After a disappointing 7-6 campaign in 2015, spring practice has provided Auburn with new life and renewed energy, according to coach Gus Malzahn and several players at a press conference on Thursday.
"When I look back at the first five days, I'm really pleased with our energy," Malzahn said. "I've been pleased with our focus."
Malzahn especially praised the defense.
"The guys want to be coached," he said. "They're flying around, from a defensive standpoint. You can really feel the defensive energy. They're playing as one. They're playing excited."
Defensive end Carl Lawson echoed Malzahn's sentiments regarding the defense's energy.
"It does feel different," Lawson said. "A lot more energy. A lot more leadership." He believes he and many of his older teammates have become better leaders.
Auburn's 31-10 Birmingham Bowl win over Memphis (whose lone touchdown was a pick-six) helped set the tone for the defense's improvement, according to Lawson.
"I think it showed what we've got going into next year," he said. "We've got a lot of veteran guys on the defensive line and a lot of young guys coming up. I think it's going to springboard us into next season."
Another factor working in the Tigers' favor is perception, as expectations are as low as they've been in Malzahn's tenure.
"I can't wait to have a quiet, good offseason," Lawson said. "We're going to be underdogs in a lot of our games, and that's what I'm looking forward to. So we can prove the world wrong."
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