Breakout Performers for 2012

Kiehl Frazier (Source/Getty Images)



Auburn was a young football team in 2011. A quick look at Auburn's official depth chart from last season shows that.

Young Tigers on just about every unit on the team played a ton of valuable snaps during 2011, which should go a long way next season.

I have highlighted my three picks on offense and defense for most likely to break out in 2012. Take a look and see what you think.

Offense

Kiehl Frazier, QB, So.

I think Frazier's development, along with the defense as a whole, is the biggest key to Auburn's success next season. In new offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler's offense, the quarterback must be able run through his progressions, make the right reads and deliver the ball with accuracy. These qualities would not be used to describe Mr. Frazier's game last season. But how many true freshman are able to handle the pressure from SEC defenses? Few, if any. I think Frazier showed his ability to run the football and coupled with a good quarterbacks coach in Loeffler, is poised to step his game up to the next level in 2012.

Sammie Coates, WR, RFr.

WR, Sammie Coates

I'm hesitant to include a guy in this list that has never played a down due to injury but there is no mistaking the buzz around Sammie Coates. With prototypical size and speed for an SEC receiver, Coates should make a name for himself early in 2012 alongside Emory Blake. If he can translate the type of play he supposedly displayed in bowl practices to the field next season, Auburn just may have found themselves a solid number two wide receiver.

Greg Robinson, T, RFr.

There is playing time to be had at tackle, as Auburn lost both of it's tackles to graduation after the 2011 season. Starting left tackle A.J. Greene had high praise for Robinson during bowl practices, saying as much as he could have started towards the end of the season if needed. With his athleticism at that size, Robinson should evolve into a big time player up front for the Tigers in 2012.

Defense

Devaunte Sigler, DE, So.

There may not be a more versatile player on Auburn's defense than Devaunte Sigler. Sigler played defensive tackle and eventually defensive end last season. He showed flashes of the potential Auburn's coaches saw in him coming out of high school. A full off season to get bigger and stronger should have Sigler poised for big things in 2012.



LB, Kris Frost

Kris Frost, LB, RFr. After using a redshirt year to fully recover from an injury during fall workouts, Frost should be back to his five star highschool form in 2012. Frost has the size and speed that new defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder likes in a linebacker and should be an impact player in the new defense. Coach Van Gorder likes to bring pressure, so you could see Frost coming off the edge, making big plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Jermaine Whitehead, CB, So.

Whitehead saw a ton of action at nickel back last season for the Tigers and could see his playing time increase with corner T'Sharvan Bell coming of an ACL injury. Whitehead's interception  jumping underneath a slant pass against Florida Atlantic last season was one of the best plays I've seen out of an Auburn defensive back in years. If he stays motivated, there should be more to come.

There are plenty of options for impact player for the 2012 version of the Auburn Tigers. Tell me what you think in the comments section.

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