Gus Malzahn addresses media after tumultuous day for the Tigers
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn spoke with reporters after Auburn’s second practice session today.
The conversation was dominated by this morning’s news that RB Jovon Robinson had been dismissed from the team.
Without mentioning the dismissed player directly, Malzahn discussed how the Tigers are going to make up for Robinson’s loss, including moving a freshman defensive back, Stephen Davis Jr., to a new position:
Malzahn says freshman Stephen Davis Jr. is at tailback right now in practice. #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) August 4, 2016
Though Davis has made the switch, Malzahn said he’s not moving any other defensive backs as of now:
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn says DB Rudy Ford is not moving to tailback. #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) August 4, 2016
Malzahn also discussed the status of DB Marshall Taylor, who was not at practice again today:
Malzahn still says former Miami (OH) DB Marshall Taylor is still "taking care of some personal business" and is still a member of a program.
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) August 4, 2016
Sophomore RB Kerryon Johnson, who is now the likely starter, participated in his first press conference and started out with praise for the recently departed Robinson:
“Me and Jovon spent a lot of time together last year, he is a character," Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson spoke highly of former teammate
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) August 4, 2016
But, he added, now it’s time for him and the other running backs on Auburn’s roster to step up and fill the void:
Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson; "I've never doubted myself in my life. I believe I can be a 1,000-yard rusher." #MGMAuburn
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) August 4, 2016
Which running backs step up between now and the start of the season, and what Malzahn decides to do with them, will certainly be something to watch ahead of the 2016 campaign.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
