Auburn football: Bryan Harsin praises senior Iron Men of the Week

Auburn football has resumed the tradition of recognizing two players as Iron Men of the Week during the summer workout period for the Tigers. Each week, one player from the offensive side of the ball and one player from the defensive side are recognized for their hard work in training. A position group is also recognized weekly.

Last week, Coach Harsin honored the defensive line position group and named senior tight end John Samuel Shenker and sophomore safety Donovan Kaufman as Iron Men of the Week.

This week, the honors go to a pair of seniors that were hugely important to the success of the Tigers last season in senior wide receiver Shedrick Jackson and senior linebacker Owen Pappoe. The position group of the week is the specialists.

Announcing he would remain on the Plains for the coming season, Shedrick Jackson will play the role of experienced senior in a group of young, up-and-coming receivers. The Hoover native recorded 40 receptions for 527 yards and one touchdown during the 2021 season.

Although Owen Pappoe missed a large portion of last season due to an injury, he got off to a hot start for the Tigers and, similar to Jackson, will play a huge leadership role on the 2022 team. In five games last year, Pappoe racked up 23 total tackles and three tackles for loss.

Prior to his injury, Pappoe was voted team captain and also made the preseason All-SEC first team and the SEC Coaches third team. His goal this year will be to remain healthy and raise his draft stock as an NFL hopeful.

As senior leaders on this Auburn football team, both Shedrick Jackson and Owen Pappoe are no doubt Iron Men of the Week.