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Auburn lost a big time player in Antonio Coleman, but returns some young guys ready to splash onto the scene at Defensive End. Antoine Carter is one player that I expect to have a break out year next year.
If Carter stays healthy he could be the next Auburn Sack Machine. Auburn also returns Michael Goggans, Dee Ford, and Nosa Eguae. Of these I expect Carter to start, as for the rest, they will have to duke it out with some young talent. My early favorite for the other spot would be Eguae. There was a lot of talk about him getting some playing time this year, but due to injury that talk quickly went away. Nosa is a mature young man with a good work ethic. Dee Ford is a speedster on the end and is more of a pass-rusher. Goggans, the converted Tight End, has also shown some ability and speed that could get him quite a bit of time on the field. These older guys will almost certainly be pressured by the new recruits. Of all of the players brought in this recruiting season, Auburn did very good at Defensive End. I think that all of them will push hard for some time. Craig Sanders is an early favorite in my book just due to sheer size and the fact that he is already on campus now working and learning. Auburn also brings in Joel Bonomolo who is a pretty good sized fella as well. Aside from Sanders, Bonomolo might be ready to go on the field now as well. Justin Delaine is a tall rangy speedster at 6'5 220, Delaine's 40 time of 4.58, puts him more in the range if some pretty quick linebackers. Delaine could be an Auburn great by the time he is done at Auburn, but Delaine is going to need to add some size to compete in the SEC. Delaine has a huge upside with his height and quickness. Delaine could probably add 20-30 more pounds and still be a menace off the end. I think that Lebo might could use Delaine on the court to help out down low. Auburn's diamond from National Signing Day, in my opinion is Corey Lemonier. Lemonier, a four star recruit according to Rivals, is a highly touted player that chose the "University of Auburn" over Florida State. This was the epitomy of the change that Chizik has brought about in recruting. In past years Auburn would have lost out and Lemonier would have been at FSU. Lemonier's commitment to Auburn was one of the biggest moments for Auburn Fans on National Signing Day. Lemonier is also a rangy defensive end with long arms. Lemonier does not have a huge frame, however he has a motor that doesn't stop. Lemonier is like Delaine in the sense that he needs to gain some weight to be strong against the running backs in the SEC. Auburn did very well in the offseason at Defensive End and I expect Sanders and Bonomolo to get the early looks and filling in the gaps on the Line. Delaine and Lemonier will be great one day, but at their height, they need some more weight to really compete in the SEC. Auburn definitely needs some help at D-End and I think that some young guys will step up to fill the void left by Antonio Coleman's graduation. Photo Credit: Scott Reaves / Auburn Eagle |
