Auburn pondering who will play Deshaun Watson in practice

AUBURN, Ala. (TNS) — In order to prepare for the unenviable task of defending against Deshaun Watson, Auburn’s defense must as similar a look as possible during practice.

To be clear, no quarterback on Auburn’s roster matches the abilities of Watson, a Heisman Trophy finalist who threw for over 4,100 yards with 35 touchdowns and ran for over 1,100 yards and 12 scores last season.

But somebody has to be the scout team quarterback and attempt to showcase what the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Watson does during practice this week.

The leading candidate would appear to be true freshman Woody Barrett, whose 6-foot-2 and 238-pound frame and dual-threat abilities are Auburn’s closest match to Watson. Barrett is also a likely redshirt candidate and those players are typically who populate the scout team, particularly early in the season.

John Franklin III, specifically for his running ability, could be an option to help the Auburn defense prepare as well.

“Whatever (defensive coordinator Kevin) Steele thinks we need to do to help them prepare for a phenomenal player, we’ll do,” offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. “It’s all about the team right now. He hasn’t asked for anybody in particular yet, but if he does we’ll make it happen.”

Auburn has been preparing for Clemson by practicing under the lights at Jordan-Hare Stadium.