Auburn DB Smoke Monday figures to have a key role on the new Derek Mason defense on The Plains, and the veteran explained what the former Vanderbilt head coach brings to the table.

“He brings energy,” Monday said. “He brings that intensity into the room with him, like he sets the standard. When you’ve got a coach like that, it’s easy to follow him, because he’s never going to let you slouch, he’s never going to let you doubt yourself. He’s going to teach you the right way to do it, and you’ve just got to go out and get it. You know he’s going to be there every step of the way.”

Monday is expected to play alongside a new face at safety following the NFL departure of Jamien Sherwood. Since they were at different high schools, the safety duo will not be patrolling Auburn’s defense together in 2021. Sherwood left early for the NFL draft, and Auburn has a true battle for a starting safety spot on its hands for the first time in years.