March 25, 2017
By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn's first-teamers went head to head for nearly half of the Tigers' 111-play scrimmage Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"It was good for us as coaches, and players, to see where we're at," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "Because there's nothing like live football. You can simulate all you want to during practice, but when you actually go live, there were a couple of guys, any time you go live, they respond in a different way. Overall, it was a good scrimmage."
Malzahn said the scrimmage was "pretty even," with the defense forcing three-and-outs at times, while the offense sustained drives at others.
"It was really close," said Malzahn, who estimated that running plays comprised 60 percent of the calls, a change from previous first scrimmages that leaned 80-20 in favor of runs.
Freshman quarterbacks Malik Willis and Woody Barrett were "live" in the scrimmage, while sophomore Jarrett Stidham wore an orange no-contact jersey.
"Those two young guys, we really wanted to give them a chance to show what they can do," Malzahn said.
Junior Sean White, recovering from an arm injury sustained in the Sugar Bowl, threw during warmups, but will not participate in 11-on-11 this spring.
"He's progressing well," Malzahn said. "I know (offensive coordinator) Chip (Lindsey) has been impressed with his retention. He's off to a good start, but he's limited to 7-on-7 and 1-on-1."
"As a competitor you want to be out there playing," White said. "It's allowed me to take a step back and lead a little bit and learn the new offense."
Stidham, a transfer from Baylor, welcomes the opportunity to compete for the starting position.
"You have to take it day by day," Stidham said. "I'm a big competitor. Anytime you have competition, I think it makes the room a lot better overall. I think it's going to make everybody better."
"I thought it was good for him out there in the stadium," Malzahn said. "He hasn't played football in a year. It's different when you get out here. I thought he did some good things. He's got some things that Chip will work on correcting."
In the middle of the scrimmage, Auburn practiced three live punt returns, with Eli Stove, Ryan Davis and John Franklin III getting reps.
Franklin, a former quarterback now playing receiver, also caught two passes, Malzahn said.
"We're just trying to get the ball in his hands," Malzahn said. "He did some good things. Still learning the position. He's a veteran guy. The fact that he played quarterback, he understands the splits, depth, timing and progression. Each practice you see him getting more and more comfortable. He can flat-out run."
Malzahn and Lindsey are looking for playmaking receivers. Auburn's secondary provided a formidable challenge in the scrimmage.
"We're going against some really good defensive back," Malzahn said. "When our receivers go against our first group of defensive backs, it's real football. It's always a good match."
"It's coming along really well." @SeanWhiteAU on his recovery/return from Sugar Bowl arm injury, + his take on @AuburnFootball scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/Zsq9Lw5nsP
- Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) March 25, 2017
"Be a light in the room." @Jarrett_Stidham on his approach to fitting in with @AuburnFootball pic.twitter.com/CZKBfu89qj
- Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) March 25, 2017
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer