Defensively Auburn fielded one of the youngest defensive squads in the nation, and it showed on the field as they were ranked 80^th in the nation on total defense.  However, the good news is that Auburn only had two seniors on the two-deep depth chart.  LB Eltoro Freeman is one of two seniors graduating, and he was second on the team in tackles for loss.  The other loss comes in the defensive backfield with the loss of Neiko Thorpe.  Thorpe was second on the team in tackles with 102, and he led the team with three interceptions.  Even though it is only two losses, Freeman and Thorpe are definitely big losses.

Needs Met: Auburn started off National Signing Day slow, but they ended the day with a quality class that meets their needs.  Let’s not forget that awesome 2011 recruiting class that this class will only add to.  Just like last year, Auburn signed another outstanding offensive line class in 2012.  This year Auburn signed six offensive linemen, and OT Avery Young headlines this group.  Young was a signing day commitment, and he was a big pull out of Florida territory.  Patrick Miller and Shane Callahan are both guys that can come and add depth right away.  Auburn signed two QB’s in Jonathan Wallace and Zeke Pike.  I think Pike has all the athletic ability to be a great player, but I don’t think Jonathan Wallace will play QB at Auburn.  Wallace can play just about any skill position on the field, and I would not be surprised to see him play receiver.  Jovon Robinson is a big bruising running back that I think will play next year because of Dyer’s departure.  To round out their offensive class the Tigers signed Darrion Hutcherson and Ricky Parks at TE.  I think both guys will contribute significantly during their time at Auburn.

Defensively, Auburn only signed seven defensive players out of a total of 20 guys in this recruiting class.  Up front the Tigers only signed a DE and a DT, and DT Tyler Nero is a great player.  Nero is not only an outstanding in-state player, but they kept him from following his father (Norman Nero) to Arkansas.  Auburn signed two quality linebackers in Cassanova McKinzy and Javiere Mitchell.  Both Mitchell and McKinzy will contribute in some fashion next year.  The Tigers spent three scholarships on defensive backs, and CB Joshua Holsey leads this group because of the speed he brings to the table.  Look for Holsey to push for playing time simply because it is hard to keep speed off the field.

Biggest Get: Avery Young.  Young hails from Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Butch Davis said during the ESPN broadcast that players from that school always go to Florida.  Well, this year Auburn convinced Young to head north.

Biggest Miss: T.J. Yeldon.  Yeldon was one of the top running backs in the nation, and he initially committed to Auburn.  In December, Yeldon flipped and committed to Alabama.  Yeldon is a big time talent and could have gone a long way in helping to replace Dyer’s production.

Final Evaluation: Gene Chizik and his coaching staff have established themselves as excellent recruiters, and combining this class with last year’s class, Auburn has a great future ahead.

Final Grade:  A-

Other 2012 Signing Report Cards:

• Alabama Crimson Tide: A+
• Florida Gators: A+
• Georgia Bulldogs: A
• Kentucky Wildcats: C
• Missouri Tigers: C+
• Ole Miss Rebels: C

There are three weeks before opening day, and Auburn has three hot topics to work on during fall camp:

1. Figure Out The Quarterback Depth Chart

Auburn obviously has a massive hole in the roster at quarterback from the departed Cam Newton. Barrett Trotter and Clint Moseley are battling it out in camp, and most think that Trotter will get the nod of the two. However, there is certainly high praise for incoming freshman Kiehl Frazier from Gus Malzahn, and he typically doesn’t praise individual players. Had Frazier enrolled early, there is no doubt he would be neck-and-neck with both Trotter and Moseley. No matter who the quarterback is, we all saw what Malzahn did with Chris Todd. Auburn does need to name a starter as quickly as possible and move into week one mode on offense.

2. Build An Offensive Line Rotation

The Auburn offensive line mauled people last year because they were both good and experienced. This year, it could be a different story. The Tigers will be replacing four out of five starters, as tackle Brandon Mosley could be the lone returning starter. Auburn plays an up-tempo offensive style under Malzahn, and he will have to build a solid depth rotation to keep his players fresh. There is no better time than early in August camp to get a feel for your depth chart and playmakers.

3. Find Leadership

Auburn lost a ton of talent and leadership from their National Championship team a year ago. This team will have to find leadership quickly. Auburn did bring two juniors and a sophomore to the SEC Media Days, so we know they are a young football team. Michael Dyer has to step up and be a leader on this team because it would be natural for other players to respect Dyer with all of his on-field accomplishments last year.