harris.
Left Tackle: Darius James, Senior
Left Guard: Marquell Harrell, Redshirt Sophomore
Center: Austin Golson, Senior
Right Guard: Mike Horton, Redshirt Sophomore
Right Tackle: Braden Smith, Senior
The Tigers typically do a good job of run blocking for Malzahn. However, pass protection has been mostly hit and miss since his arrival on down on the Plains in 2013. With Stidham as the presumed starting quarterback, Malzahn will opt for senior leadership at crucial positions on the offensive line. Tackles Darius James, Braden Smith, and center Austin Golson are in their final years of collegiate eligibility. However, the integrity of the pocket could be compromised with redshirt sophomores playing guard in Marquell Harrell and Mike Horton.
All-Purpose: Eli Stove, Sophomore
It helps that Pettway and Johnson are multi-faceted running backs. Their ability to do multiple things helps Stidham in year one as a starter. However, his best all-purpose weapon is wide receiver Eli Stove. He’s the guy that will be making plays between the hash marks and could put together a long run on a jet sweep.