Auburn might not have decided on a quarterback yet, but the Tigers do know who will be anchoring the signal-caller’s protection: LG Alex Kozan.

AU coach Gus Malzahn told AL.com that Kozan is as healthy as he’s been since 2013, when he earned freshman All-American honors.

“There’s no doubt,” Malzahn said. “I think he’s probably as healthy as he’s been since he’s been here. His confidence level and just the experience factor – he’s one of our offensive leaders, one our team leaders. He’s one of the guys when he talks he doesn’t say much, but when he talks everyone listens. He’s had a great spring and great fall camp.”

A herniated disc sidelined Kozan in 2014 and affected his play last season. He’s excited to be “completely healthy” for 2016.

“I was just happy to be playing (last season),” Kozan said. “(In) 2014 I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play again. So 2015 to play the whole season, obviously I didn’t play as good as I wanted to in a couple of games but you take that and you grow from there and keep getting better as a player.”

Kozan provides stability on the line.

“I think Alex Kozan, being a veteran, has been extremely steady,” offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. “And Braden’s been steady. Those guys, really, in that whole first five, from (Robert) Leff and (Xavier Dampeer) and Austin (Golson), those guys are older guys — that’s what we need. They’ve been steady.”