:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17693417/10auburn6.0.jpg)
Saturday marked the second scrimmage of fall camp for Auburn, with Gus Malzahn and his coaching staff hoping to narrow down position battles and get an idea of the Tigers' depth. No major announcements were made following the closed practice, but Malzahn said he hopes to get a better idea of the various races for starting jobs after looking at the film.
Gus Malzahn: "Right around 85 plays. Also went live in special teams for the first time"
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) August 10, 2013
Regarding the quarterback race, it sounds like there weren't any big developments for the most part. There was some good play -- maybe better than Wednesday's scrimmage -- and some not-so-good play. The only quarterback facing live contact was walk-on Tucker Tuberville, only because he didn't see any live action Wednesday. Malzahn said Nick Marshall, Jeremy Johnson, Jonathan Wallace and Kiehl Frazier were evaluated in specific situations on Saturday.
Walk-on Tucker Tuberville was the only quarterback who went live today. He went live a couple series because he didn't get chance Wednesday.
— Ryan Wood (@AUBlog) August 10, 2013
Has there been some separation among the quarterbacks? "I'd like to think so," says Auburn's Gus Malzahn. Like how? He's not saying
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) August 10, 2013
Says each day Nick Marshall "gets more and more comfortable."
— Phillip Marshall (@PMARSHONAU) August 10, 2013
Bray: Nick Marshall hit a long TD pass to Brandon Fulse; Ricardo Louis caught a TD pass from Jeremy Johnson
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAEricksonAU) August 10, 2013
There was one interception. There was a bobbled snap on that play.
— Justin Lee (@byjustinlee) August 10, 2013
So, nothing really out of the ordinary there. The quarterback race seems to be progressing on roughly the same path we've been expecting. But wait ...
Asked one observer who the best player at the scrimmage was today. "(Freshman QB) Jeremy Johnson."
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) August 10, 2013
Well, that sort of throws a wrench in things. Up until this point, we've been thinking Marshall and Wallace were probably the top two quarterbacks in the race. But if Saturday's scrimmage was really meant to narrow it down and Johnson was the best player, you have to think he has a legitimate shot at winning the starting job. We still think Marshall will probably win out in the end, but it seems like it's time to keep and eye on Johnson.
Elsewhere, Ricardo Louis was the standout at wide receiver.
Big day for Ricardo Louis. Jonathon Mincy said Louis had one or two TDs. He beat #Auburn's secondary deep a couple times.
— Ryan Wood (@AUBlog) August 10, 2013
That's really great to hear. Auburn desperately needs someone to step up and become a go-to target on the outside. Louis has a ton of talent -- remember, he was a four-star prospect out of high school -- and his build (6'2, 215 pounds) is similar to former Alabama receiver Julio Jones. Combine that size with speed, and he has the necessary attributes to be a physical, big-play threat.
Auburn's Justin Garrett injures left leg, wearing walking boot after Saturday scrimmage http://t.co/kFR6cBIVzE
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAEricksonAU) August 10, 2013
The last thing Auburn needs is an injury to potentially one of the Tigers' best defensive players. Hopefully, the boot is just a precaution and Justin Garrett will be back in action soon.
Auburn practices again in the afternoon, so we'll have to wait and see if the quarterback reps are adjusted based on the scrimmage.
Auburn Athletics video
More from College and Magnolia:
- Catching up on Texas A&M with Good Bull Hunting
- Quarterbacks go live in first scrimmage
- Tigers go in full pads for first time
- NCAA online shop features current, former Auburn players
- Tigers' running game should be strong again
