One of the anchors of a defensive line projected among the best in the nation after returning all starters from last season, Marlon Davidson’s confidence is at an all-time high.

“We’re going to show people that we are the best,” Davidson said, “We’re gonna dominate every day like we’re the best. Auburn’s not nothing to play with.”

Davidson said Kevin Steele's unit still prides itself on playing 'Stupid D,' a phrase coined by former Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey. Ever since then, Davidson said, Auburn has been playing with a "different swagger."

That confidence led Auburn to a top-15 defense nationally last season, and with the success, many of its leaders picked up NFL Draft steam. 

Davidson, like fellow D-line companions Nick Coe and Derrick Brown, did contemplate leaving for the NFL. All three returned.

“I came real close,” Davidson said. "I was one foot in and one foot out. But I said I want to ride for my brothers and I wanted to make sure to finish my degree, because I knew I wasn’t going to come back and do it. I wanted one last dance with my boys, man. I really did. I want to make sure I cherish this one and make sure that this one is the fun one.”

Davidson said the season looks as if this season will be a fun one, especially with the changes players have noticed in Gus Malzahn. 

“I really do see a different coach Malzahn,” Davidson said. “It’s kind of hard to explain, because coach Malzahn is not the type of guy that y’all think he is. I seen him listen to Kodak Black one time. He’s really evolving. He’s a different coach.”

The changes with Malzahn have also come in more serious matters.

“Coach Malzahn came to us the first day. It was like a meeting we had and he was like, ‘This crap is going to be different.’ Coach Malzahn showed a different type of fire than he normally would. 

"If you see your head coach show that fire you are always going to want to play for your head coach, no matter what. He has shown that now and we want to play for him. I really do see a new Coach Malzahn. It is kind of hard to explain...he is kind of evolving now. He is a different coach.”