Is it possible to equate the college football season to Christmas? Sure, why not. The good thing is college football season is over four months long and Christmas is just one day.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee got a lot of presents in the offseason to enhance the Tigers already potent offense. The box is largely missing one toy – Tre Mason – that got a lot of use last year. Others toys are still in the box: wide receiver Sammie Coates, running back Cameron-Artis Payne, running back Corey Grant, tight end C.J. Uzomah and quarterback Nick Marshall.

Those presents that Malzahn and Lashlee got, they have been sitting under the tree for what seems like months. They’re ready to rip off the wrapping and start playing with them.

WR Duke Williams – A two-time NJCAA All-American, Williams has NFL-type ability. He’ll line up opposite of Sammie Coates, one of the SEC’s most dynamic play-markers. Together, they can be special. He’ll be an integral piece of the Tigers transition to be more balanced. Malzahn is eager to see how Williams handles a game-situation. In the spring game as well as in fall camp Williams made some acrobatic catches. How Williams develops a chemistry with the two quarterbacks will be an interesting sub-plot throughout the season.

RB Roc Thomas – Along with Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant, the freshman will be thrown out there to show what he has. At 5-foot-11, pushing 200 pounds, Thomas isn’t afraid to go between the tackles and take a hit. His elusive speed makes him a threat every time he touches the ball. He is a special player that can have an immediate impact.

QB Jeremy Johnson – Auburn fans are intrigued by the sophomore’s big arm and pocket presence. The home run ball and deep passes are what wows a crowd but the coaching staff has been impressed with Johnson’s ability to run the entire offense. He can run the ball effectively as well. Saturday’s start isn’t just a flash in the pan either. With a promise to be worked in throughout the season, Johnson’s ability changes the style of offense which could be used to Auburn’s advantage. He started against weaker opponents and had just spot duty in SEC games last year. Now we get to see what he do on a consistent basis against the SEC.

HB/TE Brandon Fulse – Fulse is a senior but has never been given an opportunity to make an impact playing in Uzomah’s shadow. This year he’s inherited Jake Prosch’s spot. Old No. 35 was a battering ram in the Tigers run game and was the most under appreciated clog in Auburn’s run game. Fulse knows the blocking task ahead of him is critical. His pass catching ability brings another dynamic to the position. Defenses will have to account for it. It gives Lashlee another option.

LG Chad Slade – Slade is a four year starter but he has a new home this season after being the projected starter at right guard. A season-ending injury to Alex Kozan moved him to the left side. The senior has the ability to play in the NFL. He, along with left tackle Shon Coleman, have worked together in camp to become the anchors of the left side. His game experience, 37, will be a big factor in how well Auburn runs the ball and protects the quarterback’s blind side.

K Daniel Carlson – It cannot be understated how critical Daniel Carlson will be to the Tigers this season. The coaches wouldn’t have anointed him the starter at kicker and punter if they didn’t think he could handle it. He showed in the spring game that he can make the long kick, drilling a 50-yarder. He is on a strict practice regiment so that he does wear out his leg.

LT Braden Smith – Auburn was fortunate enough to only have to use six offensive lineman all of last season. It would be surprising it that were the case this year. If they need to use their depth it could start with Smith. Offensive line coach  J.B. Grimes placed him in the 99.9 percentile of freshman tackles in the country. He is mammoth in size: 6-foot-6, 299 pounds. His ability is just as big.