AU giving Burns, Caudle bulk of snaps

AUBURN, Ala. -- The Auburn coaches have made a decision on the quarterback competition sort of.

Coach Gene Chizik said the Tigers started giving more repetitions to Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle in Tuesday night's practice instead of splitting them evenly three-way with Barrett Trotter. Chizik said that doesn't mean it will be a two-man race for the starting job in the fall.

``The only decision we've made is reps at this point,'' Chizik said afterward. ``We certainly have not named a starter or a co-starter. Those two certainly haven't won a position and Barrett Trotter is not out of the position.

``We're trying to focus on where we need to put our reps right now.''

The decision comes with only three practices left, including Saturday's spring game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn had suggested it was time to quit trying to divvy the snaps up three ways after last weekend's scrimmage when the offensive focus was mainly on passing.

Burns and Caudle arrived at the football complex after Easter break uncertain of their status before heading into a meeting with Malzahn.

``I'm really not too much worried about it,'' Burns said. ``I know this position comes with that pressure and I've learned over the years to be able to handle that and have a strong head. All I can do is just leave it in God's hands. I've got to know that I did my best and I can be pleased.''

Caudle said the uncertain situation ``is not really tough.'' He said the last practices were pivotal for each player to prove himself, though.

``Each practice is real important for everybody,'' Caudle said. ``It's definitely important, especially coming down to the wire to show what we can do.''

-- MCNEIL HURT: Safety Mike McNeil is out with a right leg injury that teammate Mike Slade said is expected to keep him out for 8-to-10 weeks. McNeil was injured during last Saturday's scrimmage.

``I talked to Mike Sunday in the hospital,'' said Slade, one of the contenders to fill that spot while McNeil is out. ``He's been in a real good spirit and everything. He said he can't do anything physically, but he'll definitely be in the film room getting his mental game up to speed. We definitely feel like he can get back by August.''

Chizik declined to comment on the specifics of McNeil's injury or a timetable of when he would return.

``From all indications right now, he's going to be fine,'' he said. ``The timetable of when, everybody's different. We're certainly hoping he's going to be ready to go the first game.''

-- ROVING MARIO: Mario Fannin doesn't have a ready answer if someone asks for his position.

Once again, Fannin is moving around to find his niche in a new offense and take advantage of his versatility, splitting time at slot receiver and running back.
``I would say H-back, I guess. I guess that's what they call it, H-back,'' Fannin said. ``I don't know what my set position is.''

He said he lined up in the backfield only a couple of times in last week's scrimmage but that was largely to protect a sore ankle.

Fannin opened last season as a receiver, but switched back to running back, where he started in the Georgia game. He doesn't mind the roving.

``I like it a lot. It just shows the coaches trust me as far as the versatility I have,'' Fannin said.

``That's mainly what I'm trying to focus on,'' he added, ``not just one angle but catching the ball out of the backfield and playing some slot. It works out great.''

Running backs Onterio McCalebb (hamstring) and Eric Smith (knee) have also been nursing injuries.

McCalebb said he would be full-speed for Saturday's spring game and has extra reason to look forward to it.

``My mom, she's coming from Florida,'' he said. ``She's coming to the game to see me. It'll be her first game seeing me play ball.''

-- TIGER TALES: Receiver Montez Billings remains out of practice because of academics while tight end Gabe McKenzie is still out for unspecified medical reasons, Chizik said. ... Special teams coach Jay Boulware said Wes Byrum has kicked well lately, making 7-of-8 field goals before practice. He said punter Clinton Durst, who is competing with Ryan Shoemaker, is ``doing a phenomenal job.''