Auburn’s representatives at SEC Media Days spent a great amount of time discussing the defense that fans will see on the field this fall.
Two senior defensive players, linebacker Kris Frost and cornerback Jonathan Jones, joined Gus Malzahn at SEC Media Days to discuss the defense, which is under the direction of new coordinator Will Muschamp.
Malzahn said Muschamp’s energy and approach has rejuvenated an Auburn defense that surrendered just under 400 yards per game in 2014.
“(Muschamp) just has that presence around him that he gives all the coaches confidence,” Malzahn said. “He gives the players confidence. And he’s got the ‘it’ factor. So we’re very blessed to combine his defense with an offense that we’ve been running.”
Malzahn also said it has been very valuable to have a former SEC head coach on staff.
“I’ve already used him at times to get his advice on some things and [he] really helps me, being a young head coach in this league,” Malzahn said. “He’s a true professional. That’s what really excites me. And he’s a lot of fun to be around.”
Frost decided to come back to school for his senior season, and he said Muschamp’s hiring was a huge factor.
“I was excited to have the opportunity to play for Coach Muschamp, anybody would,” Frost said. “I love what he brings to the table as far as the credentials he has. I feel like that was a major decision to come back. A lot of things played into it, and I definitely feel like I made the right decision.”
Jones said Muschamp brings energy to the defense every day, which motivates the players to be their best in return.
“Effort, that’s the biggest thing Coach Muschamp wants from us,” Jones said. “He is going to expect that at every practice and every day, so he definitely brings effort and energy.”
Frost agreed with Jones when it comes to Muschamp’s energy.
“Really, it is the intensity that we bring each and every day,” Frost said. “It’s a different atmosphere at practice.”
Malzahn said the main problem last year was the inability to get a consistent pass rush, as the Tigers ranked 11th in the SEC with 21 sacks in 2014.
“It starts with the pass rush,” Malzahn said. “We didn’t have a pass rush. We had to take some chances. We put some DBs on some islands.”
Jones said Muschamp has focused on pass coverage one year after Auburn finished with the third-worst pass defense in the league.
“Coach (Muschamp) has taught me to just be patient,” Jones said. “A lot of guys will panic when a deep ball is in the air, and the guys that don’t panic are the ones who make the plays.”
Frost said everyone is excited about the defense’s potential this year.
“We are all excited,” Frost said. “We feel like we have a new breath of life in us. Everything is so positive. I have never seen it so positive before, with everything circling around the team.”
Frost said the primary motivation for the defense is to match the level of offensive production from the past few seasons.
“Us as a defense, we know what we have to accomplish,” Frost said. “We know how much we have to step up to the plate and make a difference … We trust Coach Muschamp. We know that we have an opportunity to be a premier defense, and we are ready to do that.”
The Auburn defense will have its first opportunity to showcase improvements Sept. 5, when the Tigers open their season in the Georgia Dome against Louisville.
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