AUBURN, Ala. – Fifteen days before its season opener, Auburn scrimmaged Friday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, seeking depth-chart clarity before transitioning to the final phase of preseason practice.
Freshman cornerback Austin Ausberry made an interception, edge Eku Leota "continues to give the offense problems" and linebacker Cam Riley recorded a sack to highlight the defense, coordinator Jeff Schmedding said.
"We're going to see some movement in the two-deep, and that's really what we want," Schmedding said. "We talked about competition and building dependable depth. I think today is going to give us more clarity on that. We're still a work in progress in some spots in that depth. We have another week of practice that's really important for that."
In the era of wide-open passing games, creating depth in the secondary is a priority for every team. Ausberry's Friday interception served notice that he's ready to contribute immediately.
"You have to have confidence to have that timing," said Schmedding of Ausberry's break on the ball. "If you're a step off, you're not making the play. That whole DB room has a great understanding that they're all competing."
Auburn's quarterback competition will extend into a third week, says offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau, noting that all three candidates – T.J. Finley, Robby Ashford and Zach Calzada have rotated with the first-team offense.
"I've got to go back and study it (scrimmage video) and make sure we make the best decision," Kiesau said. "It's going to be a hard one, I can tell you that right now. They've all kind of played really well. We've got to see who's going to step out in front a little bit after tonight."
For all the attention paid to the QB battle, Auburn's offensive line will determine the success of the winning candidate, Kiesau said.
"It's a good unit right now," he said. "We've got to continue to build on that. It all starts with those guys. We're going to win and lose games off of those guys, how we protect the quarterback and how we block up front for the running backs.
"It's only as good as those guys up front. I'm very pleased with where they are right now. Coach Friend has done a great job and we'll continue that as we get closer to the first game."
Friday's scrimmage focused on situations like red zone, goal line and backed up to the end zone, Kiesau said.
Schmedding and Kiesau both bring coordinator experience to their roles, but this will be their first SEC season in these high-profile positions.
"How can we hone it to fit our players? What do they do well?" Harsin said of Auburn's pro style system with no-huddle elements. "That's what we're going to have to do moving forward: find out that magical formula. What's the best formula for us? We're getting closer as we get into game prep."
"To me, it's the opportunity of a lifetime," Schmedding said. "I don't look at it lightly. It's one of those things that you've worked a long time for. Try to stick with the day-to-day process. We've got a great staff and a great vision that Coach Harsin gives us.
"We're going to stay the course on that. Humbled and hungry to get this defense where it needs to go."
Freshman DB Austin Ausberry (No. 8) celebrates after making an interception
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer
