Bryan Harsin on COVID vaccine; Auburn's team numbers: 'I am not anti-vaccine'

Bryan Harsin is entering Year 1 as Auburn’s coach, but as Week 1 approaches, his tenure has hit a snag.

Harsin is currently quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19. Auburn’s vaccination rate continues to lag behind other SEC West programs.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Harsin insisted he is not anti-vaccination, saying that narrative is misinformed:

“Let me be clear, I am not anti-vaccine and any narrative along those lines is misinformed,” Harsin says.

— Alex Scarborough (@AlexS_ESPN) August 25, 2021

Harsin added that the Tigers’ vaccination numbers continue to improve ahead of the season opener:

Auburn's Bryan Harsin said the vaccination numbers continue to improve, but he says more work needs to be done.

— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) August 25, 2021

Harsin added that there have been multiple talks with players about the vaccine and that he cares about the information they receive:

Harsin: "I care deeply that our players have the information that they need to make informed decisions that affect them. I support them"

— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) August 25, 2021

Will Auburn get to the 85% vaccination threshold? Harsin said he’s confident his team can get there soon.