Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com
Mark Almond | malmond@al.com
Left tackle
1. Shon Coleman, junior
2. Robert Leff, junior
Why: Coleman didn't play in the A-Day game, but the 13-game starter returns and is expected to be more consistent in pass protection.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Left guard
1. Alex Kozan, junior
2. Devonte Danzey, senior
Why: Coaches held Kozan out of scrimmages and he has yet to return to run blocking following back surgery last summer, but we expect the former All-SEC freshman to return to the top of the depth chart in the fall.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Center
1. Austin Golson, sophomore
2. Xavier Dampeer, senior
Why: Coaches moved Golson from tackle to center in December. They loved what they were seeing in bowl preactices and it continued in the spring. Dampeer provided the Tigers some concerns with consistency on shotgun snaps, but coaches say he improved, too, during the spring.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Right guard
1. Braden Smith, sophomore
2. Deon Mix, sophomore
Why: We've known for a while now that coaches could move Smith from tackle to guard in an effort to put the best five players on the field. Mix was involved at center earlier this spring, but moved to guard where he will see more playing time.
Mark Almond | malmond@al.com
Right tackle
1. Avery Young, junior
2. Will Adams OR Bailey Sharp
Why: Young could have left for the NFL but stayed for his junior season, so starting at right tackle is a no-brainer. The depth behind him is interesting, especially with Will Adams' name being repeated often by coaches in the spring.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Quarterback
1. Jeremy Johnson, junior
2. Sean White, redshirt freshman
3. Tyler Queen, freshman
Why: Coaches provided White 15 practices to prove himself, but Johnson again showed why he is the man for the job. The two-year backup is poised for a potential All-SEC run in 2015.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Running back
1. Jovon Robinson OR Roc Thomas
3. Peyton Barber
Why: Thomas had the big numbers at A-Day, but Robinson only played two possessions. This battle will rage through the summer and it will come down to Thomas and Robinson, with Barber in the mix in certain looks.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
H-Back
1. Kamryn Pettway OR Chandler Cox
Why: Pettway seems to the pass and run blocker while Cox appears to be the pass catcher. You may see more rotation between the tight end and H-Back positions than in the past, especially if Cox continues to perform like he did this spring in the passing game.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Tight end
1. Chandler Cox OR Chris Laye
Why: Chandler Cox had several catches in spring scrimmages, but watch out for Chris Laye, who still needs to add some bulk. "His whole thing is he needs to just get a little stronger, put on a little weight this summer and he knows what his role would be," OC Rhett Lashlee said.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Wide receiver
1. D'haquille Williams, senior
2. Tony Stevens, junior
3. Melvin Ray, senior
Why: Williams is a preseason All-SEC candidate as Auburn's leading returning receiver, but keep an eye on Stevens, who teammates have long labled as a potential breakout star.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Wide receiver
1. Ricardo Louis, senior
2. Tony Stevens, junior
3. Myron Burton, redshirt freshman
Why: Louis says he's more consistent after suffering through drops in 2014 (he dropped 4 passes total in 15 practices, including three scrimmages). The breakout player this spring was Burton, who picked up 124 yards in the A-Day game. OC Rhett Lashlee says the performance is no flash in the pan.
Julie Bennett | jbennett@al.com
Wide receiver
1. Marcus Davis, junior
2. Jason Smith, sophomore
3. Stanton Truitt, redshirt freshman
Why: Davis, along with Ray, had the most consistent spring of all of the receivers. Long called a reliable option, Davis simply did not get enough opportunities in the past. That will change this season. Truitt battled through a shoulder injury through the spring. Smith, the newcomer, has a long way to go after moving from quarterback, but the athleticism provides promise.
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