Offense

QB job still open: Between Kiehl Frazier and Jonathan Wallace, neither emerged as the starting candidate this spring. The starting gig is still vacant, and it seems to be waiting on Jeremy Johnson, Jason Smith or Nick Marshall this summer, as any of the three could win the starting job in fall camp. Both Frazier and Wallace improved steadily throughout spring in the coaches’ eyes, but neither emerged as the one roaring lion who could take the job. I would still contest that Frazier has the upper hand to win the job come August.

Potent running game: Between 1,000-yard returner and A-Day MVP Cameron Artis-Payne, the Tigers are going to have a very potent ground game. Mason is the burner of the two who can run between-the-tackles, while CAP can take the punishment at 215 pounds of an every-down back who flashed some hands during his impressive A-Day showing. The biggest question will be whether or not Auburn has a good enough passing game to offset the ground game. But having two studs as an offensive base is a great place to start.

No elite WRs: Auburn does have some talent at receiver, but no game-breakers like what Malzahn and Rhett Lashlee are looking for – or they at least didn’t discover them this spring. Jaylon Denson looks like the only receiver who has even locked up a starting job this fall, but others like Ricardo Louis, Sammie Coates, Quan Bray and Trovon Reed must make a big step forward this summer and through fall camp. But the receiver results directly correlate with quarterback production, and Auburn may just not have them on campus yet. “We’re not there yet [at receiver]. We’ve got to get some guys who raise their level even much more than they think they can,” Rhett Lashlee said.

Defense

A ‘Star’ developed: The lifeblood of Ellis Johnson’s 4-2-5 defense is a hybrid player who can bust a grape. In the Tigers’ case, it’s called the Star position. And Justin Garrett has taken it by force. The rising junior played sparingly over the course of the last two seasons, but he has a big one ahead of him in 2013. Garrett should be the big reason why the defense will improve under Johnson in year one. Watch out for Garrett; this kid can bring the wood.

Tackling in the box still must improve: Auburn worked on the fundamentals of tackling all spring, and that was Johnson’s emphasis for two months. It seems through coaches’ dialog this spring that the team improved in open-field tackles. Brian Van Gorder said it was a “size” issue, and that Auburn just was not big or strong enough to compete in 2012. But a whole new system and a fundamental mindset will show otherwise. “Fundamentally, things were not being done well. It didn’t look like it was always as physical as it could be,” Johnson said. “It was sort of like going through the motions, more like a form tackle instead of a physical tackle. There were some things of that nature we felt like we had to address.” Open-field tackling improved, but a stouter front seven and tackling in the box still has a ways to go.

PHoto Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

When: Saturday, April 20th
Where: Auburn, AL
Time: 1:05 PM CT

A New Day: The Gus Malzahn era officially starts for fans Saturday at A-Day. Malzahn’s hurry-up, no-huddle offense will be on display, once again reminding fans of a high-octane offense that was. Hell, even Malzahn’s press conferences are hurry-up, keeping with the same tempo on the field. ‘A New Day’ is the slogan Auburn has adopted, prompted by Malzahn upon his arrival. Indeed it is a new day, and Auburn fans are foaming at the mouth to put a respectable product on the field after a forgettable 3-9 campaign in 2012.

Just one last time: Toomers’ Corner will be rolled one last time before the oaks are officially removed despite the two-year battle to save them, after they were poisoned by the now-infamous Harvey Updyke. The SEC will say goodbye to one of the best traditions in college football.

Game-like atmosphere: Auburn will divide teams up and actually play a spring game. That’s a welcomed change from some spring ‘games’ up to this point like Florida and Ole Miss, who basically had a glorified open practice because of injuries. The Tigers are healthy, and Malzahn and his staff want to see their players put in game-like situations and make in-game decisions. Particularly, Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee want to see the quarterbacks compete.

One position battle to watch: Oh, and speaking of quarterbacks – everyone will be watching to see the ensuing battle between Kiehl Frazier and Jonathan Wallace. Malzhan and Lashlee have contested there is no separation or no clear leader at this point, and it’ll be fun watching this play out Saturday. But no matter if Frazier or Wallace exits spring as the ‘leader’ for the job, three other quarterbacks in JUCO transfer Nick Marshall and freshmen Jeremy Johnson and Jason Smith will all compete for playing time in fall camp.

One player to keep an eye on: Ellis Johnson’s 4-2-5 defense has brought out the best in linebacker Justin Garrett. In fact, Garrett has been the most impressive defensive player over the last month to emerge as Johnson’s ‘Star’, a hybrid linebacker-safety role. Malzahn has repeatedly said that Garrett sets the tone for the defense everyday. After such a weak linebacking corps in 2012 that struggled to tackle air, Garrett stands to be a breakout candidate for 2013 in the new coveted position. He’s relentless and absolutely brings the wood on every hit. Watch for Garrett on Saturday.

Position group of interest: The front four was the biggest strength of the defense in 2012. But the front four never played up to their capability, leaving them as one of the biggest underachieving position groups in the SEC. In fact, the Tigers finished the season as the worst-ranked rushing defense in the SEC. With Corey Lemonier gone to the NFL, who is going to step into his shoes? Dee Ford, Nosa Eguae and Craig Sanders are great places to start. Ellis Johnson says there’s a huge drop off between the starters and backups, so depth is a concern. Angelo Blackson has been limited with an injury, and Gabe Wright and Jeff Whitaker have had strong springs. This group perks my interest for Saturday.

Photo Credit: Spruce Derden–USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Florida carried their quarterback battle on into the first game with Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett, while Alabama did the same thing two years ago with AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims.

There are multiple quarterback battles ongoing, but three could wage on through fall camp and even on into the season:

Auburn

Players: Kiel Frazier vs. Jonathan Wallace
Don’t forget about: Nick Marshall and Jeremy Johnson
Buzz: Currently, only Kiel Frazier and Jonathan Wallace are battling it out for the starting job this spring. Frazier likely has the upper hand because of his background and the spread offense in high school. But don’t count out Jonathan Wallace. Neither Frazier nor Wallace may end up with the starting gig no matter how well this spring goes. Nick Marshall and Jeremy Johnson could be more talented than either, and Marshall comes with JUCO playing experience already. Gus Malzahn will score points, but the battle will wage on through fall came and likely into the beginning of the season of exactly who will lead the sexy hurry up, no huddle offense.

Kentucky

Players: Max Smith, Jalen Whitlow and Patrick Towles
Don’t forget about: Reese Phillips
Buzz: Kentucky’s starting quarterback will be one of Max Smith, Jalen Whitlow or Patrick Towles. Each provides a little something different to offer offensive coordinator Neal Brown. Smith is the best passer, while Whitlow can give the offense an edge as a runner. Towles could have the biggest upside of all three. The three are sharing snaps this spring in Kentucky’s new Air Raid offense, and it’s very likely all three will continue battling through fall camp to become the starter. Smith was in the same boat last season after battling Morgan Newton through fall camp before ultimately being tabbed to lead the offense.

Tennessee

Players: Justin Worley and Nathan Peterman
Don’t forget about: Josh Dobbs
Buzz: Butch Jones has two quarterbacks to get game-ready in returners Justin Worley and Nathan Peterman. Worley has the most game experience and is currently ahead of Peterman, but the redshirt freshman Peterman could be the better fit for the system. And yet neither could be the future, because it’s very plausible Josh Dobbs could walk in this summer and start halfway through next fall, depending on how well the offense is performing. Dobbs is the future of the Butch Jones era in Knoxville.

Photo Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking 14 through 4 isn’t difficult, but you could make a case for the big three of AJ McCarron, Johnny Manziel and Aaron Murray in any order.

