Looking ahead to A-Day, Part I

Hey everyone. So we're coming up on the most anticipated Auburn A-Day in a decade. There will be plenty of side stories worthy of regard as things unfold Saturday.

You wanna know which player-related tangents I find most appealing? Sure you do.

• Quarterbacks: That's the story at this point. To put an even tighter focus on it, I want to know if Neil Caudle is as bad as Tony Franklin reported. I sense that his skill set -- specifically his cleaner throwing mechanics -- eventually may lead him to the starting lineup.
  
  
• Onterio McCalebb: As I said on the Gridiron Breakdown earlier this week, McCalebb has a singularity of purpose I haven't seen at Auburn since Rudi Johnson. Can McCalebb provide the same kind of boost Johnson made during the 2000 season? Probably not, but we'll be able to see Saturday if McCalebb is capable of immediate contribution.
  
  
• Mike Slade: Can he play? He looked pretty good the one time I noticed him playing in 2008 ... at Ole Miss.
  
  
• Justin Albert: You looking for a sleeper in your Auburn Fantasy Football draft? His walk-on status will keep the bidding low, but it's clear offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn believes in Albert. The former Prattville tailback will have a (previously unforseen) chance to make a mark in 2009 ... provided that trust remains steadfast through the summer. Why is Malzahn smitten? Saturday could provide some answers.
  
  
• Defensive front freelancing: DT Mike Blanc indicated last week that assistant coach Tracy Rocker wants his players "doing what they do best." Blanc, a noted "bull" rusher, said he's been given the green light to use that technique as needed. Will Rocker's relaxed approach to conformity of technique result in better production?

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University