Expected to be a strength of the defense in 2011, the defensive line didn't live up to the hype after being plagued by injuries throughout the season. This year's line appears ready for improvement under a new coordinator.

Brian VanGorder was hired Jan. 9 to fill the defensive coordinator's spot left vacant by Ted Roof. VanGorder comes to Auburn after spending the last four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. He was also Georgia's defensive coordinator from 2001-04 and was the winner of the Frank Broyles Award that goes to college football's top assistant coach in 2003. Last year with the Falcons, VanGorder's defense finished the regular season second in the NFL in red zone defense, sixth in rushing defense and 12th in total defense. With fall camp underway, VanGorder's biggest challenge will be getting the line familiar with his defensive philosophy and also help the players regain their confidence after being manhandled by SEC offenses last season. In the four losses to SEC opponents, the Tigers gave up 38 points to Arkansas, 45 to LSU and Georgia, and 42 to Alabama. Overall, the inconsistent play up front led the defense to allow 28.9 points and 189.2 yards rushing per game. Under VanGorder, the defensive line won't be responsible for reading the offense and reacting to the play. Instead, the guys up front will be more aggressive by getting into the backfield on every play. The new attacking defense should see Auburn record plenty of sacks, something that was sorely missed last season. Dee Ford (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) With more freedom to attack, expect junior defensive ends Corey Lemonier and Dee Ford to be in the opponent's backfield often. Last season, Lemonier was one of the best pass-rushers in the league, with 9.5 sacks, 15 quarterback pressures and 13.5 tackles-for-loss. He also totaled 47 tackles, forced five fumbles and recovered a fumble. Ford is back healthy and ready to wreak havoc after missing most of last season with a herniated disc that required surgery. In three games before the injury, Ford had seven tackles, two tackles-for-loss and a sack. While Lemonier had a solid spring, it was Ford who stood out from the rest of the defensive line. In the A-Day game, Ford had four tackles and a sack against the first team offense and took home the Defensive MVP Award. VanGorder's aggressive style will result in more production this season for all of the front four, including junior tackle Jeffrey Whitaker. Whitaker had a somewhat disappointing season last year when he didn't record a sack and only made two tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He has dropped around 20 pounds so he can be quicker and make more plays behind the line of scrimmage. Kenneth Carter should start alongside Whitaker at the other tackle spot. The junior missed all of spring drills after having shoulder surgery right after the 2011 season. As a sophomore, Carter had 21 tackles. Since he was forced to sit out in the spring, he'll have a lot of work to do learning the new defense in fall camp. VanGorder plans to keep the defensive line fresh which means several key reserves will see playing time when the starting four need a blow. Nosa Eguae and Gabe Wright also missed the entire spring recovering from injuries. Both have experience under their belts and will provide the line with extra depth. Last year, Eguae had 38 tackles and 12 quarterback hurries while Wright finished with 12 tackles, three tackles-for-loss and a sack. LaDarius Owens and Craig Sanders will also provide more depth as backups. Owens injured his foot in the middle of the season. He finished with nine tackles, three tackles-for-loss and a sack. Sanders played at several spots on the line last season. He finished with 13 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and a sack. Both Owens and Sanders have excellent speed and provide another option as pass-rushers. Phil Marion Next week: Linebackers Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Running Backs Offensive Line