We've done the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers/tight ends, now it's time to continue our look ahead to Auburn's football team in 2010 with the offensive line ...(Oh, and don't forget to follow the blog on Twitter)
WHO'S GONE?
- Starters: Andrew McCain
- Reserves: None
- Seniors: Lee Ziemba, Ryan Pugh, Byron Isom, Mike Berry, Bart Eddins, Jorrell Bostrom, Darrel Roseman
- Juniors: Jared Cooper, A.J. Greene, Vance Smith, Roszell Gayden (JC), Brandon Mosley (JC)
- Sophomores: John Sullen
- Redshirt Freshmen: Andre Harris, Aubrey Phillips
- Incoming freshmen: Chad Slade, Shon Coleman, Ed Christian
But what is on the roster beyond that quartet? Offensive line coach Jeff Grimes was hesitant to dole out many kudos to the second-teamers this season and even less eager to put them in the game unless the situation absolutely forced his hand or Auburn was winning by 30. That's not a good sign. There is a significant gap between a deep senior class and the next wave of capable scholarship linemen, something the Tigers have tried to patch up with a pair of junior college transfers in Gayden and Mosley. But like all junior college transfers, you don't know how they'll acclimate to the FBS level. Look at a few cases from last year on Auburn's roster. Demond Washington didn't seem overwhelmed with anything that was thrown his way. Eltoro Freeman had his struggles until finally getting settled in near the end of the year. And Nick Fairley showed glimpses of being a player, although he didn't get too much of an opportunity. The point? There's no guarantee that they'll step in and be reliable right away.
Again, I don't think The Gap (as we'll call it from now on) is much of a detriment next season. I can see two scenarios for the offensive line in 2010. The first keeps the returning four at the their positions from last year and plugs a new player (likely Gayden, if he can enroll in January and go throgh an entire spring practice) into the lineup at right tackle for Andrew McCain, who gave Auburn exactly what it wanted last year, a reliable, trustworthy player who was durable. The second scenario involves Berry moving to right tackle (a position he played during practice at times this season) and Eddins, Sullen, one of the junior college transfers or somebody new sliding in at guard, where being on an island is less of an issue (I'll keep Phillips out of this discussion, because I'm not sure what his standing with the team will be next year). Eddins held up decently in that role last year when Isom was suspended and Sullen should be a year further along in his development, so I can see that lineup working as well.
But 2011 is the biggest question. Take away Ziemba, Pugh, Isom and Berry and here's the list of players on the roster who have started a game on offensive line at the college level: Eddins (1), Sullen (1). Yikes. All that means is that Auburn will certainly have an eye on the future when it puts together its practices next year. I'm sure the coaches will continue to target junior college players to fill The Gap during next year's recruiting season. And it certainly makes the ongoing recruiting battle for Coleman, a soft Auburn commit looking at other schools, and Eric Mack, a South Carolina commit considering the Tigers, even more important in the next month.
8 comments:
yeah, 2011 looks pretty bleak unless they can get a couple more guys in here.
nice work on the blog mr. bitter. good stuff.
Yeah, I thought Phillip Marshall was a homer, but you really take the title here. Sullen was so bad that they had to try Eddins. Of course, we beat Tennessee with him in, but not pretty. Also his second play in the bowl game resulted in a "tripping" penalty (first I've seen that called in a long while). Best to pray Gayden can start at LT and move Ziemba to RT, so at least you have the most important position on the line anchored in 2011. Roseman and Aubrey? LMAO...Aubrey is done and Roseman will never play. Wish for Sullen to develop into a 2011 starter and the other 3 freshman this incoming class to mature as well. Here's a question for you "O orange & blue" prognosticator...who is Auburn's center in 2011? Name the last center we signed. Next year without injuries, we're fine...after that, depends.
"Next year without injuries, we're fine...after that, depends."
Umm, isn't that exactly what I said in the post?
I don't think I ever said anything about Eddins or Sullen being great options on the line. Just that they are options if the JC guys don't transition directly into the lineup.
And if you're going to cite things, don't put words in my mouth. I never said anything about Roseman or Phillips contributing in any major way next year. Just that they are (for the moment) still listed on the roster.
Heh, I'll take those words out of your mouth back, if you'll answer my question about who was the last center AU has signed? Fair enough?
Nobody. That's part of The Gap. Don't think I ever said otherwise.
Anonymous posted: "Sullen was so bad that they had to try Eddins. Of course, we beat Tennessee with him in...."
Pretty good start for a true freshman, don't you think?
What a d**k. Take that crap back to al.com. Bitter is the best beatwriter that covers AU.
By the way Jared Cooper is a C. And they are developing Sullen into a center. He is very smart.
Based on the Under Armor game, my money is on Dakota Mosley start at center in 2011, 12, & 13. By the way Andy, you give the most in detail look into the Auburn team as any beat writer out there and at least Anonymous started and ended the spelling of his mane with the right letters.
Keep up the good work and I have a lot of questions about the D’line and look forward to your article about them!
Post a Comment