Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele is in his first season on the job, but five practices in, he seems to be getting a positive response, especially from one lineman who did not like the fiery intensity of former defensive coordinator Will Muschamp.

Tigers DL Carl Lawson recently spoke to Michael Niziolek of the Ledger-Enquirer, a Columbus, Ga. paper, comparing the coaching styles of his two most recent coordinators:

“I like Coach Steele’s coaching style,” Lawson said. “He’s making us put in effort without having to do all the screaming and stuff. When we got that, I honestly feel it makes us want to compete.”

Lawson further paints Steele as a coach focused on teaching:

“I wouldn’t say he’s a players’ coach, but he gets the point across without fussing at you, and then everybody responds well to it,” Lawson said. “The way he’s been coaching, people have responded well to it, and I have too.”

If Lawson can stay healthy, being on the same page as his defensive coordinator should lead to a productive junior season on the field.