14. Brandon Allen, Arkansas
13. Jonathan Wallace, Auburn
12. Austyn Carta-Samuels, Vanderbilt

Brandon Allen looks like the QB for Bret Bielema’s pro-style attack, but he looked shaky at best in 2012 playing for the injured Tyler Wilson. Allen threw for just 186 yards on 49 attempts with one touchdown…Jonathan Wallace gained valuable experience in one of the worst seasons in Auburn history. He started the last four games of the season, throwing for 720 yards and four touchdowns. But he looked like the better prospect for Gus Malzahn’s spread attack than Kiehl Frazier ever did…Austyn Carta-Samuels will be the next starter for the Dores, and he has some weapons to work with in receivers Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd. ACS threw for just 208 yards last season, but he threw for 3,655 yards and 19 touchdowns in two seasons at Wyoming before transferring to Vandy. But he hasn’t played much in the SEC yet.

11. Justin Worley, Tennessee
10. Max Smith, Kentucky
9. James Franklin, Missouri

Justin Worley has the most experience returning for Butch Jones at Tennessee. But does he fit Jones’ spread offense? Worley played sparingly last season, and he played more for the injured Tyler Bray two years ago. Worley has thrown for 738 yards and one touchdown in two seasons worth of work…When healthy, Max Smith is a very productive passer. Smith started just three games last season before his season-ending ankle injury, throwing for 975 yards and eight touchdowns. He’ll be potent in Kentucky’s new air attack scheme…James Franklin is better than what he showed in ‘12, but that’s all we have to go on in the SEC. After accounting for a staggering 36 touchdowns in ‘11, Franklin combined for just 10 last season. He never looked comfortable and never looked healthy.

8. Jeff Driskel, Florida
7. Bo Wallace, Ole Miss
6. Zach Mettenberger, LSU

First year starter Jeff Driskel won 11 games, but the double-digit wins had more to do with the smothering defense and smash-mouth running game than Driskel’s play. He threw for just 1,646 yards and 12 touchdowns in ‘12, but that’s really all Florida asked him to do. However, the Gators will lean more on their veteran starter next season, and he has to make progress this spring…Bo Wallace is an up-and-down quarterback, and he must learn to take care of the ball in big games. Sunshine threw for 22 touchdowns and rushed for eight more, but he also accounting for a head-scratching 17 INTs. But with a year of experience in the league, Wallace could make a big jump as a passer…Could this be the year Zach Mettenberger breaks out? With Cam Cameron’s history of developing quarterbacks, Mettenberger has to feel giddy about his chances. But there’s a lot of work to do, and he didn’t have the season everyone thought he would in ‘12. Mett threw for 2,609 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven INTs. The ceiling is much higher than his numbers.

5. Tyler Russell, Miss State
4. Connor Shaw, South Carolina
3. Aaron Murray, Georgia

Tyler Russell protected the ball with near perfection throughout 2012 until the last two weeks, when he through six picks. We’ll pitch him a bone for throwing 24 touchdowns and 2,897 yards, but he has to play better in bigger games. Against ranked teams, Russell threw only four touchdowns with seven INTs…Say what you want about Connor Shaw, but the dual-threat signal caller has won 17 of 20 games as a starter. It isn’t pretty at times, but the pesky Shaw gets the job done in big games with pinpoint accuracy on short to mid throws. Between rushing and throwing, Shaw has combined for 4,752 yards and 43 touchdowns, and yet backup Dylan Thompson could be penciled in at #4 at any time…And here is where it gets tough. Aaron Murray has thrown for 10,901 yards and 95 touchdowns in his career. How in the world is he No. 3 on the list? Despite his 4-10 record against top 25 teams in three seasons, Murray hasn’t been able to win the big game yet, but that’s not all his fault. Georgia tends to avoid showing up against ranked opponents on the biggest stage, and that includes Murray. Over the longevity of his career, Murray has produced numbers, but he has very little accolades and hardware to show for it. Could this be his rewarding year?

