As Auburn does almost every season, the Tigers are implementing an offensive line with some new faces.
Tate Johnson got his first start at center on Saturday after four-year starter Nick Brahms stepped away from football due to lingering injuries.
Kameron Stutts was listed as a co-starter at right guard with Keiondre Jones who started every game in 2021. But Stutts got the nod for the Mercer game, impressing the coaching staff enough to fend off Jones and is now listed as the solidified starter.
Even left tackle Kilian Zierer only has a few starts under his belt, starting the final three games of the 2021 season.
Sixth-year offensive lineman Brandon Council is entering his third season as a starter at Auburn and has played with a plethora of offensive lineman. He’s the most experienced lineman by far and has played in numerous big games at Auburn.
He was impressed by the team’s first start but admitted that with some new starters, improvements are needed.
“We obviously have some things we need to fix,” Council said. “Our first time on the field together in a game. There’s definitely some new pieces out there. I think we did pretty good and there’s always room for improvement. We just go back to the drawing board, work hard in practice and get better from there.”
When Brahms announced he was stepping away from football, many wondered who would take the spot he had locked down for four straight years.
This prompted Johnson and senior center Jalil Irvin to engage in a competitive battle for the top spot. As previously mentioned, Johnson won the battle, and Council says he’s impressing the team.
“He played such a great game,” Council said. “I know you can get on social media and see people worried about how he’s going to be replacing Brahms and stuff like that. If you ask me, he stepped up. He played a great game. And I expect him to do it every week.”
Johnson watched the offense from the sideline his first two seasons at Auburn, and though he admitted that it’s never ideal not to play, he’s grateful to finally get his shot.
“It was definitely rewarding,” Johnson said. “Sitting on the sideline for two years isn’t the most fun thing in the world, and a lot of hard work and time went into getting to where I’m at right now. To be told you’re the starter, it’s pretty rewarding.”
Head coach Bryan Harsin recognized Council as the Auburn offensive lineman of the week, but Council says he gives credit to the team for the award.
“I want to do what's best for the team,” Council said. “I'm going to work hard just like the guys around me work hard and whoever gets it each week, good for them, because they deserve it. Me personally, I think the whole O-line deserves it because we played a heck of a game.”
The Auburn offensive line will continue to build fluidity on Saturday when the Tigers face San Jose State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST.
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Jacob is a sophomore from Leeds, Alabama. This is his second year with The Auburn Plainsman.
Twitter: @JacobWaters_
