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Auburn entered spring camp with numerous questions, most notably at quarterback, where they still exist.
With the spring game over and one practice remaining, here are five things we learned about the Tigers — most notably the quarterback situation is a long way from being settled.
1. Quarterback competition will continue
None of the three quarterbacks created separation this spring.
Gus Malzahn told reporters after Saturday’s spring game that he’s not ready to put a timetable on the decision to name a starter, either.
All three quarterbacks bring possess different skills, so the choice could come down to what type of offense Auburn wants to be.
Sean White looked liked the most natural passer — but he lost a fumble and made a poor throw that should have resulted in an interception Saturday.
John Franklin III looked like he will be the most dangerous in the open field, but he looked overmatched trying to throw down field.
Jeremy Johnson was up and down, mixing poor throws with two nice late ones, meaning he looked a lot like he did last year.
Auburn's Gus Malzahn not ready to name a starting quarterback, but 'we do have depth at the position. That's a good thing.'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) April 9, 2016
2. Running game is stacked
Jovon Robinson seemed to separate himself as Auburn’s feature back. He’s already stated he wants to rush for 1,000 yards in 2016.
H-backs Kamryn Pettway and Chandler Cox are more than just blockers. Both had long runs in Saturday’s game and Pettway, in particular, showed speed and looked for contact when finishing runs.
Kamryn Pettway toting the rock, delivering the blow. #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/haH4LStJ4b
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) April 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/MattLowe777/status/718912341950230529
Their spring game performances were not flukes, according to Auburn running back coach Tim Horton, who praised both earlier this spring.
Auburn RB coach Tim Horton: "I've been really pleased with Chandler Cox and Kamryn Pettway at RB…Chandler was a MAN there in the scrimmage."
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) March 29, 2016
3. Roc Thomas is versatile
Thomas was a bigger threat Saturday catching the ball than running the ball. He’s dangerous in the open field and Auburn showed some creativity in getting him involved in the passing game.
He ran a nice route and showed good hands on the 8-yard touchdown catch from Johnson in the fourth quarter.
Roc Thomas showing the hands. Touchdown! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/ICB1A2TnDz
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) April 9, 2016
This isn’t necessarily a new development — Thomas caught 11 balls for 200 yards last season — but maybe a realization that he was underused in the passing game in 2015.
He averaged 18.2 yards per catch, primarily because he was able to take advantage of open field matchups.
4. Is Marcus Davis the guy?
Spring impressions are dangerous, but the Tigers are looking for somebody to replace Ricardo Louis’ penchant for making big plays.
Davis was that guy Saturday, and Malzahn seemed most appreciative.
Marcus Davis had a couple of big catches. 'Happy for Marcus. He's a guy our quarterbacks have a lot of confidence in,' said Gus Malzahn
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) April 9, 2016
Davis had 3 catches for 88 yards Saturday, including a Louis-like make-something-out-of-nothing 40-yard touchdown catch.
Davis had 30 catches last season but they went for just 181 yards. Saturday showed a different side.
5. Defensive line could be special
Carl Lawson’s decision to return was a huge boost to a Tigers defense that played significantly better last season with him than without him.
Injuries kept him out of previous A-Days, and he was noticeably excited Saturday about playing in his first one.
The Unblockable One: Carl Lawson makes his presence felt with a sack, and a QB hurry.
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) April 9, 2016
'I thought our defense was outstanding. The one thing that stands out is the depth,' says Auburn's Gus Malzahn of A-Day performance
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) April 9, 2016
Managing Editor
A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.
