Auburn depth chart analysis: Tight end

AUBURN – As the lone scholarship tight end on Auburn's roster this spring. Chris Laye got ample opportunity for reps.

An underutilized position in Gus Malzahn's offense, Auburn will go from experienced tight ends C.J Uzomah and Brandon Fulse to Laye and incoming freshman Jalen Harris, neither of whom have taken a college snap.

"I got to learn a lot from C.J. and Brandon," Laye said. "They did a really good job mentoring me and helping me through everything that I had to go through. So this year, I'm just going to try to keep learning and do my best to do whatever the coaches need me to do."

Laye, who is expected to add some weight to his 245 pound frame, will be almost exclusively a blocking tight end.

"He's made some strides this spring and we've been pleased with some of the things he's done," tight ends coach Scott Fountain said. "But for him his true position is going to be hand-down tight end."

Walk-on Greg Hall took the second-team reps in the spring.

The Two-Deep

Chris Laye (6-foot-4, 239 pounds, redshirt-freshman)
Greg Hall (6-foot-3, 248 pounds, junior)

Starter

With no other options, Laye will be on the field quite a bit.

"He'll be in a position to help us some this year," Fountain said. "He's going to have to be."

How much Laye plays will be dictated largely by his blocking skills and how much Auburn wants to incorporate Harris in the passing game.

"His whole thing is he needs to just get a little stronger, put on a little weight this summer," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. "He knows what his role would be. He's got to be a guy who can really do well in the run game and in protection, and there will be times he catches some balls but he knows what his role needs to be and I look for him to have a good summer so he can help us out."

Backup

Hall is a walk-on who is unlikely to see much, if any time, unless an injury happens.

Next Wave

Chandler Cox (6-foot-2, 232 pounds, freshman) was exclusively at H-back in the spring but could take reps at tight end in fall camp when there's more time to focus on multiple roles.

Summer Arrivals

Jalen Harris (6-foot-5, 245 pounds) is considered a viable passing threat at tight end but like Laye, will primarily be a blocker.

"I really wish he could have been here this spring," Fountain said. "I think Jalen is that tight end we're looking for and that depth we're looking for."

Quotable

"Last year, I graduated early, so I got thrown right into it. And this year, I have a better idea of what I'm doing, and you know, what's going on in practice, where I need to be, the steps I need to take, so I'm more comfortable. Now, it's just about pushing myself and perfecting everything I do." – Chris Laye