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On Tuesday we got our first game week depth chart of the season as head coach Gus Malzahn released the Auburn football depth chart for the Clemson game this Saturday night.
You can take these depth charts with a grain of salt, but there are always several interesting developments from them.
No. 1 – No Clear Backup Quarterback
When it was announced last week that Sean White was the starting quarterback, you assumed John Franklin III was the obvious backup.
However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. On the depth chart the number two quarterback is listed as Jeremy John OR John Franklin III.
If something happens to Sean White during the game Saturday, it will be interesting to see who Malzahn goes with next.
The ‘or’ designation may not mean much, but it’s definitely interesting that the backup quarterbacks were listed that way.
No. 2 – Three Freshman Receivers
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There has been a lot of talk about the incoming freshman receivers, and the big three are on this list.
Nate-Craig-Myers is listed as the backup for Marcus Davis at the X receiver position. Kyle Davis and Eli Stove are also listed on the depth chart.
I think Gus Malzahn will try to ease each of them in, but it won’t be long before they’re all at the top of the depth chart.
No. 3 – Marlon Davidson Gets the Start
Not much of a surprise here, but still pretty cool to see true freshman Marlon Davidson get the start at defensive end.
He’s probably been the most impressive freshman during the spring and fall, and I can’t wait to see him play against Clemson this weekend.
He will get the start at end opposite of Carl Lawson. Davidson is backed up by Byron Cowart and Paul James III.
Paul James III being listed as a backup was very interesting to me. I wasn’t sure if he would make the switch to linebacker or not. I think all three of those guys will have a major impact at end this season.
No. 4 – Linebacker Undecided
In a bit of a shock to me, neither Tre’ Williams or T.J. Neal has locked up a starting spot at linebacker.
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Williams is battling sophomore Deshaun Davis for the middle linebacker spot, while Neal is in a battle with sophomore Montavious Atkinson at weak-side linebacker.
I thought it was a given that Williams and Neal will start at linebacker this year. I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing – or irrelevant – that neither has won the job.
Linebacker was already considered an area of weakness for this team, so it will be interesting to see who plays there against Clemson and who steps up.
No. 5 – Replacing Jamel Dean
Ever since Jamel Dean went down with an injury, Auburn has been searching for someone to replace him at cornerback.
It appears that redshirt freshman Javaris Davis will get the start at corner opposite Carlton Davis against Clemson.
Davis will be backed up by senior Josh Holsey.
Javaris Davis is a former 4-star recruit from Jacksonville, Fla. Hopefully he can break out as a freshman this year, and man does Auburn need him to.
Auburn football is very thin at cornerback and can’t take on any more losses at that position.
There you have it – we know who the starters will be for the big game against Clemson this week. A few surprises, but we know everything will change once the game starts.
War Eagle.
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