Observations from 8th spring practice of 2022

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Observations from Auburn’s 8th spring practice of 2022

Updated: Mar. 28, 2022, 9:16 p.m. | Published: Mar. 28, 2022, 7:31 p.m.

Footage from Auburn's spring football practice on Monday, March 28

 

 

By Nubyjas Wilborn | nwilborn@al.com

Auburn finished practice eight of 15 on Monday at the on-campus facility. Bryan Harsin led his squad through 20 sessions that ran five minutes each. Media members watched periods nine through 11 on a warm spring day on the Plains.

 

Before we get into the observations from practice, here’s a reminder: Auburn and coach Bryan Harsin have requested that reporters not mention injured or restricted players or if an athlete isn’t present.

 

Okay, here are a few observations from Monday’s 15 minute viewing period.

 

 

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-- Ja’Varrius Johnson returned to practice participation. Harsin spoke to reporters after Friday’s scrimmage and said Johnson sat out some spring training sessions because of a hamstring injury. Johnson caught passes from TJ Finley and appeared comfortable running and cutting.

 

 

-- Finley took the first-team reps as he did through most of the spring. Oregon transfer Robby Ashford and true freshman Holden Geriner got reps after Finley. Harsin told reporters on Friday that Zach Calzada is limited with a shoulder injury. Calzada hopes to be fully healthy for fall camp.

 

-- One of Finley’s best throws was a long pass to Tar’Varish Dawson on the sideline. Finley placed the ball perfectly, and Dawson did good work on the catch.

 

 

-- Tight end Landen King ran some routes as a wide receiver. King had some drops but has the speed to be a receiver on the SEC level.

 

 

-- Offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau said last week runningback Tank Bigsby would be part of the foundation of the Tiger offense this season.

 

 

“You need to have a foundation; you need to put your feet on something, and Tank is a big part of that,” Kiesau told reporters before practice last week. “I’m excited about it. We’re going to do some things differently to fit his running style.”

 

 

Bigsby caught some passes out of the backfield and looked smooth in his route-running.

 

 

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.