Champ Anthony's versatility makes him one of Auburn's biggest defensive X-factors entering fall camp. Whether he lines up at corner, safety, or nickel, the veteran defensive back is expected to play a major role in DJ Durkin's defense as the Tigers prepare for Week 1.
The secondary of the Auburn Tigers will be fascinating once fall camp arrives this week.
While Alex Golesh and returning defensive coordinator DJ Durkin worked to set the pecking order of both the corners and the safeties, one of the biggest questions surrounding the defensive backs is where Champ Anthony will play.
Anthony has arrived back on the scene after being a participant in SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida, earlier this month. He has been one of Auburn's most versatile and mainstays over the past few seasons, despite the coaching change.
During his time on the Plains, he has lined up at corner, safety, and nickel, showing flexibility as one of his biggest strengths, but also making it more difficult to project where he will play heading into Week 1 against the Baylor Bears.
Added missing most of spring practice due to injury, and the mystery grows deeper.
But even with him missing precious time this spring, it's clear that Anthony has not been forgotten by the Auburn coaching staff. He is seen as one of the biggest leaders on this team, proven by becoming one of the representatives in Tampa earlier this month. It likely means that he should see a big role on Durkin's defense heading into the fall.
Maybe trying to put Anthony at one position and staying there is the wrong way of thinking.
With versatility being one of his biggest strengths and with some of Auburn's younger defensive backs receiving valuable reps while the veteran defensive back was sidelined this spring, having Anthony act as a journeyman among the secondary became even more valuable in DJ Durkin's defensive scheme this season.
The cornerback room has plenty of players looking to step up for major roles, including Rayshawn Pleasant, Andre Jordan Jr., and Gavin Jenkins. And the same thing applies among the safeties as well.
With Anthony clearly already earning the trust of the new Auburn coaching staff and with players like Pleasant, who have big priorities in the special teams game, maybe his first look will be at the corner position.
Regardless, we'll find out this week as the Auburn Tigers begin fall camp, with just over a month before opening kickoff.
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