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Auburn Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Kamryn Pettway #36 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Austin Roberts #95 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Kamryn Pettway #36 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Austin Roberts #95 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 24: Carlton Davis #6 of the Auburn Tigers knocks away this reception intended for Travin Dural #83 of the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 24: Carlton Davis #6 of the Auburn Tigers knocks away this reception intended for Travin Dural #83 of the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Defensive Back

Starting safeties: Tray Matthews, Stephen Roberts
Backups: Nick Ruffin, Marlon Character

Two returning starters at safety? That’s enough reason for Auburn fans to get excited about the prospect of an improved secondary. The passing defense ranked 67th last year, but Tray Matthews and Stephen Roberts return to lead the defensive backfield. Matthews led the team in tackles with one interception and Roberts was fifth on the team in takedowns with two picks. Senior Nick Ruffin and freshman Marlon Character Jr. provide impressive depth at the position.

Starting cornerbacks: Carlton Davis, Javaris Davis
Backups: John Broussard Jr., Jamel Dean

As for the cornerback spot, Carlton Davis returns to his starting job in 2017. He finished the 2016 campaign with 46 total tackles but led the team with 10 pass deflections — although he did not record an interception. He looks to be a strong All-SEC candidate for the Tigers. Javaris Davis, a sophomore, is a rising star in the secondary and many are excited about his potential in the secondary and he’s likely to start at the other corner. Sophomore John Broussard Jr. and Jamel Dean wait in the wings.

Starting nickelback: Jeremiah Dinson
Backup: Daniel Thomas

The nickelback position is one of the most important on Auburn’s defense as it’s a defensive back/linebacker hybrid. Sophomore Jeremiah Dinson is a leading candidate to start but fellow sophomore Daniel Thomas shouldn’t be overlooked. He finished with 16 tackles, 1.5 for loss and two interceptions in 2016. The Tigers really can’t go wrong with whoever they choose to start at nickelback between the two.

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