AUBURN, Ala. -- Freshman safety Daren Bates will start Auburn's season opener against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.<br />
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Bates beat out returning players Drew Cole and T'Sharvan Bell in the spot left open with Mike McNeil's injury despite getting a late start to fall camp. <br />
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Coach Gene Chizik released the depth chart for his Auburn head coaching debut on Tuesday. Neil Caudle is the backup quarterback. <br />
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The starting receivers are Terrell Zachery and Darvin Adams while Kodi Burns is a second-teamer at one spot. Much talked about freshmen DeAngelo Benton and Emory Blake are still apparently battling it out for No. 2 at the other. The Tigers will often use at least three receivers but only two spots were listed. <br />
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Neiko Thorpe is a starter at corner while newcomer Eltoro Freeman gets the nod at right linebacker.
