Auburn's hard-hitting linebackers are working to adapt to a completely new coaching staff while maintaining their team's expectations.
"I just want to go out and make plays to help put my team in the best possible circumstances this season," said Craig Stevens, a junior linebacker. "If I can do that, then my goal is accomplished."
While the linebackers are working to become a dominant force for the upcoming season, they are adapting to Coach Ted Roof's new coaching techniques.
"I think that I adapted to (Coach Roof's) coaching styles quite easily," Stevens said. "It took some time to get used to, but he is a great coach, and I have learned a lot from him in this short time period already."
Spencer Pybus, a sophomore linebacker, said he agrees that it has not been too difficult to get a feel for the new coaching staff.
He said he is catching on quickly because Roof seems to coach a lot like former coach, James Willis.
Roof, defensive coordinator and linebackers' coach, said the players are getting a feel for his coaching styles, and it is just a matter of time, but it is a race against the clock.
Roof previously coached as a grad-assistant in the SEC. He then moved and spent most of his coaching career in different conferences, but is now back in the SEC and ready for the competition.
"I am looking forward to be back in the SEC mostly because of the importance of football and competitiveness of the conference," Roof said.
The team has high expectations for the linebackers to play hard and fight every snap, Roof said.
The Auburn Tigers are working hard during their off-season to become the best they can for this fall.
"Our summer workouts are very intense and require a lot of dedication," Stevens said. "They consist of everything from running timed 200-yard sprints to pushing weighted sleds across the field."
The dedication from the Tigers will pay off next fall as the team is excited to be back in Jordan - Hare.
"I just look forward to going out with my team again in Jordan-Hare stadium and representing Auburn to the best of our ability," Stevens said. "There's nothing like those Saturday nights."
Pybus said his favorite thing about being a linebacker is that it's not just one-dimensional or protection against the run or pass, it is a combination of both.
Stevens appeared to be on the same page as Pybus and enjoys taking charge in his position.
"I have to say my favorite thing about being a linebacker is being in a position that allows me to make plays in both the running and passing aspect of the game for my team," Stevens said. "It is like being a quarterback on defense."
Although Roof was not a part of Auburn's team last year, he said he believes it is still important to build from last season and continue to make improvements by pushing his team to work hard.
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