A lot has changed on the Plains for the Auburn Tigers football program since last season, but there are still plenty of returning players on the roster for the 2026 season.
Last year, linebacker Elijah Melendez was working to prove himself as a true freshman, and ended his first season in orange and blue with 29 tackles, two interceptions and Freshman All-SEC honors. Under the new staff on the Plains, led by head coach Alex Golesh, Melendez is looking to step up in both his game and his leadership.
"I feel like as a mike linebacker, I've got to control the defense, get everybody settled, line everybody up," he said, per Auburn Undercover. "So, I feel like calling plays and stuff, that forces me to be vocal and stuff, forces me to be a leader. That's the position I play."
Golesh has been happy with Melendez's performance on and off the field this spring, and the linebacker says a lot of the credit goes to the new strength staff with the program.
"The strength staff came in, a bunch of great guys," he said. "Really fun to be around every day. Make the weight room fun, so it's not like it's just we going in there working for punishment. It's like we're having fun while doing it. We ran a lot. I was feeling really good in shape, so when the fourth quarter comes, I can still get everybody lined up during tempo and stuff."
And while Melendez is ready for year two under DJ Durkin's leadership on the defense, he emphasizes that Golesh is still making a big impact as the head coach.
"It's been really fun," Melendez said. "He's really involved. He's a violent guy, and when the head guy sets the tone like that, it's like you've got no choice but to follow their steps. The head coach is being vocal, and we just follow after him. He sets the tone."
The Tigers will continue spring practice until the A-Day spring game on April 18.