2019 Depth Chart: Post Signing Day Edition

In early January, I took my first stab at Auburn’s 2019 depth chart. Auburn has since added five new signees and a graduate transfer. We’ve also got final confirmation on who is and isn’t entering the NFL Draft. So while not a ton has changed since round one, I thought I would go ahead and update things with these new developments. Chances are pretty good there might be some new names to add before spring practice starts as Auburn pursues the transfer market.

Quarterback

• #14 Malik Willis | 6’1” | 195 lbs | Junior --OR--
• #13 Joey Gatewood | 6’5” | 237 lbs | rFreshman --OR--
• #24 Cord Sandberg | 6’3” | 215 lbs | rFreshman --OR--
• #10 Bo Nix | 6’2” | 204 lbs | Freshman

Not much has changed here besides the fact that Bo Nix now has a number. Gus Malzahn said at last Wednesday’s press conference that they will start the spring by giving everyone even snaps and go from there. I will be interested to see if they have a scrimmage like he did back in 2013 where all the quarterbacks are live and can be hit.

Also while I have you here... Still undecided about #DECISION19? Well, here’s a random video that will maybe help you in your evaluation process. Please don’t tell the other guys that I did this ok.

Running Back (4)

• #9 Kam Martin | 5’10” | 193 lbs | Senior --OR--
• #28 JaTarvious Whitlow | 6’0” | 216 lbs | rSophomore
• #25 Shaun Shivers | 5’7” | 173 lbs | Sophomore
• #32 Malik Miller | 5’11” | 216 lbs | rJunior
• #3 DJ Williams | 5’11” | 210 lbs | Freshman --OR--
• Mark Antony-Richards | 6’1” | 200 lbs | Freshman

Two things here. First, DJ Williams will apparently wear #3 which I am pretty sure was the number Asa had initially when he came to Auburn. Second, the Tigers landed another back in the 2019 class in Mark Antony-Richards. I REALLY like this group as we head into the spring. As is always the case though with Gus, how they are used (or not used) will be interesting to monitor this fall.

H-Back (3)

• Jay Jay Wilson | 6’3” | 280 lbs | rSenior --OR--
• #47 John Samuel Shenker | 6’3” | 248 lbs | rSophomore --OR--
• #29 Harold Joiner | 6’4” | 214 lbs | rFreshman
• #99 Spencer Nigh | 6’0” | 269 lbs | Senior
• #86 Luke Deal | 6’5” | 245 lbs | Freshman

The big development over the past two months has been Auburn landing a graduate transfer H-Back. Wilson isn’t technically on the roster yet, as he won’t enroll until the summer but I’m including him anyway. I think you have to put him up there with Shenker and Joiner as the favorites to start at this spot. I’ve also heard Joiner will be a running back full time moving forward but probably won’t switch his position until that’s confirmed in the spring.

Wide Receiver (9/Split End)

• #18 Seth Williams | 6’3” | 210 lbs | Sophomore
• #11 Shedrick Jackson | 6’0” | 204 lbs | Sophomore
• #37 Kolbi Fuqua | 6’2” | 190 lbs | rFreshman

Good thing I didn’t include commits this first go around right? Ya that one is gonna sting for awhile... I am gonna leave Seth Williams in this spot though it should be noted Auburn is hard after a graduate transfer to fill Slayton’s shoes next season. Former Arkansas wideout La’Michael Pettway took an official visit to Auburn last month and the Tigers probably lead. He still has two more visits he will take to Oklahoma State and North Carolina before making a final decision. He’s also been to Iowa State though I think this will end up a Tigers/Cowboys battle. If Auburn were to land his services for 2019, that would shift Williams back to the 5 where he played last year and make Pettway the favorite to start at the 9.

Wide Receiver (5/Big Slot)

• #80 Sal Cannella | 6’5” | 232 lbs | Senior
• #17 Marquis McClain | 6’2” | 217 lbs | rJunior
• #85 Tyler Fromm | 6’5” | 216 lbs | Freshman

Fromm will sport #85 next season. That’s all I got here for now.

Wide Receiver (3/Slot)

• #33 Will Hastings | 5’10” | 166 lbs | rSenior
• Ja’Varrius Johnson | 5’9” | 170 lbs | Freshman

Who here is super pumped to see Will Hastings back making ankle breaking double moves? *raises hand*

Wide Receiver (2/Flanker)

• #12 Eli Stove | 6’0” | 185 lbs | rJunior --OR--
• #5 Anthony Schwartz | 6’0” | 180 lbs | Sophomore
• #19 Matthew Hill | 6’1” | 184 lbs | rFreshman
• Jashawn Sheffield | 6’1” | 180 lbs | Freshman

There is no doubt now that Jashawn Sheffield will start out on the offensive side of the ball after Auburn lost their top ranked commit in George Pickens on National Signing Day. Where Sheffield lines up is still to be seen. He could play the 9 spot but I’m listing him here because he has shown the ability to make plays as a runner. Sheffield actually started his high school career as a running back.

