:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56165223/MalzahnFeature.0.jpg)
Auburn scrimmaged for the second time this fall earlier today, and Gus Malzahn just met with the media to dole out some tidbits from the morning’s action. Let’s just fill you up with tweets.
Malzahn said the No. 1 goal is the scrimmage today was to see the true freshman and what they could contribute https://t.co/FwYp8NUZKW
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) August 12, 2017
Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn says the goal of Saturday scrimmage was looking at freshmen and lots of special teams
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 12, 2017
Considering the uncertainty Auburn’s got at the punter spot, and how Malzahn addressed that with an odd note of urgency and concern at SEC Media Days, it might be the biggest unknown for the Tigers at this point...
There was a relatively long special teams period during the Tigers' scrimmage today. Sounds like JF3 and Igbinoghene were the main KOR guys.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) August 12, 2017
This is exciting news — not sure there’s a faster guy than Franklin on the team. Give him a hole and he’ll be gone.
Malzahn says all three QBs notched at least one TD today.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) August 12, 2017
A little different from last time out when the defense got some interceptions, so good to see the offense rebound.
Malzahn says the offense had some explosive plays. Adds that there were no major injuries
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 12, 2017
The injury news is the best we’ve seen so far. If Auburn can go into game one healthy, it’ll be wonderful. It seems like Auburn’s had a big fall injury for a few years in a row.
Gus Malzahn said Sean White "has done a good job." https://t.co/FwYp8NUZKW
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) August 12, 2017
Malzahn says special teams was a major emphasis and said Ian Shannon did a very good job at punter. #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) August 12, 2017
Music to our ears. Lock it down, Shannon.
Malzahn said he's not ready to make a decision on any position (including QB), but "we've got a lot of information" https://t.co/FwYp8NUZKW
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) August 12, 2017
Most of the prevailing thought is that Stidham will take the starting role, as it’s been since he transferred in, but it seems like Sean White’s making the decision a little more difficult than we previously thought it would be.
Malzahn says all four of the backs battling for No. 3 spot got looks on Saturday
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 12, 2017
Malzahn says freshman RB Devan Barrett "got a very good look". #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) August 12, 2017
Barrett’s the name we’ve heard most out of the new guys looking to be that third back. He’s got a good mixture of size and speed and could very well add a different element than Kam/Kerryon.
Malzahn said both Jarrett Stidham and Sean White split reps with the first- and second-team offenses today https://t.co/FwYp8NUZKW
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) August 12, 2017
Malzahn: "I'm real proud of where Prince is right now." This coaching staff really likes Prince Tega, big upside.
— Lauren Shute (@LShute13) August 12, 2017
If Prince Tega wins the left tackle battle, it’ll open up a lot of fun possibilities on the line. James at right tackle, Smith moving back inside where he flourished last year, Golson at center, and a ton of options at left guard.
Malzahn says they held out several players in Saturday by design, including Kyle Davis and Tray Matthews
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 12, 2017
Malzahn says RB JaTarvious Whitlow (ankle) is the only guy that could be out for the first game
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 12, 2017
Malzahn on Stidham: "He's done a lot of good things."
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) August 12, 2017
Malzahn seems happy with how all three of his scholarship QBs are performing right now.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) August 12, 2017
Malzahn on Byron Cowart as three-tech DT: "I think he's settling in." Thinks he can add pass rush from inside.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) August 12, 2017
This feels good to see Cowart settling in somewhere. We’ve touched on the issues he faced early in his career, and if he can flourish inside, let’s go.
Malzahn says the young WRs had some explosive plays on Saturday. "Today as a group I was pleased with them"
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 12, 2017
I think the receivers will be a special group this year. There’s way too much talent for them not to have a breakout year, and this is the offense (and the quarterback) that can raise them to the next level.
Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson got reps today, but not full-contact. Just situational https://t.co/FwYp8NUZKW
— Josh Vitale (@AUBlog) August 12, 2017
Malzahn said P Ian Shannon had a good day; he may be taking over that spot. (Malzahn would prefer Carlson stick to PK/KO.)
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) August 12, 2017
And once more. Bang.
More to come from the practice fields! Until then, War Eagle.