Before Auburn begins its quest for an SEC and national title in 2018, a trio of Tigers will tackle their first aggressive and ravenous opponent: the media.
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham, linebacker Deshaun Davis and defensive lineman Dontavius Russell. have accepted the challenge and will represent Auburn at SEC Media Days next week in Atlanta, Auburn announced Wednesday afternoon.
The Tigers' gunslinger will make the trip for the first time since 2015, when junior Jeremy Johnson represented the offense as an assumed superstar in the making. After leading the SEC in completion percentage at 67 and turning in the second 3,000-yard passing season in program history, the redshirt junior Stidham returns for his second and final season on The Plains as the offense's unquestioned leader.
Pair Stidham's proven on-the-field success with his recent engagement, and the Texan will have plenty to talk about.
The senior middle linebacker Davis earned his trip to Atlanta as the vocal and physical leader of Kevin Steele's vaunted defense, spearheading the group last season with a team-leading 85 tackles.
Russell will look to anchor Auburn's veteran defensive line after a productive three years with the group. The Carrollton, Georgia native was third on the team in tackles for loss last season and boasts 117 career tackles.
Gus Malzahn will join South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp and Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason on June 19, the final day of the event. Media days will take place at the Omni Hotel, adjacent to the College Football Hall of Fame.
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Nathan King, senior in journalism with a minor in business, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
