On the same day that the Auburn defensive line was dealt the blow of losing Carl Lawson to the NFL Draft, their offensive counterparts received some better news. Right guard Braden Smith announced on Wednesday that he will return to the program for his senior season.
In a statement released through Auburn’s official website, Smith said that he considered making the leap to the next level, but decided to return and be a part of an offense that could be lethal in 2017.
“I feel like we have a chance to do something special next year,” Smith said. “We have a bunch of people coming back. I feel like it’s going to be a really strong line next year.”
With Smith returning, Auburn’s offensive line now awaits decisions from juniors center Austin Golson and left tackle Darius James. If they return as well, the Tiger front will only need to replace right tackle Robert Leff and left guard Austin Golson. That would also ensure that six of the nine players on the two-deep depth chart would return next season.
Regardless of their decisions, offensive line coach Herb Hand knows he’ll have an anchor at guard next season.
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