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Nobody at Auburn would argue that 2014 was a season to put in the rear view—maybe forever—and nobody understands this better than Gus Malzahn.
Stating earlier today that Auburn lost its edge in 2014, Gus and the 2015 Auburn Tigers are looking to get it back, and it started with today's first practice of the spring.
From Malzahn's press conference earlier today (via @wareagleextra):
Malzahn says goal No. 1 is "to understand base execution of offense, defense and special teams."
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 10, 2015
Goal No. 2 is "to get our edge back." And the third and final goal is to "gain trust" between coaches and players.
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 10, 2015
Some other key notes to take away from today's events (via Auburn's talented group of beat writers):
1. Auburn will be relying heavily on its quarterback play to develop a potent offense. It's the start of what many have called the "Jeremy Johnson Era" on the Plains, and Gus has a proven track record for creating and maintaining some of the most dangerous offenses in the SEC around his QB's. Auburn fans will certainly be excited to see what Mr. Football can do against a more competitive string of SEC defenses around the league.
2. Will Muschamp is already "bringing the intensity" to a defense that sorely needs it:
#Auburn DB Johnathan Jones says new DC Will Muschamp brings a lot of energy and intensity, he wants to compete #WDE pic.twitter.com/juibJpKBsY
— Melissa Y. Kim (@melissaykim) March 10, 2015
Muschamp has already gotten to witness much of Auburn's defense this year, starting with the Tigers' disappointing loss to Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl. Now, finally in his official role, Muschamp will begin to put the pieces together for a defense that can produce week in and week out in SEC play. And speaking of a powerful defense...
3. Carl Lawson is back. We know he's already spent a considerable amount of time getting healthy and back into the swing of normal workouts. At full speed, the 2013 defensive phenom will be a serious shot in the arm for Auburn's defensive line.
Watch Carl Lawson in drills and Jason Smith field punts at Auburn's first spring practice http://t.co/6orJjmRXW9 pic.twitter.com/FPkrC7Pvcn
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) March 10, 2015
4. It's off to the races for Auburn's running back corps. The battle for the starting spot began today between Roc Thomas, Peyton Barber, and Jovon Robinson. Auburn fans took notice when Roc didn't see much more playing time after his early Iron Bowl mishap. It'll be refreshing for both Thomas and the rest of the team as he gets a chance to take the starting position with a decent amount of freshman experience under his belt.
QB Jeremy Johnson will get first snaps in spring ball, but the tailback will rotate between Roc Thomas, Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) March 10, 2015
In case you didn't see it earlier today, we posted a quick recap of Malzahn's presser on the site.
So, Tiger fans. What are your thoughts about the rest of the spring? A-Day? Summer? The next Avengers movie? Share in the comments below. We'll continue to keep you posted on the weeks leading up to A-Day this spring. War Eagle.