Gus Malzahn spoke to the media following Auburn’s first day of fall practice today. Here are a few tidbits and notes from the day:

  • New Auburn safety Tray Matthews missed the opening day of practice. Malzahn said it was for “personal reasons” and that he will be back tomorrow (Wednesday).
  • Assistant coach J.B. Grimes attended practice today despite having cancer surgery just last week. Malzahn said that “J.B. is probably the toughest coach in college football.”

  • DE Carl Lawson had his first “full-go” practice with the team since tearing his ACL during the spring of 2014.
  • On the topic of Jeremy Johnson and the hype that has surrounded him this offseason, Malzahn emphasized that the team and players “have to earn everything we get. Preseason hype means absolutely nothing.”

  • Malzahn noted that the team doesn’t need extra locker room material for motivation entering the season. He added that “8-5 is enough to motivate our guys.”
  • No captains have been selected yet for Auburn. Selections will be made closer to the week 1 game.
  • New Auburn DE Byron Cowart looked the part of the nation’s top recruit during his first practice.

Auburn opens the 2015 season against Louisville on September 5 in Atlanta, Ga.