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Defensive back Tray Matthews signs a poster. (File photo)

OPINION: Three defenders poised to break out

While the Auburn offense will consist of mostly new faces in 2015, the defense will return many experienced players who saw playing time last year. But even with seven starters returning, defensive coordinator Will Muschamp’s new scheme should allow some younger players to show what they can do. The defense features some proven veterans, such as defensive back Jonathan Jones and linebacker Kris Frost, but will need to find others who can make an impact in Muschamp’s new system. Here are three players who could break out you need to watch during A-Day: Tray Matthews, safety There is no doubt Auburn needs to improve the secondary if it wants to have any chance of competing for the SEC Championship in 2015, and Matthews, under Muschamp, could do exactly that.

The Auburn Plainsman

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.

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Auburn women’s tennis earns SEC tournament victory

By Patrick Lucas | Sports Writer | April 15

Auburn’s women’s tennis team, ranked 12th for SEC tournament purposes, defeated the 13th seed Tennessee Volunteers Wednesday, April 15, in Columbia, SC. The Tigers, who beat the Vols 4-0 at home in the regular season, won 4-3 in their first match of the SEC tournament. The doubles point went to Auburn after victories on courts two and three.

The Auburn Plainsman

Tigers ready for National Championships

By Sam Butler | Sports Writer | April 14

On the day before the Auburn gymnastics team travels to Texas for the NCAA National Championships, the team had one final practice in the McWhorter Center on April 14, followed by a short conference with coach Jeff Graba, Caitlin Atkinson and Bri Guy. “There’s a lot of energy in the gym, a lot of excitement,” Atkinson said. After placing second in the NCAA Regional on April 4 in Auburn, the Tigers earned one of the 12 possible spots in the national championship, a feat the program hasn’t achieved since 2003. Despite reaching the national championship for only the third time in 22 years, the Tigers insist that the gravity of the situation won’t overwhelm them. “I think everyone expects us to just go in there and explode, to just collapse,” Guy said.

The Auburn Plainsman

McKean named SEC Male Diver of the Year

By Derek Thompson | Sports Reporter | April 14

Senior diver Fraser McKean received the Male Diver of the Year Award, the Southeastern Conference office announced Tuesday, April 14. The recognition came after his series of finishes in the 2015 SEC Championships, which included a first-place finish on the platform, and the NCAA Championships, where he took fifth in the platform and sixth overall on the 3-meter springboard.

The Auburn Plainsman

Five Tigers earn All-SEC Equestrian honors

April 13

The equestrian team received All-SEC honors last weekend voted on by the league’s coaches. Elizabeth Benson and Ashley Foster were recognized for their performances in equitation over fences and were placed on the All-SEC Team, with Benson also earning a place on the equitation on the flat team.

The Auburn Plainsman

Thompson named SEC Pitcher of the Week

By Sam Butler | Sports Writer | April 13

Following a dominant performance Saturday night, April 11, in a win on the road at LSU, sophomore Keegan Thompson has been named the SEC Pitcher of the Week. Thompson pitched his second consecutive complete game in the win, becoming the first Auburn pitcher to accomplish that feat since Colter Bean in 2000.

The Auburn Plainsman

Former Tigers inducted into Auburn Swim and Dive Hall of Fame

By Derek Thompson | Sports Reporter | April 13

Six former Auburn swimmers and program coaches were inducted into the Auburn Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame as the Class of 2015 on Saturday, April 11, at Auburn Arena. Former coach David Marsh, who led the Tigers from 1990-2007, guided Auburn to 12 NCAA Championships and 17 SEC titles. Auburn’s top Olympic performer of all-time, Kirsty Coventry, and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Eric Shanteau were honored.

Carl Lawson playing against Tennessee on Saturday. (FILE PHOTO)

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.

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Women’s tennis loses to Arkansas in a heartbreaker

By Patrick Lucas | April 12

Auburn’s women’s tennis team took on the Arkansas Razorbacks Sunday, April 12, in their last SEC match of the season. The Tigers lost 4-3 in a matchup that had four three setters. Auburn lost the doubles point despite a victory on court two by juniors Paula de Man and Michala Kucharova.

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