The ' attempt to replace strongside linebacker Will Herring became a bit more complicated last week when the Huntsville Times reported that sophomore LB Patrick Trahan and defensive tackle Greg Smith are likely to be academically ineligible for the upcoming season.
Trahan, a 6-foot-2, 220-pounder, impressed in a big way during spring ball, leading all Auburn players in tackles. His speed (Trahan was a pretty highly recruited safety coming out of high school) and overall athleticism had coaches believing that they'd found the answer.
Now, unfortunately, it looks like a search to find a replacement to the Herring's replacement will need to be undertaken. Here are some possibilities.
Courtney Harden - The 6-3, 230-pound junior, a Leighton, Ala.
, native, was Rivals' 28th-ranked outside linebacker coming out of high school In 2004. At present, he's listed as Trahan's backup.
That said, he has little game-time experience (he's posted only 11 tackles the last two seasons).
Chris Evans - The 6-0, 217-pound Evans (a junior) wasn't highly recruited leaving high school. Nevertheless, he's currently listed as the backup to Merrill Johnson. Evans is fast and strong, but he is lacking some experience (he posted 13 tackles in 2005 and only two in 2006).
Further complicating things, Evans would have to switch positions in order to take over on the strong side.
Craig Stevens - In 2006, Stevens racked up six tackles for the Tigers. The 6-2, 215-pounder is currently listed behind Steve Gandy, so a position change would be in order.
Still, Stevens is an excellent athlete (he was a four-star Rivals prospect in '06). Further, he's shown some versatility from the linebacker position (the change wouldn't be difficult), and the team seems pretty high on him.
Of course, beyond the already mentioned players are some freshmen hoping to make a name for themselves (even though starting as a frosh is more than a tall order).
Still, Rivals' four-star OLBs Eltoro Freeman and Carlton Johnson are extreme longshots.
And finally, there's the ultra-talented yet much-maligned Tray Blackmon. Does he have the talent to put in time on the strong side?
Yes. In fact, he has the talent to put in time anywhere if he can just stay out of trouble. In all likelihood, however -- now that Blackmon is back on campus trying to regain his eligibility -- don't be surprised if he beats out Merrill Johnson.
In the end, Trahan's replacement will likely come down to a battle between Stevens and Harden. Don't count Harden out, but Stevens may be the more likely candidate.
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