Scrimmage #1 — Quotes — NSFW (Not Safe For Washington)

Auburn scrimmaged for the first time this fall camp, and the comments coming out afterward were uh... nice.

Let’s jump right in.

Only one pre-snap penalty? One of the lingering sounds from my time at Auburn (2007-2011) was an angry groan and an “On two, Ziemba!” from the crowd. If we cut down on procedural penalties, it’s always a positive.

No fumbles?

I can handle some good defensive plays, especially in the secondary, where there are the most questions on defense. With Jayvaughn Myers, Javaris Davis, and Jamel Dean back there, I’m not too worried about the corner spots.

Personally, I’m still not sold on Martin as the lead back. I need to see it to believe it. However, if he doesn’t turn out to be the guy, he’ll at least provide some stability through the early portion of the schedule while Boobee and Asa get ready to play.

Speaking of Boobee...

It sounds like the younger players on offense have gotten plenty of opportunities, since we know how well Darius Slayton, Ryan Davis, and NCM can play. The wide receivers have gotten some major praise from Gus and the rest of the crew, and there was more of that today as well.

Obviously, we’ll need one or more of those rookies to step up with Eli Stove and Will Hastings out for a little while, and maybe the speed of the young guys can be a help earlier than expected.

Did you say slant?

My stars. Word is that the (we won’t say it too loudly) intermediate routes have been a hit as well. The passing game really could take a big step forward early on this season.

Get this kid a slant route, please.

And the quarterback?

Yes, please.

Now, up front, Calvin Ashley sustained a neck/head injury and was taken to the hospital for precautionary purposes, but he was given the all clear just a little while after that. That means that Kaleb Kim and Mike Horton got plenty of time splitting the reps at center, while Horton also played a little right guard.

That said, the defense still won the scrimmage today according to everyone. It’s fully expected that the defense would win early on in fall camp since the offense needs a little time to mesh.

Like I mentioned earlier, I feel pretty good about the cornerbacks with the group they have to play against and the success they’ve apparently had. Jayvaughn Myers had the play of the day with his interception.

Word is that Cord Sandberg was the one who threw the really bad interception, but that’s fine since he’s... old...

He’s only been on campus for several days, and as Gus said, he couldn’t have possibly learned everything he needs to yet. He’ll get better. Still, if Stidham is playing well, and the receivers are doing their job, I feel pretty good. Shore up the right side of that offensive line, and find us a go-to back and the offense should cook.

On defense, the safeties are the biggest question, and I think due to the strength of the front seven, our vision of how the offense plays may be skewed. They’re dealing with one of the best units in football day after day, so it should be no surprise if they lose a few battles.

Hey, one scrimmage down, and we’re almost exactly three weeks from kickoff in Atlanta. War Eagle!