The Auburn Tigers will need to have some players step up in the secondary after losing guys like Carlton Davis and Tray Matthews to the NFL.

One of the players who will have to step into a bigger role is CB Javaris Davis, and it sounds like he’s up for the challenge.

Davis recently spoke about moving to the nickel corner position, saying he hopes the change can help him have a season like the one former LSU great Tyrann Mathieu had back in 2011 (via AL.com):

“I think me moving to nickel has just been the best for the team,” Davis said. “I’m just trying to help the team in any way possible. I feel like me being there, just being closer to the line of scrimmage, being able to make those plays and hopefully have a Tyrann Mathieu-type of season.”

Davis has recorded 66 tackles (seven for a loss), one sack, four interceptions and 13 pass breakups over the past two seasons.

If he can continue to play well this fall, he’ll help the Auburn defense continue to be dominant.