How will this Auburn team look in 2015? The Tigers will have a new quarterback, new running backs, a new center and a handful of new faces on the defense. Will the offense change? Will Ellis Johnson still be the defensive coordinator?
Obviously we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, not when Auburn still has the Iron Bowl next week. But Saturday’s game against Samford might give us a small glimpse into that future as a number of backups and younger players should get their opportunity to play in the second half. It will be good for both the fans and the coaches to see who’s next on the Plains.
Here are five names to keep an eye on Saturday. They might not be starting yet, but they will be by the time next season rolls around.
QB Jeremy Johnson: We know the name. There might not be a better backup quarterback in all of college football. But after he lit up Arkansas in the first half of the season opener, Johnson has attempted only 17 passes. In his first action since early October, the sophomore played late in last week’s loss to Georgia and went 4 of 5 for 30 yards. He should play more this week even if it is Nick Marshall’s final home game. The coaches want to give him more reps and make sure he’s ready to go by next season. It’s not the ideal situation for Johnson, who will be handing off more than he normally would, but it’s still an opportunity to get out there and play.
RB Roc Thomas: Ever since the Mississippi State game, Thomas has carved out a bigger role in this offense. The freshman isn’t necessarily getting more carries – Auburn still has Cameron Artis-Payne, the SEC’s leading rusher – but he’s getting more meaningful carries. He’s making an impact in the first and second quarter as opposed to coming in late when the game is out of hand. Artis-Payne’s day could be done early this Saturday which opens the door for Thomas to not only play early but play often. How will his stats look with 10-15 carries? If given the chance, don’t be surprised if he goes over 100 yards against Samford.
OL Braden Smith: The Auburn coaches have been trying to find ways to get Smith on the field all season. They have even used him as a sixth offensive lineman in some sets. That’s how highly they think of him. And to think, he’s just a freshman. Imagine the 6-foot-6, 300-pound Smith after a year in the program. He’ll be bigger, stronger (if possible) and more experienced. Don’t be surprised if he takes over for Shon Coleman at left tackle next season. At the very least, he’ll make it a competition. Coleman will be the starter this Saturday, but Smith should get another audition over there and another chance to impress the coaching staff.
DE Gimel President: Who? Exactly. President was a three-star recruit who signed with Auburn in 2012. He redshirted his first year and played in only three games last year. This season, he’s been forced into action with the injury to Carl Lawson, and he’s responded. He has 24 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack in nine games. The sophomore hasn’t been as productive as fellow defensive end Davonte Lambert, but his emergence has been a pleasant surprise for a team lacking in that area. With Lawson and Lambert coming back next year, President might not be the first choice to start, but his recent play will put him in the conversation.
DB Nick Ruffin: If Johnson stays on as defensive coordinator, it’s important to find a player who can fill that Star role on the defense. Senior Robenson Therezie has made a ton of plays at the position over the last two years, but he struggles in pass coverage. Ruffin might be a better fit for the future. He’s already played there some this season and while he might not be big enough or strong enough just yet, he’s a natural in pass coverage. If it doesn’t work out at Star, Ruffin could also be an option to replace Jonathon Mincy at cornerback. It will be interesting to see where the coaches play him this Saturday.