2. AJ McCarron, Alabama
1. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

AJ McCarron has won back-to-back national championships. And if he had as many attempts as Aaron Murray over the last two seasons (789 compared to 642), his numbers would be much more prolific. McCarron has registered 5,950 yards passing and 49 touchdowns, compared to just eight INTs, in just two years as a full-time starter. I mean, what’s a championship quarterback have to do to get to No. 1? Don’t championships mean anything anymore?…You give me one quarterback for one game who will elevate the play of those around him, and I’m taking Johnny Manziel. The prolific slippery star now has the target on his back, and we’ll find out how he handles all the hype of one of the best seasons ever in college football history. But entering spring, Manziel is the No. 1 difference maker in the SEC. His 5,116 yards and 47 touchdowns is wicked, considering he had zero experience, but even with his staggering play, Manziel has room for upside. Now, can he avoid that sophomore slump?

Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Final Record: 3-9 overall, 0-8 SEC

Coming off a national championship in 2010, falling of the proverbial football cliff is unexpected. So, when Auburn started the season 1-7, you knew head coach Gene Chizik was in trouble. It’s one thing to have a rebuilding year, but losing every conference game will get you fired. That’s what happened.

Auburn actually looked pretty good against a good Clemson team in the Chick-fil-A kickoff. If the Tigers could have found a way to beat Clemson, they might not have lost the will to live about week six, seven or eight.

Auburn’s three wins were against Louisiana-Monroe in overtime, New Mexico State and Alabama A&M. They played LSU very close at Jordan-Hare, but losses to a bad Arkansas team, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt sealed the deal and the fate of Chizik.

The Tigers then proceeded to lose to Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama by a combined score of 150-21.

Auburn went through three quarterbacks, from starter Kiehl Frazier, backup Clint Moseley and freshman Jonathan Wallace, with Frazier and Wallace being similar and Moseley being the pocket passer. Chizik’s decision to go away from Gus Malzahn’s spread offense led him to Scot Loeffler, which ultimately got him fired. Auburn was 114th in the country in scoring offense and 118th in total offense.

Chizik hired Brian Van Gorder on defense, after parting ways with coordinator Ted Roof. Van Gorder was a proven coordinator at Georgia before taking the Atlanta Falcons’ job. Whether by lack of talent or scheme, Van Gorder never could make a difference on defense. The linebackers struggled to make any tackles at all, and it exposed a weak secondary.

In the midst of the totally forgettable season, there were very few bright spots. Running back Tre Mason turned in a good year, and Onterio McCalebb finished in the top 10 in the SEC in all-purpose yardage. Linebacker Darren Bates had a good year and finished 6th in the SEC in total tackles with 94.

Offensive Stud: One of the only bright spots on the offense was running back Tre Mason. Mason managed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. He was the only player on the Tigers that was even mentioned by the AP All-SEC team earlier this week as an honorable mention. Mason isn’t the biggest running back, but as just a sophomore, he can help this team win some games next season under Malzahn’s offense. Mason led the team with eight rushing touchdowns.

Defensive Stud: Dee Ford led the team in sacks, but senior linebacker Darren Bates was one of the few bright spots. Bates led the team in tackles, totaled 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and one interception. One of the more memorable plays of the season was his 62-yard fumble return against New Mexico State. Bates isn’t the biggest linebacker in the SEC, but he’s a player.

Where To Next: Certainly, better days are ahead for Auburn after winning only three games in 2012. Gus Malzahn will bring energy, passion and an offense to the Plains, and he was Jay Jacobs’ guy right from the start. Malzahn makes Auburn cooler than Alabama, with a totally different philosophy on offense and football. He’s proven he can be part of a national championship, but can he direct one as the head man?

Photo Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

So what has happened since that spectacular 2010 season?  Can head coach Gene Chizik only win with a couple of first round draft picks like Cam Newton and Nick Fairley?  Is his entire staff incapable of “coaching up” three full highly regarded recruiting classes?  Is there a sever rift within the program?

Inquiring minds want to know.

But unfortunately, unless you’re one of those types that like to opine daily about knowing unequivocally EXACTLY what’s wrong, it might be a while (if ever), before we really have a true sense of what’s happening on the Plains.

I’m not here to pretend to know what’s going on, especially behind the closed doors of the locker room or on the practice field — only what I’ve seen — same as all of you.

It’s been a little confusing, then it’s seemed plain as day.  One game, the offense looks absolutely putrid throughout, but then it will show signs of life.  Of Saturday’s game against Arkansas, Tigers fans I’ve spoken to have called the performance ‘embarrassing’, and even the state of the program itself ‘beyond discouraging’ (I’m giving you the PG version of some of the colorful adjectives and adverbs used, but you probably knew that).

The defense has certainly shown signs of improvement, but is still prone to looking as if it sleep-walks on a series immediately after forcing a team to go three-and-out on the previous four drives.

The play-calling has been suspect. The offensive line has shown its youth.  The linebackers are either too small, or too slow.  These are problems, to be sure.  But they just don’t carry the weight like the one that seems to be the heaviest in all of sports.

It’s the quarterback.  The much-maligned Kiehl Frazier actually made some decent plays (9-14, 118yds) before being pulled at halftime to make way for junior Clint Moseley.  Moseley promptly came in and threw two interceptions, surpassing Frazier’s one in the 1^st half.  Chizik had not named a starter as of Tuesday.

True freshman Jonathan Wallace, only playing sparingly in a wildcat role, obviously doesn’t have a grasp of enough of the offense to be in the race yet.

Auburn, we have a quarterback controversy.

Frazier did look decent, but only when he had ample time, and it still seems that if his first receiver (Emory Blake) is not open, he isn’t able go through his progressions and find his number two or three guy.  He also seems to have absolutely no interest in tucking and running the football.  This baffles me more than anything about the sophomore. Does he want to prove that badly that he’s a passer first?  That he can make all the throws?  It’s far too late for that.  He has to get what the defense is willing to give him.

But with Moseley showing no signs of a step up at quarterback, shouldn’t Frazier be thrown right back in there?  Remember Barrett Trotter, Auburn fans? He was pulled around the half-way point of last season, only for there to be no improvement in quarterback play, and to come back and light up Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.  He decided to forego his senior season, but not for the NFL; for grad-school.  I bet Gene Chizik wishes he would have ridden it out with Trotter last year.  Trotter would be the man this year, and maybe if Frazier had this season to learn new OC Scot Loffler’s system, he would be ready to run the offense without missing a beat in 2013.

But none of those things happened, so Auburn is where it is.  Pat Dye once famously used Yogi Berra’s line, “Hindsight is 50/50”, but we all know what he meant.  And if hindsight really is 20/20, it looks like it would be pretty clear to the Auburn staff that they shouldn’t forget all about Frazier.  Not after the Trotter saga.  Again, the quarterback play is far from the only problem staring the Tigers in the eye, but it’s surely the most visible to the outside college football world.

After the Arkansas loss, Chizik apologized to Auburn fans and vowed to give the offense an identity.  After hearing fans’ descriptions of being ‘embarrassed’ and ‘hurting’ after the last performance, this better be Gene Chizik’s first order of business before traveling to Oxford to play a new and improved Ole Miss team.

Coming into fall camp, only five teams were searching for a starter in Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. The picture is becoming a little clearer now that the dust is settling on a physical preseason camp.

Here are the updates:

Auburn Tigers

Kiehl Frazier vs. Clint Moseley vs. Jonathan Wallace

Heading into camp, it looked to be a battle between Kiehl Frazier and Clint Moseley, but inflammation in Moseley’s shoulder has sidelined him for many throwing drills. However, the emergence of freshman quarterback Jonathan Wallace has perhaps delayed the coaching staff from naming a starter, as he has performed very good throughout the fall and looks like a quarterback with a bright future. I fully think Frazier will be named the starter sometime before game one, and there is a theory the coaching staff wants to keep Frazier competing everyday by not naming him the starter just yet. However, I’m not sure if I buy into that, because Frazier is missing a lot of reps in practice by simply being even in the quarterback race. Auburn needs to name a starter sooner than later. I anticipate that will happen sometime this week, and Frazier will get the nod.

