When Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown announced he would be playing in the Outback Bowl against Minnesota, the Tiger defense got a big boost in its hopes to get to 10 wins this season.

Head coach Gus Malzahn commented on the impact of one of his star players joining the team in Tampa.

“He’s determined and he’s a leader,” said Malzahn on Sunday, “and usually what happens when your leader does that, you know, the rest of guys are ready to go and it’s pretty inspiring for his teammates, I’ll tell you that.

“It says a lot about him, but it didn’t surprise me, I don’t think it surprised anybody. I mean that that’s who he is and he’s one of the best football players in all of college football.”

Clearly proud of one of his senior leaders setting that example, Malzahn even went on to mention his thoughts on Brown being among the best players in college football, just one day removed from the Heisman ceremony in which LSU quarterback Joe Burrow took home the trophy.

“You know, for me, I said something about three or four weeks ago he should be in the Heisman talk, I really meant that,” Malzahn added. “I mean, I truly believe he’s one of the best all-around football players, he’s one of the best players to come through Auburn since I’ve been here.

“He had a dominant season, not a good season, a dominant season, and we played an unbelievable schedule. And every time we played a big game he played his best ball, and then I’m gonna say Marlon Davidson, I mean I think he’s right in that same, you know, discussion. He had a great season, too. And I think he’s one of the best players in the country so we’re fortunate to have those two guys leading us.”

Brown enjoyed a senior campaign that saw the interior defensive lineman rack up 30 tackles, four sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles.

Fellow senior defensive end Marlon Davidson, meanwhile, put together 28 tackles, seven and a half sacks, and another pair of forced fumbles. Brown and Davidson were a nightmare for offensive linemen all season, and could both be taken within the first couple of rounds in next year’s NFL draft.

Having both players back gives Auburn a better chance to finish the season strong, and put a cap on their stellar college careers.