Auburn football notes: Tigers' defensive line braces for experienced foes from Arkansas State

Injury updates

By ANDY BITTER

abitter@ledger-enquirer.com

AUBURN, Ala. — Watching film of Arkansas State’s veteran offensive line let Auburn freshman Jeffrey Whitaker know what kind of physical game is in store for him Saturday.

“They know how to play some ball,” the defensive tackle said. “They don’t mind hitting you in the mouth.”

It’ll be an interesting way for Auburn’s group of freshmen defensive linemen to get initiated to the college game.

Arkansas State starts five senior offensive linemen, four of which are fifth-year players, including second-team All-Sun Belt pick Derek Newton at right tackle.

“They’ve got a pretty good nucleus there,” Auburn defensive line coach Tracy Rocker said. “I have no doubt we’re going to have our hands full with those guys. When you watch them on film, they’re sound, they get a hat for everybody and they’re well coached.”

While Auburn’s starting defensive front is comprised of seniors Antoine Carter, Michael Goggans and Zach Clayton and junior Nick Fairley, their backups are green.

In addition to Whitaker, true freshmen Corey Lemonier, Craig Sanders and Kenneth Carter should get substantial playing time. Redshirt freshman Nosa Eguae will also be making his first appearance in a college game.

“Hey, they’re going to have to play,” Rocker said. “I don’t know when. All I want is that they’re prepared and ready to do what they need to do when they go out there.

“The biggest thing is to understand that you’re going to make mistakes. Just play hard, and after that we can adjust and overcome the mistakes.

Injury updates

Ÿ Wide receiver Trovon Reed (bruised kneecap) will be a gametime decision.

“He’s really kind of in a situation where we’re just trying to get a full day’s work and work him into that role,” head coach Gene Chizik said. “Right now I don’t know if he’s quite there but he’s getting better.”

Ÿ Chizik said linebacker Eltoro Freeman (turf toe) is getting closer to playing.

“He’s been running around the last few days and he’s getting there,” Chizik said.

Ÿ Fullback Ladarious Phillips (ankle) is still a week or two from returning, running backs coach Curtis Luper said.

“You just never know with the type of injury that he has,” Luper said. “He is 300 pounds and it will probably take him a little longer than it would (Onterio) McCalebb to get healthy with a similar injury.”

Ÿ Coaches are giving offensive tackle Roszell Gayden (knee) some more time to see if he can play this year.

Carries for all

Luper said there is not a set rotation for how he’ll use his three options, Mario Fannin, McCalebb and Michael Dyer, in the opener.

“Obviously, we think all three of the tailbacks can make plays, so they’ll all touch it,” he said.

Fannin, a senior, is the No. 1 back, although Luper isn’t sure yet if he’s a workhorse back.

“I don’t know right now if we have a guy like Ben Tate who can handled 20 carries a game for 10 consecutive games,” Luper said. “But that’s not a prerequisite. We’ll split the carries.”

McCalebb, a sophomore who struggled with an ankle injury last year, brings a speed element

“People have not been talking about him for obvious reasons, because Mario is moving to tailback and Mike is in, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he was the best of the bunch,” Luper said.