Florida Gators

Jeff Driskel vs. Jacoby Brissett

Florida is getting closer to naming a starter. Jeff Driskel got hurt last week and sent Twitter into a frenzy, as it turned out to be minor, but Jacoby Brissett hasn’t exactly made a big enough impression during Driskel’s absence to be named a starter, yet. The word inside the Florida program is that Brissett looks like he will be the guy to get the nod. Will Muschamp says he plans to announce the starting quarterback on August 27th, the week of the first game. Brissett might be the favorite entering the season, but this battle will play out all of September on the field.

Kentucky Wildcats

Max Smith named the starter

Max Smith was battling senior Morgan Newton for the starting job, but Kentucky made the announcement yesterday that Smith will start game one.

“They’ve both done a great job of preparing and competing,” Phillips said. “This is one of the tougher decisions I’ve had to make. We have two quarterbacks we feel like we can win with, (but) Max Smith gives us the best chance to win at this point.”

Smith will start against in-state rival Louisville on September 2nd.

Ole Miss Rebels

Bo Wallace vs. Barry Brunetti

Bo Wallace and Barry Brunetti were dead even entering fall camp, with the coaching staff liking a little bit of what each had to offer. However, since the start of camp, Wallace, the JUCO transfer, has really pulled away from Brunetti. He’s the better passer, and he knows the offense better having been in Hugh Freeze’s system at Arkansas State. Freeze has remained that the two are even, but Wallace has shown up better in both scrimmages. The staff clearly wants Wallace to take possession of the job, as opposed to them just ‘giving’ it to him.

Texas A&M

Johnny Manziel named the starter

Kevin Sumlin ended all quarterback controversies and speculation when he named freshman Johnny Manziel as the starter against Louisiana Tech.

“Johnny has performed the best at this stage and we will proceed until the season opener with him getting the first-team reps,” Sumlin said.”My policy is simple really; the best player plays. Competition is a great thing and we need more competition at all of our positions. All of our quarterbacks have competed well, and I expect them to continue to push Johnny.”

Manziel is a dual-threat quarterback unlike Sumlin has historically had. He beat out Jameill Showers and Luke Joeckel. It will be interesting to see him roll out a freshman in his ‘air attack’ offense.

According to Rivals.com, the Tigers signed the tenth ranked class in the nation in 2012, consisting of 21 players. Two players, quarterback Zeke Pike and running back Jovon Robinson, are no longer with the team. Pike was originally arrested, then suspended and now at Louisville, and the latest casualty is Robinson who was ruled ineligible by NCAA after his high school guidance counselor changed his grade. Two others, receiver JaQuay Williams and tight end Darrion Hutcherson, are still awaiting word on whether their academic duties have been fulfilled.

With 17 qualified players (true freshmen) from this class left on what is still considered a young team, expect to see a majority get plenty of action, similarly to last year’s class. We’ll start with offense.

Offensive line was a priority for Gene Chizik and his staff, and with signing seven linemen, Chizik hopes to bridge a gap that has developed in the roster in the recent seasons. Here’s a look at a few that should see substantial time, if not start:

Alex Kozan, OL – The 6’4”, 295lb guard has received praise from coaches and worked his way up the depth chart in what looks to have resulted in a starting position on the right side. Kozan, who signed in late February, has seen his stock rise daily, and according to the Montgomery Advertiser, has the maturity and team-first attitude needed to compete against the top defensive fronts in the country:

“We (the freshmen) just said we’re going to go out to compete, and at the end of the day — whether it’s young guys, old guys — we want the best players to play,” Kozan said. “We want Auburn to win. It’s not so much about us. It’s about the team and making sure that we’re putting out best product on the field.”

The Castle Rock, Co. native signed late with Auburn, and if playing time factored into his decision, he seems to have made the right choice.

Avery Young, OL – Young, at 6’6”, 295lbs, has been battling for a starting spot at right tackle with sophomore Chad Slade throughout fall practice. With Slade battling injuries, Young was getting ample reps with the first team. But with Slade regaining health, it looks as though Young will be the number two man at that spot. As is the norm in the SEC, however, the number two can become the man in the blink of an eye.

Here’s a look at the Palm Beach Gardens standout, as well as Kozan, in a recent interview from Al.com.

