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Muschamp looks to bring ‘Boom’ back

By Andrew Monson | Sports Writer | April 16

After another season of dwelling near the bottom of the SEC defensively in 2014, coach Gus Malzahn knew the defense needed improvement if the Tigers were to compete for another national championship. In perhaps the biggest move in the offseason, Malzahn did just that by hiring former Florida coach Will Muschamp as the new defensive coordinator. The move brought a man who is familiar with both defense and Auburn, as he was previously Auburn’s defensive coordinator from 2006-07. His 3-4 hybrid defensive scheme was not the reason for his dismissal at Florida.

Moncrief mans SAM position, Lawson gets full-contact work

By Derek Thompson | Sports Reporter | April 13

Derek ThompsonSports Reporter Moncrief mans SAM position, Lawson gets full-contact work Auburn’s defense had a big interception that it returned for a touchdown in its second-week scrimmage on Saturday, April 11, coach Gus Malzahn said. While the defense appears to be making the right strides for improvement from last season’s performances, it’s still trying to man a few spots. One of those spots is the SAM, a position that requires the third linebacker to play in open space and on the end of the line.

Robinson having his ‘best spring' in midst of running back competition

By Eric Wallace | Sports Writer | April 11

“My spring right now is probably the best spring I’ve ever had in my life,” Robinson said. “The material I’ve been introduced to, I’ve been so focused on it. This is like no focus I’ve ever had.”

​Position battles wage on as spring practice continues

By David McKinney | Assistant Sports Editor | April 8

Nobody on Auburn’s offense has been named a starter yet, at least according to offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. The most high profile position race is undoubtedly at quarterback, where Jeremy Johnson is expected to take the reins, but Lashlee said that the coaching staff still isn’t ready to name the official starter. “Jeremy and Sean (White) have been solid,” Lashlee said.

Smith looks to contribute anywhere he can

By David McKinney | Assistant Sports Editor | April 7

Quarterback -turned-receiver Jason Smith is the type of football player a coach wants on the field. He’s a versatile speedster who can play multiple positions, and can be a great asset to a quick-running offense like Gus Malzahn’s. Smith said that since he’s moved to wide out, he’s looking to make an impact on the field in any way he can. Smith said that at some point in the fall, he expects to be used in a wildcat type package at quarterback, where he says he can swing the momentum toward the Tigers. “Every time I touch the ball I think about breaking it,” Smith said.

'Nothing stood out negatively' in Saturday’s scrimmage for offense

April 4

Expectations are higher than ever for the offense this season with the loss of key players. However, the offense fell to the newly reconstructed defense in regards to evident progress and overall plays made in Saturday’s scrimmage. Although Gus Malzahn said the offense wasn’t moving in a negative direction, there weren’t any plays that stood out as anything spectacular.

Defense bests offense in Saturday scrimmage

By Eric Wallace | Sports Writer | April 4

“The defense probably got the best of the offense today,” Malzahn said. “There were probably more big hits than in any of the scrimmages we’ve had up to this point.”

Muschamp: Secondary making steady progress early in spring practices

By CJ Holmes | Sports Writer | April 3

Days away from Auburn’s first spring scrimmage in Jordan-Hare Stadium, defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said he is pleased with the progress the secondary has made thus far this offseason as coaches continue to define roles at key positions. “We purposely, some days, throw a lot at them to see how they adjust and how they handle it,” Muschamp said.

Jason Smith makes full-time move to wide receiver

By Derek Thompson | Sports Reporter | April 1

The nation’s No.1 JUCO athlete told his coaches that he wants to concentrate on being a receiver have a smaller role as a quarterback, Malzahn said.

Auburn defensive lineman set for first full season

By Patrick Lucas | Sports Writer | March 17

Last year’s Auburn team struggled to get to the quarterback. The leader in sacks among defensive linemen, DeVonte Lambert, is gone along with Gabe Wright and Angelo Blackson. Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Dontavius Russell will look to make those players’ departures the opportunity he’s waited a year to get a shot at. “Last year was difficult because I felt like I had the ability to play,” Russell said.

Auburn’s quarterback competition continues

By Patrick Lucas | Sports Writer | March 17

There’s no shortage of questions for Auburn’s football team and coach Gus Malzahn to answer this spring.

​Malzahn ready for Stevens to take next step

By David McKinney | Assistant Sports Editor | March 17

Auburn has a talented squad of receivers ready to catch passes this fall. Guys such as Ricardo Louis and Duke Williams, seniors with on-field experience, will no doubt be the leaders among the group, but there are a few players who are looking to have breakout years come August. One of those players is receiver Tony Stevens, a rising junior out of Florida, who so far in his Auburn career has six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Coach Gus Malzahn said the coaching staff expects Stevens to have more of an impact in 2015. “He’s one of the guys (where) we’re ready to take that next step,” Malzahn said.

Smith talks position change

By David McKinney | Assistant Sports Editor | March 17

Sophomore offensive lineman Braden Smith recently shifted in on the line, moving from tackle to guard. Smith, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 299 pounds, said he’s noticed some mechanical differences since the switch. “It’s a different experience,” Smith said.

UPDATED: Malzahn holds high hopes for defense’s first spring practice

March 13

With this year’s addition of defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to the coaching staff, changes, and hopefully improvements, are sure to follow on the defensive line.

Muschamp expects defense to take advantage of opportunity in spring practice

By Derek Thompson | Sports Reporter | March 13

Expected to clean up an Auburn defense that hasn’t finished in the top half of the SEC since 2007, defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said he needs to know the players he can count on and the one’s that will be able to make adjustments come game time. The players that can’t do those two things are going to be replaced with someone who can, Muschamp said. “I told them all I am going to guarantee is an opportunity,” Muschamp said.

Jeremy Johnson top contender for quarterback

By Eric Wallace | Sports Writer | March 13

It’s been a long two years for Jeremy Johnson. The No. 5 overall quarterback in the class of 2013, according to Rivals.com, Johnson has spent the majority of the last two seasons watching from the sideline as the Nick Marshall-led Tigers raced to SEC and BCS Championship Games.

Lutzenkirchen’s father preserves son’s legacy​

By David McKinney | Assistant Sports Editor | March 12

On June 30, 2014, former standout Auburn tight end and fan favorite Philip Lutzenkirchen made a decision. After a night of drinking, Philip got into the backseat of a Chevrolet Tahoe that was being driven by Joseph Ian Davis. Neither Davis nor Philip made it out alive after Davis failed to stop at a stop sign.

​New defense, no problem for Jonathan Jones

By Andrew Monson | Sports Writer | March 10

With the hiring of Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator, senior cornerback Jonathan Jones is learning his third defense during his four years at Auburn. But that does not seem to bother Jones at all, who has a simple approach to learning new schemes. “The thing about football is there’s different terminology, but it’s basically the same thing,” Jones said.