Cassanova McKinzy;Johnny Manziel

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) avoids a tackle attempt by Auburn linebacker Cassanova McKinzy (8) in the first quarter during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Bob Levey)

AUBURN, Alabama -- According to the calendar, spring is still a few weeks away, but the start of Auburn's spring practice looms in a little less than two weeks.

With the start of spring practice on the horizon, we're going to break down an Auburn position group each day for the next two weeks as we get closer and closer to the Tigers' first practice on March 18.

Linebackers

By the numbers

Cassanova McKinzy

Kris Frost

Anthony Swain

JaViere Mitchell

Justin Garrett

Kenny Flowers

Cameron Toney

The departed

Jake Holland

Spring cast

Cassanova McKinzy

JaViere Mitchell

Kris Frost

Justin Garrett

Kenny Flowers

Anthony Swain

Cameron Toney

On the way

Deshaun Davis

Tre' Williams

Burning question

Will Auburn build depth and find two consistent stars at linebacker?

Star attraction

Kris Frost split time with Jake Holland in the middle of the field, but appeared to be the most consistent of the two at the spot. He provided the Tigers with a critical tackle on Texas A&M's final drive in College Station last season by dragging down Johnny Manziel from behind. Frost was starting the first game of his career at the time and from then on he kept popping out on film, and while he did split time with Holland, it appeared Frost, a sophomore, was making a move to become the Tigers' starter in the middle of the field in 2014 and beyond.

Flash of potential

Cassanova McKinzy could be a star on the Tigers' defense after leading the Tigers in tackles last season. Why is there a flash of potential for him even after leading the team in tackles a year ago? It's McKinzy's build and some of the special plays he made on the outside that gives the Tigers some hope for more consistency among the entire linebacker group. The trick is finding out whether Justin Garrett, now healthy, will play at the Star linebacker/safety hybrid spot or move over to the weakside to help with depth. McKinzy could very well have a battle on his hands when he takes the field this spring, but competition should only help him.

Anthony Swain is one of the hardest hitting linebackers on the roster and

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Wild card

JaViere Mitchell did not get many opportunities to shine, but when he did, the undersized linebacker (6-2, 205) certainly took advantage.

. He didn't play much, though he did prove important in third-down packages. He should be a big-time player on special teams in 2014 and he provides Auburn with some much-needed depth -- and a different look -- on the field.

Fans should also keep an eye on Kenny Flowers, who defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson expected last summer to make an immediate impact in 2013. Flowers did not make that impact, but is expected to do so in 2014.

On the way

Tre' Williams could see playing time immediately on defense for the Tigers, who need more talent on the field. The five-star prospect was an honorable mention selection on the Parade All-America team and already has the build (6-2, 220) of a ready-made SEC linebacker. The good news for the Tigers is that he provides some much-needed versatility. He can also back pedal and help the Tigers in pass coverage, a trait defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has to love. Williams is capable of carrying teams. He also played basketball this spring at St. Paul's in Mobile.

“Tre is as good as I’ve ever coached and understanding the concepts you are trying to get across in practice and taking them into the game that week,”

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Facts of life

The Tigers recorded only two sacks at the linebacker position, which is definitely not a world-ending stat, but the Tigers sure would like to blitz -- and get to the quarterback -- more often at linebacker.

Quotable

"I definitely think it's an experience thing. Fixing it is basically what's happening now -- getting more reps in the games and practicing and the amount of reps the second team gets in practice is great for all of us, so I feel like the more in-game experience and more I get out there and take charge of the defense like I did this past weekend, the more experience I'll grab and the better I'll be at it." -- Krist Frost on becoming a more consistent linebacker corps (October 22, 2013)