Auburn heads into the spring with some key absences to deal with on the roster, most notably at quarterback and receiver.

During his introductory spring press conference, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn ruled sophomore receiver Kyle Davis out for the spring – although he did not get into specifics.

“Kyle Davis is taking care of some personal business,” Malzahn said. “We expect him back (with the team) by spring break.”

Davis made limited appearances as a true freshman last season but flashed his massive potential, despite his few opportunities on the field. After appearing in only 10 games, Davis caught 12 passes for 248 yards, and two touchdowns his first year on campus. If he misses any extending period of time, it would be a huge loss for the future of the offense.

As for the team’s starting quarterback from last season, Sean White is still rehabbing from his broken arm suffered in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma, and will also miss the spring.

“Sean White is still recovering from his broken arm,” Malzahn said.

With White missing an opportunity to gain reps this spring, it appears more and more likely that junior college transfer and early enrollee Jarrett Stidham is positioning himself to take over the starting duties for Auburn. Stidham shined in limited opportunity during his freshman season at Baylor and looks to possess the ideal tools to flourish in the Auburn offense, especially considering all the talent on the offensive side of the ball for the Tigers.

Don’t be surprised if Stidham seizes control of the starting quarterback duties this spring and never lets them go.