We got to speak with all the assistant coaches for an hour today. It's something we get to do twice a year. We'll have tons of coverage in the coming days. I concentrated on the offensive guys and JG the defense so here are some notes from offense...
TIM HORTON RB/ST
** Horton said this is the first real good offseason for Kerryon Johnson. He played basketball in high school and has dealt with offseason injuries at Auburn. It's allowed Kerryon to add some needed size and strength.
** He held Kamryn Pettway out of the first scrimmage to give the younger guys more reps. Pettway has preformed well this spring. He and Kerryon are both catching more passes in the offense. Horton said Kerryon has great hands and Kamryn is pretty good too.
** It's a three-way battle for the No. 3 running back position between Malik Miller, Kam Martin and walk-on C.J. Tolbert. Miller and Martin were ahead the first couple of weeks but Tolbert had a good scrimmage. Martin has added some size and strength (+16 since he got here, up to 188) during the offseason and needs to continue to do so.
** Ian Shannon is the punter. He's been inconsistent at times this spring, which they are working on. They've done punt and punt return so far and will start on kick and kick return this afternoon.
** Punt return is between Ryan Davis and Stephen Roberts with several other guys getting reps like Eli Stove and John Franklin. At kickoff return, he will look at Eli Stove, Kam Martin, Kerryon Johnson and John Franklin.
KODI BURNS WR
** I asked Kodi which receiver was the most improved and the first name he mentioned was Nate Craig-Myers. NCM is healthy and maturing and can be a big-play threat in this offense.
** Kodi was also pleased with Darius Slayton and his development. Pushing to be the team's best receiver.
** Jason Smith is being more consistent and developing into more of a leader this spring.
** Kodi said he expects Kyle Davis to return to the team.
** Kodi said he was pleased with all the young receivers. Eli Stove is improved. Likes what he's seen out of Marquis McClain so far.
HERB HAND OL
** Hand continues to mix and match his OL. Darius James is primarily at LT but has played some RT. Marquel Harrell has concentrated on LG. Austin Golson has played center primarily and also some guard. Mike Horton has played RG and LG. Braden Smith has played RT. Already know what he can do at guard. Prince Tega is playing LT only, Prince Sammons RT only. Likes for his young guys to learn one position first.
** Hand said LG was still an area of concern. Likes Harrell's toughness and work ethic, just needs more seasoning on fundamentals.
** I asked Hand if, hypothetically, a more seasoned LT transferred in and he said James might be a better fit at guard or right tackle. He also said Tega was pushing James but wasn't quite there yet. My guess if Aaron Cochran picks Auburn, James slides to one of the guard positions, or RT and allow Smith to move back to RG.
** Hand said he loved to coach Mike Horton and that he has a high upside. He can create space and movement inside.
** Calvin Ashley will start out at LT when he arrives this summer.
LARRY PORTER TE/HB
** Porter said he really loved it at Auburn because of the good people. Laughed and said but it's not September yet.
** They knew Sal Cannella could catch and help them in passing game. Also knew he needed to be developed as a blocker but tested his toughness and want-to early and he passed. Cannella is doing extra work in weight room to get bigger and stronger.
** Jalen Harris works his tail off and does everything asked of him. Working to be a better receiver.
** Raved about Chandler Cox and what a great person and player he is. Said Cox was one of the first players to text him when he was hired.
** Walk-on Spencer Nigh is a backup H-back/fullback that is real physical when he gets his hands on a defender. Likes what he brings to the table.
*****Much more to come*****
TIM HORTON RB/ST
** Horton said this is the first real good offseason for Kerryon Johnson. He played basketball in high school and has dealt with offseason injuries at Auburn. It's allowed Kerryon to add some needed size and strength.
** He held Kamryn Pettway out of the first scrimmage to give the younger guys more reps. Pettway has preformed well this spring. He and Kerryon are both catching more passes in the offense. Horton said Kerryon has great hands and Kamryn is pretty good too.
** It's a three-way battle for the No. 3 running back position between Malik Miller, Kam Martin and walk-on C.J. Tolbert. Miller and Martin were ahead the first couple of weeks but Tolbert had a good scrimmage. Martin has added some size and strength (+16 since he got here, up to 188) during the offseason and needs to continue to do so.
** Ian Shannon is the punter. He's been inconsistent at times this spring, which they are working on. They've done punt and punt return so far and will start on kick and kick return this afternoon.
** Punt return is between Ryan Davis and Stephen Roberts with several other guys getting reps like Eli Stove and John Franklin. At kickoff return, he will look at Eli Stove, Kam Martin, Kerryon Johnson and John Franklin.
KODI BURNS WR
** I asked Kodi which receiver was the most improved and the first name he mentioned was Nate Craig-Myers. NCM is healthy and maturing and can be a big-play threat in this offense.
** Kodi was also pleased with Darius Slayton and his development. Pushing to be the team's best receiver.
** Jason Smith is being more consistent and developing into more of a leader this spring.
** Kodi said he expects Kyle Davis to return to the team.
** Kodi said he was pleased with all the young receivers. Eli Stove is improved. Likes what he's seen out of Marquis McClain so far.
HERB HAND OL
** Hand continues to mix and match his OL. Darius James is primarily at LT but has played some RT. Marquel Harrell has concentrated on LG. Austin Golson has played center primarily and also some guard. Mike Horton has played RG and LG. Braden Smith has played RT. Already know what he can do at guard. Prince Tega is playing LT only, Prince Sammons RT only. Likes for his young guys to learn one position first.
** Hand said LG was still an area of concern. Likes Harrell's toughness and work ethic, just needs more seasoning on fundamentals.
** I asked Hand if, hypothetically, a more seasoned LT transferred in and he said James might be a better fit at guard or right tackle. He also said Tega was pushing James but wasn't quite there yet. My guess if Aaron Cochran picks Auburn, James slides to one of the guard positions, or RT and allow Smith to move back to RG.
** Hand said he loved to coach Mike Horton and that he has a high upside. He can create space and movement inside.
** Calvin Ashley will start out at LT when he arrives this summer.
LARRY PORTER TE/HB
** Porter said he really loved it at Auburn because of the good people. Laughed and said but it's not September yet.
** They knew Sal Cannella could catch and help them in passing game. Also knew he needed to be developed as a blocker but tested his toughness and want-to early and he passed. Cannella is doing extra work in weight room to get bigger and stronger.
** Jalen Harris works his tail off and does everything asked of him. Working to be a better receiver.
** Raved about Chandler Cox and what a great person and player he is. Said Cox was one of the first players to text him when he was hired.
** Walk-on Spencer Nigh is a backup H-back/fullback that is real physical when he gets his hands on a defender. Likes what he brings to the table.
*****Much more to come*****
