Auburn Football: Spring Practice Stock Report

5 of 5

Oct 4, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers and LSU Tigers at the line of scrimmage during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 41-7. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

UP: DT Dontavius Russell

One of Will Muschamp’s biggest areas of concern heading into his second stint as Auburn’s defensive coordinator is rebuilding the Tigers’ defensive line. Muschamp has to evaluate the talent available to him this spring, find where the players fit best in his 4-3 scheme and replace four recently graduated defensive tackles.

One player that is ready to step in is Dontavius Russell, who was good enough to play last season as a true freshman but redshirted because of the depth among interior defensive linemen.

“I felt like I had the ability to, but the coach decided it was better judgment for me to redshirt,” Russell told the media last week after practice. “That’s what I did. I learned a lot from them on how to react, how to play, not just on coaching, but for the players. That’s beneficial for a freshman. I picked up that I needed to work harder. Coming from high school to college, I need to work harder.”

Russell has been hard at work adding 20 pounds to his frame since arriving on campus (he is up to 300 pounds). He’s sure to be challenged by returning reserve Devaroe Lawrence, JUCO transfer Maurice Swain and DaVonte Lambert, who is recovering from a torn ACL, but Russell is now believed to be the favorite to start alongside Montravius Adams at either defensive tackle or nose guard.

Next: Five Redshirt Freshmen Ready to Contribute

More from Fly War Eagle

Home/Auburn Football