Auburn lost many key players up and down its roster after the 2010 season, especially along the offensive line. What once was a depleted group is now loaded deep with talent after two successful signing classes.

Every college football team goes through rebuilding years. With players graduating and some leaving early for the NFL, some teams are hit harder than others. The Tigers were hit hard after the 2010 season when four starters on the offensive line graduated, and again last year when three more starters used up their eligibility. New offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler plans to use a pro-style system with an emphasis on the run. For Loeffler's system to work and if Auburn wants to retain the title of Running Back U, a solid offensive line is a must. Based on the last couple of signing classes of offensive linemen, and the talented running backs on the roster, the Tigers should have an effective ground attack behind a deep, but young unit. Auburn signed four offensive linemen on Signing Day 2011 followed by seven in February. Greg Robinson and Christian Westerman were two of the linemen signed in 2011. Both Robinson and Westerman were highly-recruited coming out of high school and had a chance to be in the starting lineup as true freshmen. They were redshirted last fall when position coach Jeff Grimes felt they weren't quite ready to see game-time action. After a year of practicing with the scout team and adjusting to the college game, Robinson worked with the first team at left tackle while Westerman shared time with the first team at left guard in the spring. As they continue to learn Loeffler's new offense in fall camp, expect both Robinson and Westerman to see plenty of playing time this fall, with Robinson probably starting at left tackle and Westerman sharing duties at left guard. Reese Dismukes (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) Also a member of the 2011 signing class, Reese Dismukes started every game at center as a true freshman last season. He was named to the Football Writers Association of America All-Freshman team, the SEC All-Freshman team and CBS Sports Freshman All-America team. Dismukes is expected to anchor the offensive line at the center position for the next three years. Even though he's just a sophomore, he has all of the qualities to be the leader of Auburn's young group of linemen. Senior John Sullen is the only member of the group with a significant amount of playing time. He has played in 38 games with a dozen starts, including 11 last year at right guard. Sullen should hold down the left guard spot with Eric Mack giving him a breather late in games. Mack will also be an option at one of the tackle spots after seeing action at right tackle on the second team in the A-Day game. Sophomore Chad Slade is a versatile lineman who can play both guard and tackle. Last season, Slade started once at right tackle, twice at right guard and seven times at left guard. He's likely to start at right tackle in 2012 since Grimes thinks he can be more effective on the outside. Newcomers to keep an eye on to push for playing time include Patrick Miller and Shane Callahan. Both went through spring drills which gives them an advantage over the other linemen who won't arrive on campus until August. Miller is probably ahead of Callahan after he spent a significant amount of time in the spring working with the first team at right tackle. Phil Marion Next week: Defensive Line Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Running Backs