The Auburn football team has certainly undergone a transformation after the last two seasons. Under head coach Bryan Harsin, things went terribly wrong on the Plains, and it was more than just losing games. Morale was low, and there was a major sense of instability within the program.
Now, senior safety Zion Puckett is saying that he and his teammates have made it through the storm, and they go out there everyday to learn something new that they love about football and to get better. Puckett was one of the many players who made it through the storm and stuck with the Tigers rather than entering the transfer portal when a new staff was hired.
In Puckett’s opinion, he has unfinished business on the Plains and going through the many coaching and coordinator changes during his time at Auburn has only made him a better and stronger player.
Puckett’s attitude is paying off, and secondary coach Zac Etheridge is noticing his leadership ability and his mentorship over other players on the team, per Auburn Rivals:
"“He does everything right from a technique standpoint. He is really a vocal guy. Everybody in the room, when they have a question they go to Zion because he actually studied the game. He knows his ability, he knows his range and his football IQ is through the roof so he is able to put himself in a position at that size to get everybody lined up and in the right position every time.”"
The current Auburn football coaching staff has several former players in its ranks, including Cadillac Williams, Marcus Davis, and Zac Etheridge himself, and Puckett could see himself following in their footsteps down the road. But right now, his primary focus is on getting better and having a successful senior season this fall.