Even though it was last week that Auburn named Sean White its starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener at home against Clemson, its depth chart for the game wasn’t released until Tuesday.
Familiar faces are mostly in expected places, but the depth chart also includes some surprises. With the game just three days away, here’s the latest as we approach the all-Tiger tussle on The Plains.
We were merely freshmen
Redshirt freshman receiver Darius Slayton edging senior Tony Stevens for a starting spot is one of two things that jump out on offense. The second is three true freshmen wide receivers – Eli Stove, Kyle Davis and Nate Craig-Myers – making the two-deep roster.
Speaking of true freshmen, another newcomer is a first-teamer. The opposite side of the line from junior Buck end Carl Lawson will be occupied by 6-foot-3, 273-pound Marlon Davidson, who beat out Byron Cowart and Paul James III.
Davidson is one of nine true freshmen listed on the depth chart. He and fellow lineman Derrick Brown are two of three on defense, and two other true frosh – Clarke Smith and Kam Martin – are on special teams.
The only other true freshman on the offensive depth chart is Landon Rice, who will backup Chandler Cox at H-back and is listed as a starter alongside Jalen Harris at tight end.
Backup plan unclear
White was named the starter on Thursday, but there’s little clarity regarding who his backup will be. Jeremy Johnson and John Franklin III are listed as co-backups on the depth chart for Clemson.
It’s good that everyone on the team knows who will run the offense. Not definitely naming the backup might be Gus Malzahn’s way of keeping Clemson guessing whether he will use multiple QBs.
Safety dance
Tray Matthews and Nick Ruffin were battling for the starting spot at free safety opposite Stephen Roberts, who was in line to be the first-string strong safety. Matthews, who started 10 games at free safety last season but missed spring ball to recover from a shoulder injury, has retained his strong safety spot for the Clemson game, with Markell Boston serving as his backup.
Meanwhile, since Roberts is suspended for the season opener because of his recent arrest, Rudy Ford will take over for him at starting free safety. When Ford plays nickel back in Auburn’s nickel package, Ruffin will play free safety.
Sticking in the secondary, Javaris Davis and Carlton Davis will start at cornerback for Auburn. True freshman John Broussard Jr. is listed as Carlton Davis’ backup.
Linebacker audibles
Two starting linebacker openings are listed as OR – Deshaun Davis OR Tre’ Williams at middle linebacker, and Montavious Atkinson OR T.J. Neal on the weakside. Darrell Williams will start at strongside linebacker.
Running men
Sophomore Kerryon Johnson will be Auburn’s starting running back and Kamryn Pettway will begin the season as the backup. Malzahn is hoping Johnson can give his offense at least 15 carries a game.
“We recruited him to be the guy,” Malzahn recently told the Ledger-Enquirer. “We felt like he could do that. And last year, in fairness to him, he was banged up, but he’s a trooper and he continued to play when he was banged up when some guys wouldn’t have played. So I know he’s a tough guy. He’s a confident guy. He’s ready for the challenge. We’ll see what happens.”
Big blockers
As expected, the starting offensive line is Austin Golson at left tackle, Alex Kozan at left guard, Xavier Dampeer at center, Braden Smith at right guard and Robert Leff at right tackle.
Speaking of Leff, redshirt freshman Prince Tega Wanogho Jr. is listed as his backup. Before fall camp, Wanogho moved over from the defense. Despite spending an early portion of camp in a boot while recovering from surgery, he still moved up the depth chart to become Auburn’s reserve right tackle.
Stan Chrapowicki is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Alabama and Auburn.
