Despite losing four seniors from last year's defensive line and a rash of injuries in the spring, the unit is expected to once again be a strength of the defense in the fall with plenty of depth and experience returning.

Last year, position coach Rodney Garner used a heavy rotation along the front four and Auburn took advantage by winning the battle up front late in games with fresh bodies going up against tired offensive lines. The backups gained valuable game experience and Garner sees it as a huge plus compared to where the youngsters were this time a year ago. The same backups that saw extensive playing time are now set to step in and start with Dee Ford, Nosa Eguae, Ken Carter, and Craig Sanders all graduating. The biggest task for Garner is replacing Ford, who racked up 10.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss even though he never fully recovered from a knee injury suffered during a scrimmage in August. Carl Lawson is likely the top candidate to fill the void left by Ford after seeing significant playing time as a true freshman last year. Lawson saw action in all 14 games and finished the season with an impressive four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Behind Lawson on the depth chart is fellow sophomore Elijah Daniel. Daniel recorded 2.5 sacks in spot duty and could potentially earn a few starts this fall. Lawson missed the spring game due to a knee injury while Daniel missed time in the spring with a groin injury but recovered to record three tackles, 2.5 for loss and one sack in the spring game. Both will be ready to go when the Tigers open the season Aug. 30 against Arkansas. At the other end spot, LaDarius Owens was also bit by the injury bug and missed the entire spring after breaking his foot a week before spring practice began. Last year as a junior, Owens saw action in 14 games and ended up with 30 tackles, 5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries. Gabe Wright (Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com) With so many injuries at defensive end in the spring, Garner was forced to move tackles Gabe Wright and Montravius Adams to the outside to provide more depth. The move was only temporary with Wright and Adams set to return to their familiar spots in preseason camp. But, don't be surprised to see Wright lined-up on the edge from time to time in the fall. Last season as a junior, Wright earned 11 starts while recording 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries, and also recovered a fumble. Adams had a solid year as a true freshman with 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 7 quarterback hurries in 13 games. Seniors Angelo Blackson and Ben Bradley played in all 14 games last year but will probably have to fight for playing time with Jeff Whitaker back after missing the entire 2013 season with a knee injury. Whitaker, who was penciled in to start at one of the tackle spots before the injury, could jump ahead of Adams on the depth chart. Phil Marion Coming August 4: Linebackers Update: Carl Lawson is still hampered by a knee injury and may miss the Aug. 30 season opener against Arkansas. Quarterbacks and Receivers Running Backs Offensive Line