Depth chart analysis: Left guard

This is the ninth of a 24-part series that will run up to SEC Media Days detailing Auburn's depth chart heading into the 2014 season. This comes well after the Tigers concluded their 15 spring practices and includes insight from nearly every position coach on the staff.

AUBURN -- After winning the position battle at left guard during last year's fall camp, Alex Kozan has become one of the bedrock players up front for the Tigers.

The Castle Rock, Colorado native started all 14 games last season after redshirting in 2012.

He'll be expected to pick up where he left off and develop into one of the leaders of the line in the future.

Jordan Diamond was ahead of everyone in the spring of 2013 but a few injuries caused a setback for the Chicago native.

The Two-Deep
Alex Kozan (6-foot-4, 300 pounds, sophomore)
Jordan Diamond (6-foot-6, 318 pounds, sophomore)

POSITION ANALYSIS:QB |RB |HB |TE |SE |F |SLOT| LT

Starter
Alex Kozan took over for John Sullen and has never looked back.

He was spending some time learning the center position last year, but that contingency is now over with. He is exclusively at guard and may be one of the steady component for years to come.

Kozan was one of the players who went to San Diego for leadership training with the Navy SEALS this offseason, and with Reese Dismukes departing after the season, could be the next leader up front.

"I think he can learn from some great soldiers about that part of it," offensive line coach J.B. Grimes said. "The obvious physical things with Alex, everybody can see that, and I think just him being out there and being exposed to that type of leadership training is going to be nothing but positive for our entire football team, as with the other guys that are out there."

Backup
Jordan Diamond had off-season knee surgery and is expected back in the fall.

"We're really looking forward to getting Jordan Diamond back and see how well he did," Grimes said.

Next Wave
Devonte Danzey (6-foot-4, 296 pounds, junior) spent his time at right guard, but in a pinch, would be next on the left side.

Starting right guard Chad Slade took reps on the left side during spring practice and would be a contingency option.

Summer Arrivals
Braden Smith (6-foot-6, 285 pounds) has the makings of one of the future guards for the Tigers in the years to come, whether that's on the left or right side isn't clear yet, though the right side will be open earlier.

Quotable
"This spring they've been mainly sticking me at left guard just to give a better look for our tackles and establish consistency and some chemistry with me and Shon (Coleman)." – Alex Kozan