In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, DJ Durkin has a surprising requirement for his players and Tanner Burns provides an update on kicker Alex McPherson
During fall camp, Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze mentioned multiple times that he was prioritizing the safety of players before the season starts and that there was a little too much chippiness on some plays. In other words, none of the Tigers' have been playing at full speed during the preseason scrimmages.
However, the players are still practicing with high energy, and according to linebacker Eugene Asante, enthusiasm is non-negotiable for defensive coordinator DJ Durkin. Players mentioned that Durkin requires the players to celebrate both their wins and those of their teammates. He'll even pause film to ask guys why they aren't celebrating the success of their teammates.
"(Durkin) will watch the film to see if people are celebrating or not celebrating," linebacker Eugene Asante said, per Auburn Undercover. "If not, they've got a penalty. … We're just taking this energy and effort thing to a different level."
Update on kicker Alex McPherson
Earlier this year head coach Hugh Freeze told the media that sophomore kicker Alex McPherson has been battling a gastrointestinal health issue that has kept him out of practice. McPherson lost a lot of weight and was not medically cleared to participate though he has been present in team meetings.
This week, Auburn special teams coordinator Tanner Burns told Auburn Undercover that the kicker has been steadily improving and has regained a lot of the weight. He's starting to kick in practice again and is returning to his normal self.
"It was a slow process to get him to where he's at now," Burns said. "But I think he weighs a little over 140 now. So he's gaining that weight, he's starting to kick. Really kind of amping that up this week. Health-wise and everything, he's back to being himself. There was a point in time — he's always the type of kid that's going to say he's doing great whether he was having a good day or a bad day. But now the personality that we're used to him having has shown up more and more."