Starting QB Jeremy Johnson, OC Rhett Lashlee, and DC Will Muschamp spoke with the media this afternoon regarding A-Day, Spring Practice, and more. All credit to the beat writers who were there.
Spring practice is finished on the Plains, and now we're heading to the long, dark terrors of the off season. We're not finished reporting on spring football, though. I've got a few things in mind to wrap up thoughts on the spring before we pass things off to preparing for the fall.
Auburn's coordinators were scheduled to meet with the media today, but Auburn sent a surprise out first and let newly announced starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson speak with the media. He was followed by Offensive Coordinator Rhett Lashlee, and then Defensive Coordinator Will Muschamp. We're providing you with the usual "Tweet-cap" of it all, with some observations interspersed throughout.
Jeremy Johnson
Surprise visitor Jeremy Johnson is here first actually:
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Jeremy Johnson, starting quarterback. He's meeting with reporters now. pic.twitter.com/nDGm0cIDtY
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 21, 2015
"I was told yesterday. It's a blessing to be the starting QB. A lot of people have confidence in me."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Said he got a message from Malzahn to meet in his office, then the news broke to the team.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Jeremy Johnson says he's focused on becoming a better leader this summer heading into the fall
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) April 21, 2015
Interesting to hear starting QB Jeremy Johnson say part of his job is to increase off-the-field accountability. For everyone.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) April 21, 2015
"It was God's plan. Sitting out for 2 years made me a better person. I feel really good."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Cam Newton’s advice to Jeremy Johnson: My “why” is to be the best to ever play. Johnson said he was inspired. http://t.co/HpW2GVSgyd
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) April 21, 2015
Some good stuff from Jeremy Johnson on the past, the future and his motivation. More at http://t.co/ND6kZsQbG7 later today.
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 21, 2015
Rhett Lashlee
Rhett likes the progress the team made, cites the conditioning, intangibles, and system. Doesn't think team is ready yet though.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Rhett Lashlee: Solid spring, we’re not where we need to be yet. http://t.co/HpW2GVSgyd
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) April 21, 2015
Auburn's Rhett Lashlee on spring offense: "I thought it was solid. I thought we were better at end of spring than in the beginning."
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) April 21, 2015
Rhett Lashlee doesn't want to give out a depth chart. "Anything you write down now had better be in pencil."
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) April 21, 2015
Rhett Lashlee says overall the spring was "great" but still doesn't believe they're where they need to be yet. "But we're on our way."
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Rhett Lashlee on naming Jeremy Johnson starter: "I think he earned it."
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) April 21, 2015
Lashlee liked the QB competition this spring, feels the team could win with Sean White. http://t.co/HpW2GVSgyd
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) April 21, 2015
I really think this is true. I like where we're at at QB.
Auburn's Rhett Lashlee on Jeremy Johnson as starter: "He's played in some meaningful games in meaningful moments." pic.twitter.com/kbma8fdULe
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) April 21, 2015
Rhett Lashlee says he's got all the confidence in the world in Jeremy Johnson
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) April 21, 2015
Lashlee said Johnson is better, but he's still not to the "exceptional" level that both the QB and the coaching staff knows is there.
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Lashlee on Myron Burton: "His deal now is just about being comfortable in the offense and the system."
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Rhett feels comfortable at the H-Back with Kamryn Pettway and Chandler Cox, says "they're what we're looking for".
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Praises Roc Thomas' spring game performance. Says it was his best scrimmage.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Lashlee says Peyton Barber was really physical on A-Day
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) April 21, 2015
Lashlee: “Nobody has separated themselves” in the RB race among Roc Thomas, Jovon Robinson and Peyton Barber. http://t.co/HpW2GVSgyd
— Justin Hokanson (@JHokanson) April 21, 2015
The biggest positive the entire spring? Lashlee said none of the running backs fumbled. Ever.
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
If I could do the "Giant Amazed Eyes Emoji" I would do it right now. This might be the best thing I've heard out of spring practice, yet. No fumbles by the running backs? Awesome.
Rhett Lashlee says there's not too many unknowns on OL. Coaches like first 5, but very high in next 2-3 too.
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) April 21, 2015
Players that stood out to most to Lashlee this spring were a pair of receivers: Melvin Ray and Marcus Davis.
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Guys that stood out the most this spring: Melvin Ray, Marcus Davis, obviously Duke at WR. Avery Young, Shon Coleman at OL, the 2 H-Backs.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Will Muschamp
And now Will Muschamp is here. "I'm really pretty pleased where we are at this point. We still have a long way to go."
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Feels good about the defense, says it will only get better once injured guys get back.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Will Muschamp: Lot of competition in front 7
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) April 21, 2015
Will Muschamp: "Right now there's not a starter at linebacker."
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 21, 2015
Will Muschamp: "right now there's not a stater at linebacker for us." Says he's comfortable with Frost, McKinzy, Williams and Garrett.
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) April 21, 2015
"We're a little thin in the secondary as far as guys we can count on."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Muschamp said right now they've "got two safeties and two corners, and one of them is in a walking boot."
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Muschamp just named nearly every single player he's seen do something positive this spring.
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
It felt similar to some of his SEC media days performances where he would break down his entire roster before actually getting to questions.
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Muschamp "our players have learned to practice the right way"
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) April 21, 2015
Feels like the defense has made strides since bowl prep, when he first arrived.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Muschamp: "I don't care if they're an 8-star or a 2-star. If a guy can play, he's gonna play."
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Muschamp said he wouldn't comment on DB Joe Turner, who apparently hasn't been with the team in a while. "Coach Malzahn will address that."
— Ryan Black (@wareagleextra) April 21, 2015
Right now, Rudy Ford might be the third corner, since the depth there is so thin.
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015
Woof.
When asked who the third safety is, Muschamp says "you're looking at him."
— Sam Butler (@_sam_butler) April 21, 2015