Bryan Harsin has seen Smoke Monday’s development first-hand, and appreciates his contributions to Auburn, including leading the team in tackles last week against Texas A&M with 9, a season high.

“I really liked Smoke as a person,” Harsin said Wednesday on the SEC coaches media teleconference. “I liked his energy. You can tell he’s a guy who loves the game. … Throughout the season, he’s tough, he’s smart, he works hard. The things we do are important to him. That’s showed up this entire year.”

Monday is third on the team with 45 tackles, and also has an interception and 3 pass breakups.

Harsin also updated the status of S Zion Puckett, WR Malcolm Johnson Jr. and OG Brandon Council ahead of the Mississippi State game.

“Those guys are good. Nothing season-ending. Expect those guys to play,” Harsin said. “They should be ready to go in this game.”