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Important things of note:
Duke Williams was back at practice, Tray Matthews is dealing with a hamstring issue (though he expects to be 100% soon), and Kerryon Johnson should be back after being a bit banged up during the scrimmage.
I love that the young guys are stepping up. This is particularly true of the defensive backs, since that's a position of real issue for the Tigers in terms of depth. It's even bigger with the news of Matthews' hamstring issue.
It's always great to see walk-ons earn a scholarship and "Dirty Mike" Sherwood had quite a spring and A-Day game when much of the secondary was suffering from various injuries.
I have to say I'm shocked at the competition on the line. Maybe not at the Center position, but definitely at Left Guard. I guess I just expected after the season Kozan had in 2013 that he would be a lock for the starter. I hope this is a matter of Davonte Danzey just being that good and not Kozan struggling. Danzey played well last season, but I didn't think he was quite up to Kozan's 2013 level. Of course, Kozan had Jay Prosch and Greg Robinson to help out, as well.
Also surprising is to see true freshman Mike Horton behind Avery Young. Horton was a last-second addition to the 2015 recruiting class and a flip from Florida.
Finally... it's hard not to get really excited about Carl Lawson. Seriously. The reports from coaches and players are really hyping him up to be something spectacular. I can't wait to see him on the field again.
Now... To the Tweets!
Gus Malzahn is now here for a post-practice presser. "Overall, I wasn't real pleased with the way we responded, specifically our offense."
— Ryan Black (@RyanABlack) August 18, 2015
Gus Malzahn said he thinks the Tigers are in a good spot as far as personnel
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 18, 2015
Malzahn: "We'll use this week to finalize a few positions."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 18, 2015
Malzahn said Duke Williams practiced Sunday and today. LB Cassanova McKinzy also returned following a death in the family.
— Ryan Black (@RyanABlack) August 18, 2015
Kerryon Johnson is expected back later this week.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 18, 2015
Injury still bothering Auburn safety Tray Matthews http://t.co/yY7jYp8Ogm
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) August 18, 2015
Gus: "You gotta turn to your leaders" when practice doesn't go according to plan.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 18, 2015
Gus: There have been a few good practices from a physical standpoint.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 18, 2015
Malzahn mentions the young defensive backs as a group that continues to make plays
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 18, 2015
Gus Malzahn said Will Muschamp "is trying to establish our defensive identity, and it starts with being physical. Our kids have responded."
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) August 18, 2015
Malzahn says they would like to have some final answers on the offensive line about a week out from the first game. Battles at LG and C
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 18, 2015
"We've got two guys that we feel good about" regarding the center position battle b/w Golson and Dampeer.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 18, 2015
Malzahn said they will begin to install some of the Louisville game plan this week.
— Ryan Black (@RyanABlack) August 18, 2015
Auburn walk-ons Mike Sherwood and Aaron Garrison received scholarships.
— Bryan Matthews (@BMattAU) August 18, 2015
Jason Smith is understanding how to play WR after splitting between WR and QB this spring. Gus says his head was spinning when he arrived.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 18, 2015
From the Players:
Avery Young said there is great competition at left guard and center.
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 18, 2015
Avery Young's backup at right tackle? He says it's true freshman Mike Horton.
— Ryan Black (@RyanABlack) August 18, 2015
"How hard is it to block Carl Lawson?" "He's like lightning."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 18, 2015
Is Auburn backup QB Sean White ready if called upon? "Yes sir. Absolutely. I'm ready to go if something happens to Jeremy" Johnson
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) August 18, 2015
Apparently Garrett's new roommate Blake Countess drinks a glass of pickle juice every morning. "Helps out with the cramps."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) August 19, 2015