Auburn's newcomers observed the veterans for 14 practice periods Friday before taking part as the Tigers kicked off preseason camp.
"It was great to be out there with our players again," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "Our coaches really brought their A game today. Great energy. I know our guys were excited to get out there."
While Auburn returns much of its starting lineup from 2017 SEC Western Division championship roster, there's time for the freshmen to practice their way into the game plan.
"We think that group has a chance to help us," Malzahn said. "We think that group has a handful of guys who could possibly help us early."
Saturday's practice, like Friday's will be in helmets and shorts. The Tigers will practice in full pads for the first time on Tuesday.
"It's more of the little things," Malzahn said. "Approach to practice, intensity, body language. Learning how to practice. It's not so much about the plays in these first two practices. It's more about the approach."
Auburn kicks off the season four weeks from Saturday in Atlanta against Washington in a top 10 matchup on Sept. 1.
"We're playing the No. 6 team in the country," Malzahn said. "They may be one of the most complete teams we play the whole year, if not the most complete team. They're really good on offense, they're really good on defense. Their coach is exceptional. It'll be a good measuring stick."
The Tigers will scrimmage for the first time next Thursday after practicing for five days and taking off one day.
Malzahn also said…. Offensive lineman Tyler Carr, who graduates Saturday, is no longer part of Auburn's program, choosing to begin his supply chain management career. "He's a wonderful young man," Malzahn said. "We talk to our players about using their influence in a positive way. I would put him at the top. He's been a wonderful teammate. He has been a joy to coach, really one of my favorites. We wish him nothing but the best."
Freshman quarterback Cord Sandberg, who recently signed with Auburn after five seasons of minor league baseball, will miss the first two practices to attend his brother's wedding. "He'll be back for our third practice ready to go," Malzahn said.
Receivers Eli Stove and Will Hastings, returning from knee injuries sustained during spring practice, both participated in part of Friday's first practice. "They're progressing very well," he said. "I'm not ready to say when they'll return. Both of them practiced today on a limited basis."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer
