The offensive line will be the most watched group when preseason practice starts this week. With four of last year's starters having to be replaced, it'll be important for the young men on the line to quickly mature before the season-opener Sept. 1.
Replacing four of five starters on the offensive line should be an easy task for a veteran line coach like Hugh Nall. Nall doesn't look at it that way though after losing Ben Grubbs to the first-round of the NFL Draft, as well as veterans Tim Duckworth, Joe Cope and Jonathan Palmer during the offseason.. That group of linemen played well together through communication and chemistry which helped paved the way for Auburn to have an 11-2 record.
In the short time that the four new linemen and the only returning starter practiced together in the spring, Nall said the group lacked chemistry and has a long way to go before they are ready to line-up against Kansas State in the season-opener. Nall hopes to have the depth chart in order once preseason practice wraps up in late August but cautions that it may have some changes once the season progresses.
King Dunlap (77) is the only returning starter on this year's offensive line. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) The only position that is locked down is at left tackle where King Dunlap will once again be the starter. The 6-foot-8, 320-pound senior was the youngster on last year's veteran line. Despite starting all 13 games at left tackle last year, Dunlap felt his performance was inconsistent at times. He plans to be more aggressive on every down in 2007 which he believes will greatly improve his game.
Sophomore Oscar Gonzalez is currently the backup to Dunlap but could play any position on the line, especially at right tackle. There, he will be competing with Andrew McCain and Antwoin Daniels for the starting job. The 6-foot-6 McCain beat out Daniels for the starting right tackle slot after spring drills, but he won't have any room for error with Daniels close behind.
At left guard, junior Tyronne Green gets the nod after being a backup for Grubbs for the past two seasons. The 6-foot-2, 308-pound former defensive lineman made great strides in the spring which earned praise from Nall.
Starting at right guard will be Leon Hart. Hart has finally found a home at right guard after playing numerous positions on the line since coming to Auburn in 2004. The 6-foot-4, 302-pound senior was a four-star Rivals recruit coming out of Spring Valley High School in Columbia, S.C. Hart's career at Auburn has been somewhat of a disappointment since many thought he would earn a starting job before his senior season.
Junior Jason Bosley has plenty of experience as a starter at the important center position. Bosley filled in nicely in four games last year when Cope was injured. Backup redshirt freshman Mike Berry could push for playing time at center but Bosley seems to be the solid choice. Berry will probably be tested out at guard or at right tackle.
The tight ends will be more involved in the offensive schemes that offensive coordinator Al Borges plans to use. The two-tight end package was put in place in the spring and some three-tight end packages will be worked on in preseason practice. Those new packages were added because Auburn is lucky to have plenty of talent and experience at tight end.
Gabe McKenzie performed well last season when starter Cole Bennett went down with an injury. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Cole Bennett thought his career at Auburn was over when he suffered a broken ankle in last year's 7-3 victory over LSU. Bennett changed his mind about coming back to the Plains and took a medical redshirt so he could return for his senior season. His decision to return was great news for the coaching staff since he's an outstanding blocker and also because he provides needed leadership for the younger position players.
The Tigers were surprised at how well youngsters Gabe McKenzie and Tommy Trott performed when Bennett was lost for the season. McKenzie was an excellent blocker and a valuable receiver in 2006 when he caught 12 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. Trott's best game came in Auburn's 24-17 victory over South Carolina when he caught three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown.
Phil Marion
Coming next week: The defensive line will be solid again with Quentin Groves back for his senior season after deciding not to enter the NFL Draft.
Cox Is Healthy, Ready To Lead Offense In 2007
Auburn's Backfield Has Wealth Of Talent
