A new target for Auburn's quarterbacks may be emerging early in fall camp.

Sal Cannella was on campus for spring practice and he's made his presence felt through the first three practices this week.

"He catches a lot of contested balls," running back Kerryon Johnson said. "He's a big target, he knows how to use his body to block off defenders. He knows how to go and get the ball. He's a sneaky athlete. I think he's going to be very big for us this year, I think he really will."

At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Cannella is the tallest skill position player on the roster and roughly 25 pounds less than fellow tight end Jalen Harris, who is a more skilled blocker.

During the open viewing windows of the first and third practices, Cannella spend time split out wide, as he did on A-Day, when he had one catch for 15 yards.

Several players have cited Cannella making catches over the top of defenders already in camp.

"He's going to be a tough matchup for DBs," cornerback Javaris Davis said, "because he's big and he's got good ball skills."

While Cannella has yet to be available for interviews at Auburn, teammates and coaches describe him as competitive.

Johnson compared his receiving ability to C.J. Uzomah, while another player said Cannella is unafraid to let defenders know if he beat them on a play.

"I like what I've seen from him," offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said. "He's got a little edge about him -- it's impressive. He's a smart football player, knows how to route-run, has really good body control, does a great job catching the ball with his hands. I like what he's bringing to the table so far."

Auburn is expected to utilize its tight ends more this season than it has historically under Gus Malzahn and Cannella should be the key to making that happen. He had 29 receptions for 449 yards and seven scores at Scottsdale (Ariz.) C.C. last season and was a productive receiver in high school.

"We knew he was versatile," Malzahn said. "In high school and even junior college, they put him split out. Of course, you saw him in the spring game, he did pretty good. But he's also really learning to play with his hand down and be able to do some things. He's also done some things at H-back. So he's a real versatile player. I think you could see Chip move him around this year."