Monday practice observations
Not much to report from Monday morning’s practice, but here goes:
* The biggest news of the day—and, of course, it may all come to nothing—involves backup QB Neil Caudle. Caudle, who has been battling freshman Barrett Trotter for the No. 3 quarterback job, didn’t participate in 1-on-1, 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 passing drills with the other skill players. Instead, while the offense was practicing the passing game, Caudle was on a separate practice field with the kickers, punters, snappers and holders. Caudle, a redshirt sophomore, was working as a holder. The position is vacant with the departure of former Opelika star Matthew Motley; walk-ons John Cubelic and Clayton Crofoot took a shot at the job in the spring. Crofoot was atop the depth chart after spring practice, but it’s possible Caudle may be giving him a run for his money. Of course, it’s also possible that this is a tempest in a teapot and Caudle will be back with the quarterbacks this afternoon. I’ll ask Tommy Tuberville about it at his 1 p.m. press conference.
* TE Bailey Woods also worked with the special-teamers during passing drills. He appeared to be working as a deep snapper. Woods hasn’t gotten many reps at tight end in team drills lately, and it’s possible he, too, could be making a position change. After all, it’s always a good move, career-wise, to be a snapper.
* The players who did participate in passing drills made some impressive plays. WR Rod Smith made an amazing, diving, one-handed touchdown catch in 11-on-11s, lunging out the back of the end zone but still getting his feet down. LB Adam Herring had a nice interception of Kodi Burns. TE Tommy Trott had several nice catches, including a leaping one-hander in traffic in 7-on-7s.
* On the injury front, C Jason Bosley (back) briefly worked out on the sidelines, but left practice on a cart. OT / C Ryan Pugh (eye) was back, working at center with the first team. Mike Berry was the first-team right tackle, filling in for Pugh.
* Freshman CB Harry Adams, who was taken off the field yesterday in an ambulance, wasn’t at practice. Tuberville said Sunday that Adams’ injury was minor, but it’s possible there’s more than meets the eye here. We’ll see. Obviously, Auburn can’t afford too many more injuries to its defensive backfield.
* Speaking of injured DBs, CB Marcus Jemison (left leg) wasn’t at practice. Today was supposed to be the day he met with doctors in Birmingham...not sure if we’ll be able to get an update from Tuberville today or not.