Gus Malzahn Opens Spring Practice With a Press Conference

Gus dropped some interesting info in his first meeting with the press for 2016's football season. He updated the status of Chris Laye (confirmed that he's left the team) and also announced that JaViere Mitchell has received his degree and will not be a part of the team. Mitchell, as a linebacker, is a big loss just for depth. Rivals noted that Montavious Atkinson will move up from the defensive backfield and compete for a linebacker spot. I think that's a place he can do well.

On the injury front, Tray Matthews is really the only surprise. Kerryon Johnson's surgery was announced weeks ago, so we figured he would miss spring. I also doubt anyone thought for a moment that Jeremiah Dinson would be ready to go so soon after that vicious hit against Texas A&M.

The possibility of the QBs going live intrigues me. Sure, there's an injury worry, but it's also good for them to get at least a little bit of contact. It can definitely help reduce the shock of those first hits of the season, and Auburn's QBs need to be ready for that against Clemson.

I'm not sure the announcement that Cox and Pettway could get a look at running back in some situations was surprising. I seem to remember talk about Pettway getting time there came out a while back. They've got the bodies to be that big, bruising back. It would also allow for some very heavy sets with Landon Rice in at TE.

In terms of the coaches, I think you see exactly why Steele was Malzahn's choice in his comments that the base foundation will be much the same. Continuity is something the defensive side of the ball desperately needed with the turnover from the last few seasons. I'm curious exactly what the "Bandit" position will be that he says Steele will coach is. I also love the self-deprecating humor about Herb Hand having a personality while Malzahn doesn't.

On the last tweet, I'm glad Malzahn is taking the stance that he's not going to get involved in commenting too much on the situation.

So, that's it for Malzahn's first meeting with the press. Spring Practice 2016 is underway. Hopefully, we'll be able to round out some video, observations, etc from all of the beat writers and collect it for you here whenever that stuff comes out.

War Eagle! There's football happening on the Plains!

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: Team theme for spring is "earn it"

— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 1, 2016

Malzahn: "Spring goals are pretty simple." Players are focusing on the fundamentals. Coaches want a two-deep by the end of the spring.

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Malzahn confirms four new GAs. Former Auburn QB Jonathan Wallace and DE Craig Sanders are two of them.

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Today's the day: 'Players and coaches extremely excited. Our guys are ready to get out there,' says Gus Malzahn of start of spring practice

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) March 1, 2016

Senior linebacker JaViere Mitchell has left the team per Gus Malzahn. He graduated in December.

— Bryan Matthews (@BMattAU) March 1, 2016

Malzahn confirms TE Chris Laye has left the team. He will finish his career at Auburn. LB JaViere Mitchell, who graduated, is also gone.

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Presumed starting LB Tray Matthews will be out for the spring with a shoulder injury. Kerryon Johnson and Jeremiah Dinson will be out, too.

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Malzahn on depth at LB: "We've got some young guys. They're inexperienced. They're gonna have some opportunities to show what they can do."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Does Gus Malzahn have a chip on his own shoulder after what happened last year? "Oh, there's no doubt."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: "We are going to go out there and redeem ourselves"

— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 1, 2016

Malzahn says he's not ruling out the QB's going live some this spring

— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) March 1, 2016

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: Tyler Queen on pitch count of 50 throws a day after he warms up

— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 1, 2016

Malzahn on Jeremy Johnson and Sean White: "They're both looking for a fresh start. They're both going to compete."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Could early-enrollee WR Kyle Davis contribute quickly for Auburn?

Malzahn: "He's definitely got the ability."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Malzahn said Chandler Cox and Kamryn Pettway could take reps at RB this spring. That's new.

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Auburn's Gus Malzahn on defensive coordinator Kevin Steele: 'There is quite a bit of carryover with the foundation of our defense.'

— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) March 1, 2016

Malzahn said new defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will coach the "bandits" and the "nickels" in the defense this year.

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn: "Obviously some disappointment" with D Craig leaving, but Kodi Burns done a good job

— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 1, 2016

Malzahn on the differences between him and new OL coach Herb Hand: "He's on one end, and I'm on the other. He's got a personality."

— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 1, 2016

Gus Malzahn on Harbaugh taking team to Florida: "yeah, whatever." Says he's not getting caught in that debate

— John Zenor (@jzenor) March 1, 2016