Heading into fall camp last year, Auburn was quite thin at linebacker. With fall camp underway, depth is still a concern but the team’s leading tackler from 2011 returns along with help from a few talented freshmen.

The linebackers not only have to learn new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder's system, but they also have to adjust to a new position coach, too. With the departure of Ted Roof, Tommy Thigpen will coach linebackers after spending the last three seasons working with the defensive backs. Thigpen is no stranger to linebacker having played the position at North Carolina where he was a three-time All-ACC selection. He later coached linebackers for the Tar Heels from 2005-2008. Although the Tigers are a bit thin, Thigpen was pleased with the progress the group made during the spring and thinks they can continue making strides as the season goes along. Daren Bates (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) Daren Bates returns as a senior after starting all 13 games in 2011 when he led the team with 104 tackles. He also had 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and was tied second on the team with 8.5 tackles-for-loss. Bates was converted to linebacker two seasons ago after spending his freshman season at safety. His play as a sophomore was inconsistent at times with poor tackling as he tried to adjust to his new position. Last year he was much improved as a tackler and became the leader of the linebacking corps. While Bates will likely start on the weak side, Jake Holland should start in the middle. As a sophomore last year, Holland started the first few contests in the middle before injuries took a toll and forced him into a backup role. He finished the season with 43 tackles, five tackles-for-loss and two interceptions. As middle linebacker, Holland's job will be the quarterback of the defense. He'll receive defensive play calls from the sideline and relay them to the rest of the defense. He also sets the alignment and calls out audibles when he sees a different look from opposing offenses. Kris Frost (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) On the strong side, redshirt freshman Kris Frost has a chance to start this fall after sitting out last season due to shoulder surgery. Frost, rated a five-star prospect coming out of high school, worked with the first-team during the spring and is still in the process of adjusting to playing in college where players are bigger, faster and stronger. Senior Jonathan Evans will have to fight Frost for the starting job on the strong side since he missed the entire spring with injuries. Last season, Evans played in 10 games with 40 tackles and one tackle-for-loss. Even if he doesn't win the starting job, he'll still see plenty of playing time since he can play either side at linebacker. Justin Garrett will also battle Frost for playing time in the fall. Garrett played in eight games last season as a true freshman. He started once against Samford and made five tackles. For the season, he had nine tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, and a quarterback hurry. Cassanova McKinzy should see action at middle linebacker this fall as a true freshman. A four-star recruit, McKinzy has added around 20 pounds in the offseason which will be a huge plus since VanGorder has said he wants a bigger linebacking unit to give the defense a better advantage in the middle. Phil Marion Next week: Secondary Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Running Backs Offensive Line Defensive Line