Auburn Football: Predicting the 2012 Offensive Starters
The Auburn football team have today and Monday off after spending the past few weeks in fall camp. While Coach Gene Chizik and his staff have noted some players striving more than others, there has not been any official starters named or a depth chart released.
Auburn’s offense is inexperienced but talented and has the ability to make some noise in the Southeastern Conference if it executes Coordinator Scot Loeffler‘s scheme correctly.
Here are my projected starters for the Tigers’ 2012 offense:
Offensive line
Performing strong during fall camp, the offensive line will most likely feature some true freshmen. With Reese Dismukes back at center after starting all 13 games last season, guards Chad Slade and Alex Kozan will stand beside him. Auburn’s tackles will be Greg Robinson, who has been practicing against defensive end Corey Lemonier and tackle Gabe Wright, and Avery Young.
Running Back
After freshman Jovon Robinson was named ineligible for the 2012 season, Auburn only has four scholarship tailbacks on the team this fall. Onterio McCalebb leads the group as the lone senior. With the title of starter going with the most experienced player, Tre Mason, Mike Blakely and Corey Grant will all get large amounts of rushes, as well.
Fullback Jay Prosch will be in the starting lineup for the Tigers and will be one of the biggest impact players on the field. Despite not carrying the ball often, Prosch is known for being a physical player whose blocking will help the running game strive.
Wide Receiver
One of the Tigers’ deepest positions, numerous wideouts will contribute to the team. Senior Emory Blake, who led the team last season in receptions and receiving yards, will return at the No. 1 target on Sept. 1 vs. Clemson in Auburn’s opening game. Travante Stallworth, another senior, has shown improvement throughout camp this fall and expected to continue it during games. Sophomores Quan Bray, Trovon Reed and Sammie Coates are also expected to contribute.
Philip Lutzenkirchen has set a new standard at tight end for the Tigers after leading the team in touchdown receptions last season with seven. Already holding school records for single-season and career touchdown totals at his position, Lutzenkirchen will flourish with Loeffler’s offense this fall.
Quarterback
The biggest quarterback that comes with the Tigers’ offense has one of the most well-known answers. However, it is not official.
Kiehl Frazier will be Auburn’s starting quarterback. Clint Moseley‘s shoulder soreness is causing him to miss practice and forcing him to play through pain. Freshman Jonathan Wallace impressed the staff this month, but is simply a freshman and makes freshman mistakes.
Frazier, who was used primarily in the wildcat formation as a freshman, returns with more leadership and an arm that Blake said is as strong as Cam Newton‘s. With such improvements, Frazier will be the play caller for the Tigers in 2012.
