Roc Thomas is an explosive threat out of the backfield for Auburn. (John Reed-USA TODAY Sports)
AUBURN, AL — Coach Gus Malzahn finally announced a depth chart for Auburn as the Tigers began final preparations for Saturday’s opener against Louisville, but at the same time noted that nothing is written in stone or even ink, for that matter.
He expects to play at lot of players against the Cardinals even though many may not be listed as No. 1.
Not including special teams, the word “or” is written in at five starting positions, and some backups are listed as “or” as well.
Said Malzahn: “I wouldn’t read too much into the ‘or.’ You’ll see multiple guys this first game.”
In a position of note, sophomore Roc Thomas was named the starter at running back, winning out over sophomore Peyton Barber, heralded junior college transfer Jovon Robinson, and freshman Kerryon Johnson.
“He’s definitely gotten bigger,” Malzahn said of Thomas, now listed as 5-10, 203 pounds after playing at 193 as a true freshman last year. “He’s kept his speed. He’s more comfortable now, he knows what’s going on.
“We’ve seen him grow, not just this spring, but more importantly in the fall.”
If there was a surprise on the depth chart, though, it wasn’t at running back. It was at linebacker, where sophomore Tre’ Williams is listed as a co-starter with senior Cassanova McKinzy at one spot and with senior Kris Frost at another.
Senior Justin Garrett is the only starting linebacker listed without an “or” after his name.
New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, however, has said he may wait until just before kickoff before committing to starters.
One position where there is no question is at quarterback.
Junior Jeremy Johnson has had a solid grip on the position since Nick Marshall’s eligibility ran out after last season.
“We feel like he’s prepared,” Malzahn said. “I know he’s to the point he’s tired of everybody talking about him. He just wants to get out there and play. He wants to prove himself. I think he’s in a very good spot mentally right now going into this first game.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Jeremy Johnson gives the Auburn offense a new look from the run oriented attack of the last two years under Nick Marshall. Johnson has been a very effective passer in limited action the last two years (13 games, 57-of-78 passing for 858 yards and nine touchdowns) and goes into the season off a strong fall camp.
–WR D’haquille Williams was reinstated to the team after missing nearly all of the first week of fall camp has worked his way back up to No. 1 receiver after starting at the bottom of the depth chart upon reinstatement. He had 45 catches last year after transferring from junior college and has Auburn season records in receptions (60), receiving yards (1,068), and touchdown receptions (12) as a goal.
–DE Carl Lawson has been drawing raves in preseason practices and will be a key contributor to Auburn’s defense. Lawson sat out last year after having knee surgery but already has been placed on several “watch lists” for national awards, most recently the Lombardi Award as college football’s top lineman.
SERIES HISTORY: This will be just the second meeting between the two teams. Auburn beat Louisville 16-3 in the 1974 season opener.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It has been good that we’ve known who our starting quarterback is going to be since spring. I think it’s been good for him, too, and for his teammates.” — Coach Guz Malzahn, on junior Jeremy Johnson as the starting quarterback.