Left Tackle

• #76 Prince Tega Wanogho | 6’7” | 307 lbs | rSenior
• #66 Bailey Sharp | 6’5” | 307 lbs | rSenior
• #72 Price Michael Sammons | 6’7” | 300 lbs | rJunior

It’s official, the Prince returns in 2019. Tega returning might prove more important than Derrick Brown’s return. I have night terrors about Auburn’s 2020 offensive line, specifically at offensive tackle so don’t be surprised if the Tigers land a transfer to fill that role. Not a graduate transfer but a player that would probably redshirt in 2019 and then be eligible to compete in 2020 when Auburn will need bodies. Who that might, I ain’t got a clue but something to watch in the coming weeks.

Left Guard

• #77 Marquel Harrell | 6’3” | 307 lbs | rSenior
• #56 Tashawn Manning | 6’3” | 323 lbs | rSophomore
• Keiondre Jones | 6’4” | 325 lbs | Freshman

No huge developments here. I’m interested to see how much buzz Manning gets this spring. I also believe Jones will challenge for a starting spot in 2020 after a redshirt year. Not sure he will win the battle but I fully expect to hear his name seriously considered. He’s an outstanding player up front.

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Center

• #54 Kaleb Kim | 6’4” | 300 lbs | rSenior --OR--
• #52 Nick Brahms | 6’3” | 304 lbs | rSophomore
• #50 Jalil Irvin | 6’2” | 296 lbs | rFreshman
• Kamaar Bell | 6’4” | 325 lbs | Freshman

Hey look another lineman! Bell was one of Auburn’s biggest signings this past week. He’s expected to start out at center though he could slide to either guard spot. Like Jones, he probably needs a redshirt year but also like Jones, he could make some noise in 2020. I’m also interested to see the development of Jalil Irvin. He was someone I was high on in that 2018 class but I’m not sure he played a single snap last season.

Right Guard

• #64 Mike Horton | 6’4” | 324 lbs | rSenior
• #59 Brodarious Hamm | 6’5” | 325 lbs | rSophomore
• #62 Kameron Stutts | 6’4” | 325 lbs | rFreshman

Auburn needs more from Mike Horton in 2019. I refuse to believe he was as bad as he played at times last season. If he is then he better watch his back. Brodarious Hamm has gotten a lot of buzz since last bowl practice. I fully expect Horton to start but wouldn’t be upset to hear Hamm is pushing him this spring.

Right Tackle

• #71 Jack Driscoll | 6’5” | 300 lbs | rSenior
• #68 Austin Troxell | 6’6” | 305 lbs | rSophomore
• #70 Calvin Ashley | 6’6” | 322 lbs | rSophomore
• Justin Osborne | 6’4” | 305 lbs | Freshman

Gus Malzahn confirmed that Calvin Ashley was back with the team in January during his Wednesday press conference. That’s big and hopefully whatever kept him away is solved for good. I should probably list him at left tackle but whatever. LOL JK! Also random other note, I really good about Troxell’s future in the orange and blue.

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Defensive End

• #3 Marlon Davidson | 6’3” | 278 lbs | Senior
• #45 Caleb Johnson | 6’2” | 260 lbs | rFreshman --OR--
• Charles Moore | 6’4” | 275 lbs | Freshman

I had some concerns about this spot pre Marlon Davidson announcing his return and Charles Moore signing. Now I feel REALLY good about the Tigers being able to go 3 deep even if that’s someone like Newkirk or Handy sliding outside.

Defensive Tackle

• #5 Derrick Brown | 6’5” | 325 lbs | Senior
• #8 Coynis Miller Jr | 6’2” | 305 lbs | Sophomore
• Jaren “Stone” Handy | 6’5” | 280 lbs | Freshman

Brown’s shocking return gives me a ton of confidence Auburn’s front 4 will be really good again in 2019. How Coynis Miller develops will determine how good it can be long term. Jaren Handy, with his Brown like size, has a chance to one day morph into Auburn’s next monster interior defender. This part of the depth chart just makes me happy to read.

Defensive Tackle

• #94 Tyrone Truesdell | 6’2” | 314 lbs | Junior
• #44 Daquan Newkirk | 6’3” | 306 lbs | Junior
• #92 Alec Jackson | 6’5” | 314 lbs | rSophomore

It should be noted, there are rampant rumors that Alec Jackson will be switching to offensive tackle this spring. Until that’s officially announced, I’m keeping him here at DT. I do think that might be a move that makes sense long term given his large frame and struggles playing with low enough pad level to be an SEC defensive lineman.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Buck

• #91 Nick Coe | 6’5” | 282 lbs | rJunior
• #1 Big Kat Bryant | 6’5” | 253 lbs | Junior
• #55 T.D. Moultry | 6’2” | 245 lbs | Junior --OR--
• #37 Richard Jibunor | 6’3” | 215 lbs | rFreshman
• #25 Colby Wooden | 6’4” | 239 lbs | Freshman --OR--
• #29 Derick Hall | 6’3” | 227 lbs | Freshman

SO MANY BUCKS! Undoubtedly, someone from this group will play elsewhere in 2019 because I don’t think Auburn needs six Bucks. Who that person is and where they go I don’t know. What I do know is between these six dudes, SOMEONE should be able to morph into Auburn’s next great pass rusher.

