A lot has changed in the two years since Reese Dismukes was arrested for public intoxication on April 25, 2012.
His arrest was compounded by a 3-9 2012 season that was the worst in over 60 years for the Auburn program.
But Dismukes rebounded in 2013, anchoring the nation's top rushing attack and earning All-SEC first team honors while avoiding off-the-field issues.
Projected to start at center for the fourth consecutive season, Dismukes is now an entrenched leader for the Tigers, both on and off the field.
"A lot of times your center is an offensive leader," head coach Gus Malzahn said. "But I truly believe Reese is a team leader. He's a tough guy, comes to practice every day. He demands that his teammates practice at the level that the coaches expect. He's an extension of the coaches. We're very fortunate to have him."
Dismukes has developed into a quarterback of sorts for the Auburn's offensive line, due to the multitude of responsibilities he fulfills on each snap.
"In our offense, our center is just as important a lot of times as our quarterback with what we ask him to do, with the communication," Malzahn said. "You know, when you play fast, they have to ID things extremely quick and make decisions on the run."
Dismukes said he takes a more vocal approach to leadership than fellow team leader Nick Marshall.
"I'm more of the vocal guy out there trying to keep all the guys going, especially I'm the leader up front," Dismukes said. "Me and Chad Slade, he's a senior as well, but however I can be used, I'll do what I have to do."
It hasn't been hard, either, for Dismukes to remain open-minded and learn from Malzahn and offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.
"I think Coach Malzahn is a great, great offensive mind and just a genius," Dismukes said. "I think that has a lot to do with a lot of our success. He, Coach Lashlee and Coach Horton all work so well together so they're a huge part of success."
As a personal goal, Dismukes hopes to return to his hometown of Mobile upon the end of his Auburn career to participate in the annual Senior Bowl.
"That's always been a personal goal of mine, growing up in Mobile and always seeing those guys from Mobile going from something like the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game to the NCAA Senior Bowl" Dismukes said. "I think that would be a great experience if I'm lucky enough to be selected, but that is way down the road."
For now though, Dismukes said he is focused on the season-opener against Arkansas and erasing the memory of falling 13 seconds short of a BCS National Championship.
"In everything we do, we're trying to get 13 seconds better," Dismukes said. "13 seconds better getting to class, 13 seconds better brushing our teeth; just 13 seconds better."
Read more:
SEC MEDIA DAYS 2014: Offensive stars, coaches promise more balance in 2014
SEC MEDIA DAYS 2014: Fans flock to Hoover for unofficial start of football season
SEC MEDIA DAYS 2014: Nick Marshall to face "consequences" following marijuana citation
SEC MEDIA DAYS 2014: Jaylon Denson and Justin Garrett granted extra year of eligibility
SEC MEDIA DAYS 2014: Defensive end Lawson recovering from summer ACL surgery
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
