Auburn Football: Team Awards after First Third of Season

3 of 7

Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU receiver D.J. Clark (82) is tackled by Auburn Tigers lineman defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive MVP – Johnathan Ford

Just as it’s not surprising to see Kerryon Johnson as the team’s offensive MVP, it’s not surprising to see safety Johnathan Ford as the team’s defensive MVP.

The senior defensive back leads the team through four games with 28 tackles and 3.5 tackles for a loss.

He’s second on the team with 17 solo tackles, and he seems to always been around the football on defense.

He also has two pass break-ups and one quarterback hurry.

Ford is just a do-it-all kind of guy in this defense. He’s experience and ability in this defense is irreplaceable.

At 6-foot-, 204 pounds he has the ability to cover a team’s top receiver on the outside.

What is most impressive about Ford though is his ability to tackle in open space. When Auburn defensive backs have really struggled to tackle over the past two-plus years, Ford has been the one guy you can count on.

To me he’s the best player on this defense, and by far the most important player.

Tray Matthews has also had a nice year in the secondary as he’s second on the team in tackles with 25.

Honorable Mention:

Tray Matthews – 25 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss, 2 pass break-ups

Montravius Adams – 13 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 1. 5 sacks and 6 quarterback hurries

Carl Lawson – 9 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks and 8 quarterback hurries

Next: Freshman of the Year

Home/Auburn Football