“It's cleaning up tackling, cleaning up the normal playing football stuff that always shows up scrimmage one. And you hope to see progression to scrimmage two.”
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This is what first year Bucks Coach Coleman Hutzler had to say as the Tigers return to Jordan-Hare Stadium tomorrow for their second preseason camp scrimmage. Hutzler told Auburn Undercover he challenges his group to hone the skill of pressuring and affecting opposing quarterbacks.
One guy we could see play at either edge position is senior Chris Murray. Hutzler talked about what that brings to the room as a whole. “His (Murray) versatility has been awesome. And really just maturity, leadership, right…kind of that older statesman in the room has been awesome for our room and for our defense.”
Murray is not the only veteran competing for a starting spot. Hutzler told Auburn Undercover he and other coaches have been impressed with transfers Nate Johnson and Da’Shawn Womack. Hutzler is also high on young guys like Jared Smith, J.J. Faulk and Jaquez Wilkes. Smith, in particular, has been a camp standout rushing the passer and is poised to have a big sophomore season.
Hutzler shared why it is important to build solid depth before the season starts. “You've gotta go into a game and be able to roll guys and play guys. But you can't just throw anybody out there. You gotta be able to trust them, and their teammates gotta be able to trust them. So those guys are working towards that.”
Hutzler went on to say that he also challenged his group to be sound in their technique. Particular focus has been on what to do at the point of attack and how to stop the run. Hutzler said he has been pleased with his group’s progress in those areas since the spring. “That has shown up here as we put the pads on in fall camp. And so proud of the work that we put in. Still plenty more to go, and each week and each day getting better and better.”
Head Coach Alex Golesh will speak to the media tomorrow after the scrimmage. Auburn will then get Thursday off before returning to the practice field on Friday. Only 18 days remain until Auburn kicks off their 2026 season against Baylor in Atlanta.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
