The Auburn football program created a new Twitter account in January of 2021 to represent the strength and conditioning facet of the program. So far, they only have two tweets, both naming two athletes as Iron Men of the Week.
It seems the creation of this account serves the purpose of recognizing Auburn football players for their efforts in spring training workouts–and to motivate other players to strive for their best. The first two Iron Men of the Week were Owen Pappoe and Bo Nix, big names for the Tigers who have seen plenty of action on the field.
This week, the Iron Men are a little less recognizable, so it’s time to meet Luke Deal and Ladarius Tennison:
Iron Men of the Week:
— Auburn Strength (@AU_Strength) February 6, 2021
Luke Deal & Ladarius Tennison
Work, Hard Work does not go unnoticed! Congratulations on a great week of training!#WarEagle | #AuburnStrength 🦅💪 pic.twitter.com/B89Ek7iz8G
After redshirting his freshman season and first hitting the field in 2019, Luke Deal enters the 2021 season as someone we’re hoping to see more of. The 6’6″ 240-pound tight end hails from Greenwood, South Carolina, and was ranked a 4-star recruit by ESPN.
Deal has played 15 games over two seasons with the Tigers, and recorded 2 receptions with 11 receiving yards. Most active on the road, all of Deal’s stats come from away games–at South Carolina and at Mississippi State.
Ladarius Tennison is Auburn Strength’s other Iron Man of the Week and played 11 games for the
Tigers in his freshman season, 2020. The defensive back from Rockledge, FL has 13 solo tackles and 8 assisted tackles. He had one kick return attempt in 2020, and the Tigers may see him reprise this role in 2021.
It’s exciting to see two young players recognized for workout efforts, especially as a new era–The Harsin Era–is dawning on the Plains. With a new strength and conditioning coach in Jeff Pitman, we know the workouts are different, and Iron Men of the Week may hint at players to watch out for in the upcoming season.