03/28 at 10:33 PM

Several thousand fans are expected to be on hand for today’s A-Day game. Thousands more will see one of the television replays scheduled for Comcast Sports Southeast (Channel 27 in Lee County).

That’s a lot of eyes. And with that in mind, Tuberville is keeping the gameplan simple, especially on defense.

Though new coordinator Paul Rhoads says he isn’t changing much of the Tigers’ scheme, Tuberville wants to preserve an element of surprise this season. So the defense won’t use many of its coverages and will blitz sparingly or not at all.

“We’ll do very little defensively,” Tuberville said. “We’ll control the defense.”

The offense, meanwhile, will focus on the passing game. Tailbacks Brad Lester, Ben Tate and Tristan Davis might all play, but none is expected to get many carries.

Offensive coordinator Franklin says his gameplan will be vanilla.

“Just to play hard and play fast and don’t get hurt and be successful — that’s the main thing” Franklin said. “We’re going to be very simple and not do hardly anything except our base stuff.”

Tickets for A-Day are $5 and will be available at the west will-call booth in Jordan-Hare Stadium and the southeast ticket booth on the stadium’s east side, as well as stations outside the east and west gates.

AU students with valid student ID will receive free admission at the student gates.

Gates will open at 11 a.m. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.

A-Day big for recruiting
Today marks Auburn’s third Junior Day of the spring. Between 400 and 500 high school juniors are expected to be on campus for the festivities.

“It’s always a big day,” Tuberville said. “It’s a kickoff for a lot of these guys in terms of recruiting. We look forward to getting as many here as we can and spend a lot of time with their parents.”

Two prospects got an early start: Brownwood, Texas offensive lineman Stavion Lowe and Atlanta defensive back Darren Myles were both on campus Friday. The duo watched Friday afternoon’s practice.

Among the other recruits expected in town are two of AU’s top quarterback prospects, Brownwood, Texas, standout Ryan Mossakowski and Mobile’s Raymond Cotton.

Auburn High lineman John Sullen and Central tailback Orwin Smith and defensive end Marlin Sims are also expected to be on hand.

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5 Questions
1. Who will win the starting quarterback job? The four-man race is down to two, but Kodi Burns and Chris Todd are still battling for the No. 1 spot. Both might play.

2. Will the defense change under Paul Rhoads? So far, not much. Rhoads’ teaching style makes for a different feel in practice, but players say the scheme remains the same.

3. Will young D-linemen be ready? A broken hand set back DT Jake Ricks, but DT Zach Clayton and DEs Antoine Carter and Michael Goggans have had big springs.

4. Who will step up at wide receiver? Sophomore Terrell Zachery has made the biggest move; AU needs more from Quindarius Carr, Chris Slaughter and others.

5. Who will be Auburn’s holder? Walk-on Clayton Crofoot has gotten most of the work at the position, but the search for a holder could continue into preseason practice.

5 Players to watch
1. QB Chris Todd, Jr. — Despite shoulder problems, juco transfer is sharing No. 1 QB duties with Kodi Burns.

2. DT Zach Clayton, So. — Improved conditioning has helped former Opelika star make an impact.

3. DB Aairon Savage, Jr. — Former safety has adjusted quickly to cornerback and recently moved into the starting lineup.

4. WR Chris Slaughter, So. — Talented wideout has had a quiet spring so far.

5. LB Da’Shaun Barnes, Fr. — Youngster is still figuring out AU’s defensive scheme.