Despite Auburn’s tough loss on the field Saturday, the team’s already struggling offensive line faced another possible issue.
Hugh Freeze has indicated that starting right tackle Izavion Miller might be doubtful due to a hip injury he sustained. Freeze mentioned that Miller’s injury might hinder his ability to play, saying, “He tried to come back in. That’s one of the hits Payton (Thorne) took right as he was throwing. He just couldn’t move.”
Ronon Chambers, an Akron transfer, stepped in for Miller during the Cal game. However, Freeze suggested that more significant changes to the offensive line could occur this week. With Tyler Johnson and Percy Lewis both rotating at left tackle, Freeze noted that one might need to switch to right tackle to replace Miller. Additionally, starting left guard Dillon Wade might be moved to tackle, though Freeze is uncertain about which tackle position he will fill.
Chambers could still be an option for one tackle position, but Freeze expressed some disappointment with his performance against Cal. “Chambers played okay at times,” Freeze said. “In the run game he played fine. In the pass game he struggled a little bit.”
The competition between Lewis and Johnson for the starting left tackle spot is ongoing. While Johnson was the starter in Auburn’s first two games, Freeze’s evaluation of the Cal game leaned towards Lewis. “I thought Percy played his best game, that was good to see. Tyler looked like a freshman at some points,” Freeze commented.
With Miller possibly sidelined, Freeze plans to use Wade, Johnson, and Lewis across the tackle positions, with one playing on the right, one on the left, and one serving as the “swing guy.” Bradyn Joiner and Tate Johnson are the primary candidates for the guard positions, with Wade potentially shifting to tackle.
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