Auburn Recruiting 2012: Can Any of the Tigers Recruits Start as Freshman?

Auburn had somewhat of a surprising year last season, as they finished the year with an 8-5 record. It wasn't quite the 14-0 season they had in 2010, but it was a solid year, with an extremely young team, to build on moving forward. 

The Tigers also have a very talented recruiting class that will add to an already talented team. There are quite a few 4-star players in this class and maybe a couple of 5-star players as well, depending on what site you're looking at. Regardless, there are some talented players in this class.

Now, the question is, can any of them start heading into next year? Let's take a look.

 

Receivers

Auburn was one of the worst passing teams in the country last year, averaging just over 150 yards a game in the air. You could blame some of that on bad quarterback play, but the amount of weapons the quarterback has to throw to has to play a factor as well. I mean, when your second leading receiver is a running back, we have a problem.

Receivers like Emory Blake and even tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen will be back next season, but that's not nearly enough to get this offense rolling. That's where a receiver like Jaquay Williams, or even a tight end like Ricky Parks, may step in. Both have terrific size at 6'4", great hands and are athletic enough to get down field in a hurry.

The young offensive talent on this team is there. Now the Tigers need to find their quarterback.

 

Defense

When your defense is ranked 11th in the SEC in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense, you have to open to the idea of letting a freshman see if he can get the job done. The Tigers were also dead last last year in passing defense, allowing over 200 yards in the air per game.

Players that could see a start at some point in the year include Cassanova McKinzy, who is a solid middle linebacker prospect that can play the pass or run well. Josh Holsey is a great coverage cornerback who has a knack for the big play and will make a play on the ball if given the opportunity. Other defensive players include Tyler Nero, Gimel President and Javiie Mitchell.

This will be a veteran group  thatthe Tigers have next year on defense, but if they put up performances like they did last year, a change must come.

 

Offensive Line

The Tigers are extremely thin at the offensive line and may have a few players that may be forced to start right away.

I couldn't tell you who will start at the tackle positions for this team heading into this spring. It's a good thing that Auburn picked up two solid offensive lineman in Patrick Miller and Shane Callahan. Both are big boys at 6'6" and 6'7", and they are both capable of getting the job done.

A revamped offensive line is something you never want to have a head coach, but if the players are talented, it should all work itself out in time.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or Randy.Chambers7@yahoo.com

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1039030-auburn-recruiting-2012-can-any-of-the-tigers-recruits-start-as-freshman

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