The Auburn football coordinators spoke to the media for the first time since fall camp began last week. Derek Mason steps into his first season as the Tigers’ defensive mind and expectations are high with a very talented group of players returning for the Tigers.
One of the biggest storylines of the offseason was the addition of Donovan Kaufman from Vanderbilt to the Tigers’ secondary and Mason was asked about his relationship with Kaufman:
"“(His parents) really trusted the idea that I was who I said I was. We’re very much alike in terms of our personalities. It’s a competitive (safeties) room and he’s the ultimate competitor.”"
Mason was asked about the competition at the EDGE position, along with transfers of DE Marcus Harris from Kansas and Tony Fair:
"“EDGE is a unique position for us. You have to set an edge and you have to have quick enough feet to take an inside move. I don’t think there’s one guy in that group of edge guys that we can’t count on.”“His (Marcus Harris) motor always runs…. He’s everything we thought he was when he transferred from Kansas. He’s fallen in love with that Coach Eason has brought to the table on the defensive line.”“Tony’s a grown man… Talking to Tony, it’s like talking to my little brother. I’m 52 and talking to Tony, it’s like he’s 50.”"
One of the biggest moves was J.J. Pegues to the defensive line from tight end and Mason spoke about the progress that Pegues has made this summer:
"“He’s getting progressively better every day… It’s a process. For him, just challenging him every day to be his best self. He can move the line of scrimmage. He can move laterally I just like the temperament he has shown since moving from offense to defense.”"
Auburn ranked last in third-down defense last season and Mason spoke about what needs to change to avoid another last-place finish:
"“It starts with stopping the run. Great 3rd down defenses put (offenses) in unmanageable situations. That is about being good in early-down and mixed-down situations.”"
Derek Mason has done an excellent job of filling the holes on this Auburn defense and it is going to be fun to watch what he can do with all the talent that this Auburn defense returns for the 2021 season!