SEC football is just days away from returning and that meant it was time for Auburn to release the 2020 depth chart for its season opener against Kentucky.
The typical two-deep chart had as many as four players listed at one position and that should not have come as a surprise, as depth was an emphasis all offseason due to the threat of COVID-19 sidelining players for 10 to 14-day stretches.
While most of the players listed as starters were expected to win the starting role, there were a few surprises – most notable at cornerback and defensive tackle – as well as a few starting jobs that are still up for grabs.
Surprises: There were two “surprise” starters for Auburn in redshirt freshman defensive tackle Colby Wooden and redshirt freshman Jaylin Simpson. Wooden, who defensive coordinator Kevin Steele tabbed as one of Auburn’s biggest risers in the offseason beat out senior Daquan Newkirk for the starting job. Simpson will be the No. 2 corner alongside Roger McCreary after beating out Nehemiah Pritchett, Marco Domio, Matthew Hill and Devan Barrett in a five-man competition.
Unsettled positions: There are five positions that are still up for grabs, with one receiver spot, left tackle, linebacker, punter and holder all having co-starters. On the offensive side, Junior Anthony Schwartz and senior Eli Stove are listed as co-starters at receiver, Austin Troxell and Alec Jackson are still competing for the left tackle job. The defense has one unsettled position as sophomore Owen Pappoe and junior Zakoby McClain are still competing for the second linebacker spot beside K.J. Britt. Both of Pappoe and McClain played a key role a season ago and Auburn relies on four core linebackers under Kevin Steele. Special teams still has two roles unsettled, as Oscar Chapman and Aidan Marshall have given Auburn two options at punter and Ben Patton and Grant Loy are both listed at starters at holder.
Position change: Freshman Jeremiah Wright made the depth chart, just at a different position than expected. Simpson has been moved from the offensive line to the defensive line to help provide more depth. Auburn lost potential starter Coynis Miller during the middle of camp as well as Derrick Brown to the NFL.
Notable absences: For the first time in the Malzahn era, there was no H-back position on Auburn’s depth chart, just the tight end position. While Auburn is still expected to have an H-back role in the offense, offensive coordinator Chad Morris utilizes the tight ends in his offense. The other absence from the depth chart was running back Harold Joiner. Malzahn said he still expects him to get carries but hinted he will have a specific role just for him.
“Harold did some good things during fall camp, and he’ll have a role,” Malzahn said. “But it will be a little bit more specific role as we go. And here’s the deal, too: We feel like we’ve got five guys at the running back position that can all help. He is one of those guys that does have experience. And he’s made some big plays in games. So, you’ll still see Harold Joiner out there some, too.”
By class: The Tigers have just four seniors listed as starters, with just one on offense (wide receiver Eli Stove) and three on defense (defensive end Big Kat Bryant, defensive tackle Tyrone Truesdell and linebacker K.J. Britt). In total, 10 seniors are listed on the depth chart, the fewest of any of the classes. Twenty-four juniors are listed with 19 as starters/co-starters (21 since Christain Tutt and Shaun Shivers are both starters at their positions and as punt and kick returners, respectively.) The Tigers have 14 sophomores on the depth chart with three starters in Bo Nix, Pappoe and Derick Hall. Twenty-six true or redshirt freshmen are listed with Simpson, Wooden, punter Oscar Chapman and backup kicker Ben Patton as starters/co-starters.