Linebackers Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy are a force to be reckoned with this season in Auburn's defensive midfield.
After moving Frost outside and McKinzy to middle linebacker, things have been going well for the duo the last few games.
"I'd say it came around the second game," McKinzy said. "We felt like the Auburn linebackers weren't getting a lot of recognition."
McKinzy added he and Frost are trying to play the way some great Auburn linebackers of the past have.
"Me and Frost are trying to take it upon ourselves to make those linebacker plays that those great guys made when they came through Auburn," McKinzy said. "I feel like we're doing pretty well at that. We take us being on the field at the same time pretty serious. We feel like, when we're on the field at the same time, we have a great chemistry. When I'm wrong, he makes me right. When he's wrong, I make him right. I feel like that's how it has to be."
McKinzy also said the transition to middle linebacker has gone smoothly, and he's enjoying being the quarterback of the defense.
"I love being the man of the defense," McKinzy said. "Coming from that transition, it's not that much different than just being more vocal."
On the outside, Frost has been seeing success since the switch as well.
So far in 2014, Frost is third overall in tackles with 46. He's also become a big play threat, racking up six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one recovery.
One of those three forced fumbles iced the game against Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi, as Frost pulled down Rebel wide receiver Laquon Treadwell inches from the goal line, punching the ball out in the process. His counterpart McKinzy recovered the ball in end zone with 1:30 left in the game.
Frost's performance against Ole Miss earned him the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Week, the second Tiger to receive the award this season after Joshua Holsey.
After the game, Frost said it was exciting for him to make a game-changing play.
"Being able to be a part of that and being able to make that play was a real blessing," Frost said. "I'm really happy that Cas' (McKinzy) was there to get the fumble in the end zone. It was a great win for us."
On the previous drive, the duo also worked together, as Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace had the ball stripped by Frost inside the Auburn 10 yard line. McKinzy picked it up for the Tigers.
"It's good that we have each other's backs," Frost said.
Not only did Treadwell fumble, but he suffered a devastating leg injury during the fateful play in the end zone. Frost said he feels for the injured Rebel.
"I was just trying to really see if he was all right," Frost said. "I hope he's all right, and I know the whole Auburn Family hopes he's all right."
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