Also of note from this offensive line group: 4-star Jordan Diamond, 4-star Shane Callahan and 4-star Patrick Miller could factor into the mix, too.

A team can never have enough players at the skill positions, and Auburn may have found itself three that will contribute instantly:

Jonathan Wallace, QB – Wallace, from Central High School in Phenix City, Al., was courted late in the recruiting process by the Tigers, but his signing may prove more critical, and strategic, than anyone could have imagined. Prior to Zeke Pike’s somewhat predictable exit, Wallace seemed on his way to a redshirt. But even before Pike’s dismissal, Wallace was one of the few players that offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has been willing to praise:

“At times, Jonathan looks much more older and mature than an 18-year-old kid just coming out of high school,” Loeffler said. “Then at times, he reverts to the freshman he is. He’s young, and, at times, there are some things out there that are extremely positive, and sometimes he reverts to 18 years old, which is understandable.

“I really like him, though. He’s got tremendous ‘it’ factor, he’s a winner. He’s going to help Auburn.”

Wallace has looked good throughout fall practice, and this has some murmuring about how long it will be before he surpasses everyone on the depth chart. Throw junior Clint Mosley’s arm troubles into the mix, and Wallace could be the de facto backup QB, and everybody loves the backup QB.

Ricardo Louis, WR – The, 6’2” receiver from Miami Beach brings a physicality that should mesh well with offensive Loeffler’s new pro-style attack. With the questions surrounding other big-name receiver signee Williams, Louis will need to be available, as well as effective. Whether on special teams or rotating in at a wideout role, the 210-pound Under Amour All-American should be more than capable of holding his own. YouTube says so.

Ricky Parks, TE – The Hogansville, Ga. native is vying for time at a tight end position that has proven and experienced depth. With fan favorite Phillip Lutzenkirchen and sophomores Brandon Fulse and C.J Uzomah ahead of him, the 6’3’, 250-pound Parks could be destined for special teams in his first year. He possesses the ball skills, athleticism, and size that special teams coaches love, and should help an already strong Auburn unit.

Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has stated repeatedly that he will put the best eleven players on the field, and true freshmen are no exception. The Tigers only signed seven defensive players last February, but coaches and fans are hoping for quality over quantity.

Joshua Holsey, DB – Another Under Amour All-American, Holsey was also a track star for Creekside High School in Fairburn, Ga. At just 5’9”, the cornerback will have to rely on his speed and quickness if he is to see playing time in the secondary. Running a 4.4 forty yard dash, Holsey already possesses the closing speed that is crucial for a cornerback in the SEC. The 188-pound defensive back finds himself in rare company with a select few that have received high marks from VanGorder. And with the coordinator’s reluctance, or inability, to single many veterans out for good play, Holsey could get into the rotation, and his speed would be nothing but an asset on special teams.

Jonathan Jones, DB – Like Holsey, Jones could easily be one of the fastest members on the Auburn squad. He may also be the most improved player in this freshman class. Rated a 3-star out of Carrolton High School in Carrolton, Ga., Jones has received that all-too-elusive praise from VanGorder in recent days. The AJC called Jones the fastest player in the state of Georgia last year.

Javier Mitchell, LB – After enrolling early, the 6’2”, 210-pound linebacker was not able to participate in contact drills in the spring following off season shoulder surgery. Now healthy and practicing, the Leeds High School standout could win playing time in a unit that is considered thin, at best. The former 4-star recruit has the size that VanGorder is looking for in a linebacker, and should get even bigger as he grows into his frame.

Cassanova McKinzy, LB – Another VanGorder-sized linebacker, the 243lb Woodlawn High School (Birmingham) star should be in the mix with Mitchell. With a name like Cassanova, and light-hearted dislike for seemingly annual opponent Clemson, McKinzy could prove a fan favorite before his time at Auburn is done. Speaking of Clemson, and staying true to his name, the young linebacker is a lover of Chick-fil-A.

A college football season is fluid, and with injuries, position changes, and pure ability, any of these freshmen could find themselves in the middle of the fire that is the SEC.

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