Strong Side Linebacker

• #10 Owen Pappoe | 6’1” | 215 lbs | Freshman
• #36 Josh Marsh | 6’2” | 217 lbs | rFreshman

Auburn’s leaders of the 2019 signing class will share numbers which is kind of poetic. I continue to believe that if Auburn uses more 3 LB sets in 2019 it will be to get Pappoe out in space to make plays. Chandler Wooten manned this spot in 2018 but I think he switches to weakside and pairs with Britt when Auburn is in their base nickel personnel.

Middle Linebacker

• #33 K.J. Britt | 6’0” | 228 lbs | Junior
• #30 Michael Harris | 6’3” | 219 lbs | rFreshman
• Kameron Brown | 6’0” | 230 lbs | Freshman

Brown will start out at inside linebacker where I don’t expect him to have a huge early impact. KJ Britt will be the leader of this year’s unit but I am curious to see how Harris has developed this offseason. In my opinion, he was a top 5 linebacker in the southeast in that 2018 signing class.

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Weakside Linebacker

• #31 Chandler Wooten | 6’2” | 231 lbs | Junior --OR--
• #35 Zakoby McClain | 6’0” | 205 lbs | Sophomore
• Octavius Brothers | 6’2” | 230 lbs | Freshman

I’m a big McClain fan and would not be shocked if he jumped ahead of Wooten. However, I expect both to get plenty of snaps next to Britt next season. Knowing T-WILL both will be cross trained at the MIKE so they can see the field at the same time and give Britt some time off. Brothers has the size to play inside as well.

Star (Nickel)

• #15 Jordyn Peters | 6’1” | 191 lbs | Junior --OR--
• #6 Christian Tutt | 5’11” | 195 lbs | Sophomore
• #16 Malcolm Askew | 5’11” | 192 lbs | rSophomore

No major changes here though I’ve heard Zion Puckett was getting some work at the Star in bowl practice. Long term I like him at cornerback but maybe if the staff feel like that can get him on the field earlier you see him play inside some in 2019.

Cornerback

• #13 Javaris Davis | 5’10” | 187 lbs | rSenior
• #14 Traivon Leonard | 6’0” | 196 lbs | Junior --OR--
• #11 Zion Puckett | 6’0” | 200 lbs | Freshman

Davis played a little of everywhere in 2018. I expect he starts outside but he too could slide to the Star if needed.

Free Safety

• #20 Jeremiah Dinson | 6’0” | 195 lbs | rSenior
• #21 Smoke Monday | 6’2” | 188 lbs | Sophomore
• Nehemiah Pritchett | 6’0” | 180 lbs | Freshman

I’m honestly guessing when it comes to freshman at safety. Most were told that they would start at cornerback which makes sense considering Auburn has a clear 2 deep in the back two with Dinson/Thomas/Monday/Sherwood.

Strong Safety

• #24 Daniel Thomas | 5’11” | 208 lbs | Senior
• #9 Jamien Sherwood | 6’2” | 207 lbs | Sophomore
• #23 Cam’Ron Kelly | 6’1” | 205 lbs | Freshman

Again, Kelly could very well play CB or Star but to make this depth chart look pretty and balanced I have him here. He will at least be a factor in special teams coverage units in 2019.

Cornerback

• #4 Noah Igbinoghene | 5’11” | 196 lbs | Junior
• #17 Roger McCreary | 6’0” | 179 lbs | Sophomore
• #10 Devan Barrett | 6’0” | 196 lbs | Junior
• Jaylin Simpson | 6’0” | 175 lbs | Freshman

Iggy might miss spring ball due to his track commitments which would be unfortunate. That could give McCreary a chance though to get a lot of snaps with the ones. He was thrown to the wolves late in the season and had mixed results but the athleticism is there to be a good one down the road.

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More than likely I will have more update just before spring practice because I expect Auburn to add at least two transfers. One being at WR (Pettway) and one being at OT (no idea). Other than that though this is pretty much the unit Auburn will head into battle with in 2019. The QB competition this spring will eat up much of the airwaves but I’m also fascinated to see what happens at the 3-back position, who plays where in the secondary and how Auburn deploys their linebackers next season. Just over a month until Auburn football briefly returns to action.

War Eagle!