College Football 2018: Biggest question facing every Top 25 team in spring practice

Will Auburn’s rebuilt offensive line keep the Tigers in the SEC title hunt?

Auburn is consistently one of the most talented teams in the SEC. Despite his offseason shoulder surgery, the Tigers are in good hands at quarterback with Jarrett Stidham, the receiving corps returns intact, and the defensive line welcomes back three full-time starters and every backup from one of the most effective units in the nation.

Nevertheless, Auburn also lost a great deal of talent from their 2017 SEC West championship squad. Running backs Kerryon Johnson, and Kamryn Pettway, top pass rusher Jeff Holland and solid cornerback Carlton Davis all left school early for the NFL Draft. Starting defensive backs Tray Matthews and Stephen Roberts, as well as linebacker Tre’ Williams and All-SEC kicker Daniel Carlson, have graduated. But the biggest loss comes on the offensive line.

Auburn must find a way to replace four starters, including versatile duo Braden Smith and Austin Golson, who filled multiple holes in years past. Additionally, the Tigers will be without starting center Casey Dunn, who was a solid one-year option as a graduate from Jacksonville State, and right tackle Darius James. Wilson Bell, a backup at guard, is also out of eligibility. Line coach Herb Hand also jumped ship to Texas.

Some experience remains. Left guard Mike Horton returns, while Prince Tega Wanogho and Marquel Harrell both have starting experience, and Tyler Carr and Bailey Sharp have seen game action. Redshirt freshman Calvin Ashley was a five-star prospect. Unfortunately, transfer Calvin Anderson chose Texas over Auburn, as well as Michigan and Oklahoma.

Offensive line continuity can offer a huge boost to a program, but it’s not necessarily a deal breaker. Auburn shuffled its O-Line in 2017, like previous years, and new position J.B. Grimes served in the same role before Hand was hired, so he is familiar with some of the players he inherits. The Tigers also seem to find a 1,000-yard running back, and with quarterback and receiver likely to be team strengths, Auburn should have enough at the skill positions to put up points while the line gels.