New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp received good news when two of Auburn's top players from last year decided not to leave early for the NFL Draft. A veteran coach was also hired to coach the linebacking corps.
New linebackers coach Lance Thompson was hired away from Alabama Jan. 14, where he coached the same unit the past three seasons. Thompson has a great reputation as a recruiter and was named Rivals.com's Recruiter of the Year in 2008.
Thompson will handle the strong-side and outside linebackers, with Muschamp coaching the inside linebackers.
Kris Frost
(Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com)Seniors Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost gave Auburn's defense a huge boost when they decided to return to the Plains. The hiring of Muschamp was a big factor in their decision and also the possibility of playing for a championship.
McKinzy and Frost have plenty of experience, with a combined 71 games played and a combined 340 tackles in their careers.
Last season, McKinzy recorded 91 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, three quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble. Frost added 87 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, 11 quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble.
McKinzy is the starter at Mike linebacker, with Frost working at Will. Justin Garrett is behind McKinzy on the depth chart and Tre' Williams is backing up Frost.
Williams started against LSU last season, but missed assignments caused him to see action on special teams for the rest of the year. The former five-star recruit was bothered by a hamstring injury in the spring, but will be healthy and ready to push for playing time in the fall.
With Derrick Moncrief transferring, JaViere Mitchell should see more playing time in the fall. Mitchell, who has seen most of his playing time on special teams, will be in the mix at strong-side along with newcomer Jeff Holland. Holland was recruited specifically for strong-side.
The "Buck", a hybrid defensive end-linebacker, has Carl Lawson as the perfect candidate for the position with his size and speed.
Phil MarionComing August 10: Secondary
Quarterbacks and Receivers
Running Backs and Offensive Line
Defensive Line