The Auburn Tigers had a very disappointing 2015 season, finishing with a 7-6 record and just two SEC wins despite being ranked No. 6 nationally in the preseason. Quite frankly, Auburn simply wasn't as competitive as we've become accustomed to seeing them.
Spring practice will prove to be extremely vital to Auburn's success next year as they try to get back to competing for championships. Here's an overview of everything that happened around the Tigers this spring:
Top Position Battle
Quarterback
The biggest reason for Auburn's struggles was the absolutely terrible quarterback play they got last year. Jeremy Johnson, who was expected to compete for SEC Player of the Year, passed for just 1,054 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games last year - but was benched after just three starts. Redshirt freshman Sean White took over and didn't do much better, passing for 1,166 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions.
Both are them are competing with JUCO transfer John Franklin III, who said he expects to start after a strong A-Day performance. However, no one was really able to lead the offense in the spring game as both teams went a combined 1/22 on third down. Whoever gets the start needs to produce for Auburn.
3 Players That Need To Step Up
QB John Franklin III
Franklin probably belongs in the newcomers section of this article (see below), but he isn't being graded on the "newcomer" scale because of the position he plays. His speed and athleticism have drawn comparisons to former Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall, which is perfect for head coach Gus Malzahn's spread offense. They're counting on him to be a star from day one.
WR Jason Smith
Auburn's leading returning receiver caught just 13 passes for 203 yards last season with two touchdowns. The Tigers put a big emphasis on adding receiving talent in the incoming recruiting class (more on that in a second), but they'll need an experienced player to carry the passing game during th early part of the season. Smith has to be that guy.
OT Robert Leff
Auburn lost both starting tackles to the NFL, and Leff appears to be entrenched to start at right tackle. He could spend some time at left tackle as well and offensive line coach Herb Hand is experimenting with multiple options, but Leff is someone they hope they can rely on.
3 Newcomers To Watch
WR Eli Stove
Auburn's offense was severely limited by their lack of playmakers at receiver last season, and head coach Gus Malzahn made a concerted effort to bring in as many talented receivers as possible. Stove won't the be Tigers' No. 1 option next season, but his blazing speed and stop-on-a-dime quickness at 6'1" and 178 pounds make him an excellent candidate to tear through opposing defenses from the slot.
DT Derrick Brown
Brown already has elite size (6'4", 317 lbs), and that should allow him to start from day one under new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. The Tigers had a lot of trouble stopping the run last year - especially up the middle - and Brown's ability could actually turn that into a strength for Auburn in 2016.
WR Nate Craig-Myers
Craig-Myers has future superstar written all over him, and he's expected to step in and take over as Auburn's No. 1 receiver as soon as he steps on campus. He combines prototypical size (6'2", 205 lbs) with excellent hands and great ball skills. His route-running is a bit inconsistent, but he has all of the raw ability to be a true superstar for the Tigers in the fall.
What they're saying:
Watch A-Day in less than 20 minutes
Marlon Davidson dazzles at A-Day
Malzahn takes blame for 2015 struggles, vows change
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