Robenson Therezie
Auburn hybrid linebacker/safety Robenson Therezie (27) loses his grip on Arkansas running back Alex Collins (3) during the third quarter at Razorback Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, in Fayetteville, Ark. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)
AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn Star safety Robenson Therezie's status for the season opener is expected to be made clear Tuesday when Gus Malzahn releases the first depth chart of the season.
The coach, however, did provide a hint on his radio show Monday at what the depth chart will look like at the hybrid safety/linebacker position. The noticeable name not mentioned was Therezie, who Malzahn said Aug. 16 is "working through some eligibility issues."
"Justin Garrett, he's our main guy," Malzahn said Monday night on Tiger Talk. "T.J. (Davis) is going to get a chance to play some right there and we'll also mix and match."
No. 6 Auburn opens the season Saturday (3 p.m., SEC Network) against Arkansas inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Therezie entered preseason camp as Auburn's starter at the position, which he manned for most of the 2013 season and emerged as one of the Tigers' best players. He led Auburn with four interceptions, made 57 tackles and and picked up honorable mention All-SEC honors. He helped seal a season-opening victory against Washington State with a pair of picks.
Garrett exited spring practices in 2013 as the starter at defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson's hybrid position, but foot injuries sidelined him for most of the year.
Sophomore Mackenro Alexander and freshman Nick Ruffin are also in the mix, but Malzahn reiterated Monday other linebackers will contribute.
Davis played in 12 games as a backup cornerback and recorded four tackles last season.
"I don't want to sit here and tell you before the depth chart comes out tomorrow, but we've got some other guys that play the linebacker position that are going to give us some depth there," Malzahn said.
Therezie emerged as one of the top challengers at punt return in the spring, but his name has not been in the mix in recent weeks. Receiver Quan Bray and freshman defensive back Stephen Roberts appear to be the leaders to return punts.