[Tuck4Bama]

AUBURN -- What is like to be last the linebacker standing?

Auburn's Craig Stevens very nearly got to answer that question this season, as one by one his teammates endured sprains and bruises and breaks and strains.

"We are an endangered species," Stevens said. "We're holding on -- barely, but we're holding on."

There could finally be good news for Saturday's game at Florida if, as expected, Tray Blackmon returns to the lineup. Eric Brock is also moving from safety to linebacker to shore up depth.

But in this snake-bit season, every bit of positive change has been balanced by another misfortune. Linebacker Chris Evans is walking around with a wrapped knee (although he said he plans to play) and Merrill Johnson remains out with a seriously bruised shoulder.

The linebackers seemed cursed even before the season.

After spring practice, Auburn coaches expected Patrick Trahan, Blackmon and Johnson to be the starting linebackers.

Trahan struggled academically and left school. Blackmon and Johnson have been hurt for most of the season. Steve Gandy, a key reserve, retired in August due to multiple concussions.

"It's just part of football," said linebackers coach James Willis. "None of them want to be out. They want to be out there."


'Cursed' Auburn LBs look for boost- al.com