Auburn quietly moved most of its freshman class to the scout team this past week. As expected, highly regarded signees Neil Caudle, Lee Tilley, Michael Goggans, Terrell Zachery and Steven Ensminger all make the move over to the dark side. More than likely, they'll stay there this year barring any injuries to the Tiger starters. Coach Tommy Tuberville would love to give redshirts to each of these players.
However, it's a different story for four newcomers. Tim Hawthorne, Ben Tate, Mike Berry and Mario Fanning all have a shot at some playing time this year. Perhaps the most impressive in Fall camp has been Berry who plays on the offensive line. Offensive coordinator Al Borges has been raving about him. From all indications, Berry has a chance to be a future All-American. Borges says the 6-3 300 pound + lineman from Brentwood, Tennessee, is the most talented lineman signee Auburn has had in several years. Don't be surprised to see him get some quality playing time later in the year.
Borges also continue to be pleased with Hawthorne at the wide receiver position. Borges says that Hawthorne has come to the Plains as advertised and has impressed everyone at practice. The problem for him however, is a bevy of a competition at the wide receiver position. With Courtney Taylor, Lee Guess, Rod Smith, Prechae Rodriquez and Robert Dunn all ahead of Hawthorne as the season starts, his playing time could limited early in the year. But he's just an injury away from being on the field. As he gets more comfortable and learns the play book better look for Hawthorne to get on the field. He has way too much talent to not play.
The story is the same for running back Ben Tate. The 5'11 215 pound Maryland prep school legend is vying for playing time behind a host of seasoned runners. Tate's best chance this year might be on special teams. Of the four that didn't move to the scout team, he has the best chance of still getting a redshirt this season.
For Fannin this has been a year of change. While lining up at running back for most of the preseason, he was moved to wide receiver on Tuesday. And last year while playing prep ball in Lovejoy, Georgia, Fannin was the team's quarterback. It's being speculated that he'll be moved to the scout team once he gets some practice time at receiver.
