Today after practice, Auburn linebackers coach Brad Wilson spoke to the media. He described his group as having different personalities but coming together to share the same mindset.
Two returners expected to lead this group on the field are Junior All-American Xavier Atkins and sophomore Elijah Melendez. Another guy to follow in this very talented position group is Bryce Deas. Deas talked about what he has focused on this preseason.
“It's a lot of things that I have to learn and figure out as far as position wise. And I just continue to learn that, Mike position.”
Deas told Auburn Undercover he is getting reps at three addtional positions: Sam, Will, and Buck. Deas said all the positions play fairly similar to one another but added he likes when he reps the Buck position.
“I like Buck because you’re able to pass rush and stuff like that. And that really brings out the versatility and just shows difference,” Deas said. Having someone like Deas who can slot in anywhere is something Coach Wilson believes is an asset to the defensive unit.
“Coach Durkin has done a phenomenal job of not getting just the right guys on the field but making sure they are in the right spot.” Wilson said. “They know the more value they bring, the more value they create for themselves with the multiplicity of the positions they can play”
Deas said he has learned a lot from Melendez. One of those traits is how to communicate with the defense at the Mike position. Fellow linebacker De’marcus Riddick says Deas has been one of the most vocal players at practice.
“It's very valuable, cuz that's something that the younger kids look up to, they see that the younger guys, just like Bryce and Elijah being leaders on the defense, it's been a lot. And it's been, you know what I'm saying, good for our defense,” Riddick said.
With week one 15 days away, Auburn Undercover asked Deas what he has been doing to make sure he is ready for Baylor. “Just technique, pad level, stuff like that,” Deas said.
Auburn will be back on the practice field tomorrow before an off day Sunday. Head Coach Alex Golesh plans to address the media next week as the team enters a mock game week. The Tigers and Bears kick-off on September 5th at 2:30 from Atlanta.
