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SEC Football: 10 true freshmen who’ll have instant impact in 2017

By Erich Hilkert

Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Mack Wilson (30) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers head football coach Gus Malzahn on the field before the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers head football coach Gus Malzahn on the field before the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Calvin Ashley arrived at Auburn as the school’s top recruit of the 2017 class with a consensus five-star rating. He firmly believes he will compete for the starting left tackle position.

Likely, he will compete and there is a chance he could win the starting left tackle position by the end of the season. At the very least, he will likely gain reps, even if he starts the season as a backup.

Darius James started nine games at left tackle last season, although he isn’t a slam dunk to earn the role again in 2017. Braden Smith played right guard the past two seasons and spent this spring at right tackle. If the team moved Smith back inside, the Tigers could shift James to right tackle and start Ashley at left tackle.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said Ashley reminds him of former Auburn tackle standout Greg Robinson. Ashley has great size at 6-foot-6 and listed at 310 pounds, Ashley also moves well for his size and possesses outstanding athleticism.

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