AUBURN, Ala. – One-third of the way through spring practice, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday the Tigers are making steady progress.
"So far, so good," he said. "Really like our overall mindset and approach. Our energy's been outstanding all five practices."
After practicing Monday, the Tigers will work out on Wednesday and Friday before Saturday's first scrimmage.
All four quarterback candidates are still in the mix for the starting position, Malzahn said.
"We're still rotating all four guys equally, trying to put them in different situations as best we can before we get to the scrimmage.
"You can tell they're desperate to be coached. They're all competitors. It's been a very healthy competition so far."
Malzahn noted the continuity and consistency challenges that come with a four-QB practice rotation.
"That's what [Auburn offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham] is trying to do, see how they react with the first group, second group, the third group," he said. "Their attitude has been good. They all want to win the job, that's the biggest thing."
The quarterbacks – Malik Willis, Joey Gatewood, Cord Sandberg and Bo Nix – will each get a turn running the first-team offense in one of the first two scrimmages.
"You're trying to put the guys in as many game-like situations as you can so you can evaluate them," he said.
The quarterbacks will benefit from the stability of an offensive line that returns intact from last season.
"It's completely different," Malzahn said. "They're a more mature group. They understand playing together. It takes time, and even though they had some growing pains last year, I really felt good about the way they finished the season. They're a more confident group. You can make a lot more adjustments, you can accelerate your installs up front.
"There's nothing like experience, especially working beside someone, being able to make calls. You can trust your technique and communication, and trust the guy beside you. That's so important up front, and that's what you're seeing. Our offense starts up front. If you can be solid up front, then it goes back, and you have a chance to be more successful.
"Feeling really good about where that first five is and then at the same time, we're trying to develop depth with the twos and the threes, give those young guys a chance. There's a lot of improvement that has gone on with the younger guys, too."
New running backs coach Carnell Williams is off to a strong start, Malzahn said.
"He's got the expertise on after the play is called," Malzahn said. "The experience of playing in this league, the little things as far as keeping your shoulders square, your eyes and how to set up a linebacker, the little things that maybe a normal coach wouldn't see, with a guy who was the fifth player picked in the draft and the rookie of the year, that could take that finer tune.
"I've been really pleased with the way he reacts to his players, and his players react to him. I think that's really one of the most important things to coaching."
Speaking of coaching, Malzahn saluted Auburn men's basketball coach Bruce Pearl for leading the Tigers to the SEC Tournament championship and the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.
"They're exciting to watch," Malzahn said. "I just love the fact that Bruce does it his way and has his philosophy and believes in it, his kids believe in it. They're playing their best basketball right now at the best time, just making the Auburn family proud. Excited to watch those guys play.
"I love the way they play fast and they play aggressive, and I love the way Bruce coaches."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer