Who will redshirt and who will play? We take a tentative look at Auburn's freshman class...
At least half of the players in Auburn's hefty freshman class are likely to forgo redshirts and see the field immediately.
But many of them will be role players who can grow into their roles as the season goes on.
Coach Gene Chizik and his staff met Wednesday to break down the roster and start making preliminary decisions about the fate of the freshmen. After a fourth and final scrimmage Saturday, those decisions will likely trickle out publicly.
However, based on interviews with players and coaches over the last two weeks, it seems reasonable that at least 13 players -- half of the 26 scholarship freshmen in camp -- will play this season.
"With a lot of these young guys, we're looking to see who can help,"
Chizik said. "But you've got to remember we're also looking where they are on Game 4, Game 6, Game 7, and how they're going to be brought along and be able to help us in that part of the season where we know it's a tough stretch."
Offensively, running back Michael Dyer, fullback/H-back Ladarious Phillips and receivers Antonio Goodwin, Shaun Kitchens and Trovon Reed are expected to play.
Dyer and Phillips could have duties from Game 1, as Auburn is relatively thin in the backfield behind senior Mario Fannin. Injuries could increase their workload as the season goes.
Goodwin, Kitchens and especially Reed have drawn rave reviews in preseason camp, but their path to playing time is more difficult. All might begin as special-teamers before working their way into a crowded receiver rotation. Last year, then-freshmen Emory Blake and DeAngelo Benton were celebrated in the preseason as impact players, but ultimately combined for only 15 receptions and no touchdowns.
"Ray Charles can figure out the kid is blessed with a lot of ability and a lot of want-to,"
receivers coach Trooper Taylor said of Reed.
Defensively, four of the freshmen likely to play are linebackers. Jessel Curry, Jake Holland, LaDarius Owens and Jawara White have been fighting to break into the two-deep behind Josh Bynes, Craig Stevens and Daren Bates. But even those who don't crack the linebacker rotation are likely to find playing time on special teams.
Up front, Corey Lemonier, Craig Sanders and Jeffrey Whitaker seem to have done enough to impress line coach Tracy Rocker, who also needs extra bodies to fill out his rotation.
"I feel like they're going to have to help us,"
Rocker said. "There's no choice. That's the reason they chose to come here."
Cornerback Jonathan Mincy has been trying out as a punt returner, a good indication that coaches envision some role for him in 2010.
What about the guys who almost certainly won't play this year? Most of them are offensive linemen. Barring unexpected injuries, line coach Jeff Grimes would like to redshirt Ed Christian, Tunde Fariyike, Eric Mack and Chad Slade.
Kicker Cody Parkey will probably redshirt unless starter Wes Byrum is injured or needs assistance on kickoffs.
Ryan White spent most of camp at quarterback before switching to cornerback, so he has ground to make up before seeing the field.
The remaining freshmen are either on the bubble or coaches simply haven't provided enough information to draw any firm conclusions.
Defensive linemen Kenneth Carter and Justin Delaine might benefit from an extra year of seasoning. Defensive backs Demetruce McNeal, Chris Davis and Ryan Smith might not be needed unless there are injuries. Punter Steven Clark is questionable because he's still fighting senior Ryan Shoemaker for the starting job. Tight end Dakota Mosley is firmly behind Phillip Lutzenkirchen in the pecking order, but could play if he finds a niche on special teams.
