Auburn spring football practice opened March 10, and with all the excitement surrounding the team, the Tigers’ 8-5 finish last year has most looking to new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to improve a dismal defense to get Auburn back to competing for an SEC Championship.

Muschamp’s start will include some new personnel on the field, especially with the loss of several starters, including star Robenson Therezie and most of a subpar secondary.

The defense is spending the spring learning how Muschamp coaches, from different terminology to playing styles. Defensive back Jonathan Jones described Muschamp as a coach that wants your best every play and every day.

Auburn is planning on building the defense from the ground up, but head coach Gus Malzahn has already said Josh Hosley will start at cornerback this spring and Rudy Ford has a starting spot at safety, but nothing more has been announced.

On the defensive line, Carl Lawson made his return to the field this spring, having missed all of last season after needing surgery to repair damage to his left knee. Lawson is expected to be the difference maker for the D line, which struggled in 2014 to provide a consistent pass rush.

Offensively, the Tigers lose quarterback Nick Marshall, running back Cameron Artis-Payne and wideout Sammie Coates. The three losses should provide somewhat of a setback, but it may not be as bad for the Tigers as some expect.

Wideout Duke Williams decided to forego the NFL Draft to return for his senior season, which will provide new starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson will an instant go-to target. Johnson has played limitedly behind Marshall the last two seasons, but has shown his passing capabilities when he’s gotten playing time.

The backfield is deep, but there isn’t much experience.

Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber are the only two current tailbacks that had carries last year, but Kamryn Pettway is fresh off redshirting his freshman season and five-star JUCO running back Jovon Robinson has the talent to be an immediate impact.

The guys blocking for the running backs -- the offensive line -- are set to see some changes as well, especially with the loss of multiple-year starters Chad Slade, Patrick Miller and Remington Award-winner Reese Dismukes.

Avery Young returns as Auburn's more experienced offensive lineman, and he’s been moved back to tackle. Tackle Shon Coleman and guard Alex Kozan both return after starting all of last season, but that’s where the Tigers’ depth drops off.

The biggest question is who will replace Dismukes, a four-year starter at center. It appears senior Xavier Dampeer and sophomore Austin Golson are in a battle for the spot, but the Auburn coaching staff have made position changes in the past to suit their needs.

Auburn will practice five times before spring break in a week and a half. The Tigers’ A-Day game is scheduled for April 18.