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Gus Malzahn released his first official depth chart of the season Wednesday, four days before the Tigers' opener against Washington State. We posted our projections Monday, so let's see how accurate those picks were. Our reaction is below the list.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Nick Marshall
Jonathan Wallace
Jeremy Johnson
Running back
H-back
Jay Prosch
Gage Batten
Tight end
Wide receiver
Sammie Coates OR
C.J. Uzomah
Wide receiver
Jaylon Denson
Brandon Fulse
Wide receiver
Wide receiver
Ricardo Louis
Marcus Davis
Left tackle
Greg Robinson
Shon Coleman
Left guard
Center
Right guard
Right tackle
Patrick Miller
Avery Young
DEFENSE
End
Craig Sanders
Nosa Eguae
Elijah Daniel
Tackle
Angelo Blackson
Montravius Adams
JaBrian Niles
Tackle
Jeff Whitaker OR
Gabe Wright
End
LaDarius Owens
Ken Carter
Carl Lawson
Middle linebacker
Will linebacker
Cassanova McKinzy
Anthony Swain
JaViere Mitchell
Star
Justin Garrett
Robenson Therezie
Cornerback
Jonathan Mincy
Ryan White
Free safety
Jermaine Whitehead
Ryan Smith
Boundary safety
Josh Holsey
Kiehl Frazier
Cornerback
Chris Davis
Ryan White
Place-kicker
Punter
Steven Clark
Jimmy Hutchinson
Deep snappers
Kick returners
Tre Mason
Corey Grant
Quan Bray
Ricardo Louis
Punt returners
Chris Davis
Quan Bray
Trovon Reed
Reaction
- Even though Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne are on "equal footing" in the coaches' eyes, Mason gets the No. 1 status at running back without the "OR" attached to his name. That's likely because of his effort last season once the season was already down the tubes. Good on ya, Tre.
- Jeremy Johnson is redshirting, but he's still listed on the depth chart. That wasn't necessary, but Johnson impressed in fall camp and deserved to get his name on there.
- Nice to see Ricardo Louis and Sammie Coates on the No. 1 line at receiver. They've reportedly been good in practice, and they're probably Auburn's best receivers right now in terms of raw talent. Here's hoping one of them step up and become a go-to target.
- The offensive line is pretty much what we were expecting. Went out on a limb and listed Avery Young as a starter at guard over Alex Kozan, but Kozan's just been that good. And if Patrick Miller beat out Young, who is 100 percent healthy, for a starting tackle job, he must be greatly improved over last season.
- A lot of names on the defensive line, but anyone thinking about the future is just looking at three. It's only a matter of time before Carl Lawson, Elijah Daniel and Montravius Adams are running the show in the trenches.
- Jake Holland of Auburn football present, please be better than Jake Holland of Auburn football past.
- That secondary is awfully thin. Why Malzahn would risk injury to Chris Davis, Auburn's best corner, by making him the primary punt returner is a bit of a head scratcher.
- In roughly two weeks, Kiehl Frazier has gone from an afterthought at quarterback to second-string boundary safety. It's partially due to depth at the position, but that's awesome.
- So much speed on kick returns. So much speed.
- Jake Lembke is the starting long snapper! He'll be a difference maker at that position!
More from College and Magnolia:
- Auburn football: More videos to get you ready for the season
- College football TV schedule: Week 1 viewing guide
- The Plainsman's Kitchen: Jalapeno poppers
- First glance, Auburn vs. Washington State: Preview, TV schedule, odds, key players and more
- Auburn vs. Washington State: Highlights from Gus Malzahn's Tuesday press conference