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Today was Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele's turn in front of the reporters. I believe this was his first press conference since his introduction.
There's some interesting notes on players Auburn fans have been anxious to hear more about. Jeff Holland is playing mostly at the "Buck" (or was it the Bandit for Steele?), Byron Cowart is coming along nicely, and Prince Tega Wanogho is fun to watch.
There's some interesting injury news, as well. Paul James III has not been practicing at all this spring, so far. That's less than ideal to say the least. Rudy Ford hasn't been practicing because of his illness, and Josh Holsey is cross-training in the defensive back-field in off-field meetings and planning while he continues to work back from his knee injury. The key thing in that, to me, is mostly just that it confirms Holsey is going to be back.
That's pretty much it in a nutshell. Lots of little nuggets, but they're still just that: little. We're not going to know much about this defense until they hit the field against Clemson. Not even A-Day will give us the full picture of what they may be capable of.
Auburn DC Kevin Steele recapping team's third spring practice, first in pads, wants to build physical, dominating group
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 5, 2016
DC Kevin Steele says "relentless effort" is his goal for this defense.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) March 5, 2016
New Auburn DC Kevin Steele called DE Byron Cowart "a physical talent with great attitude."
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 5, 2016
DC Kevin Steele says it's too early to assess players meaningfully on an individual basis. Today was the first day in pads.
— Jay G. Tate (@JayGTate) March 5, 2016
Steele on linebackers: "They're an eager group... They're just young and inexperienced. We have to develop them fast."
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 5, 2016
Steele said Jeff Holland is playing at "Buck" right now. "He has the physical attributes to be a player."
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 5, 2016
Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele says linebacker Tre' Williams 'is trying to be a good leader… he's working hard to do that.'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) March 5, 2016
Auburn DC Kevin Steele: Paul James III has a "medical deal" and isn't practicing, been attentive in meetings
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 5, 2016
Auburn DC Kevin Steele: "I spend more time with with Rodney [Garner], Wesley [McGriff] and Travis [Williams] than I do with my wife."
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 5, 2016
Kevin Steele on his Auburn defensive coaching staff: 'It's just like a team. We've got each other's back.'
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) March 5, 2016
Steele says Josh Holsey is cross-training more at safety than cornerback in the meeting room. He's coming back from another knee injury.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 5, 2016
Auburn DC Kevin Steele: Dictionary (terminology) is similar to last year, trying to make latest coaching change an easy transition
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 5, 2016
Kevin Steele on CB Jamel Dean: "Long. Pass physicality. Really knows how to play the position."
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 5, 2016
Kevin Steele said 6'8" redshirt freshman DE Prince Tega Wanogho is "really fun to watch" at practice.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonBR) March 5, 2016
Auburn DC Kevin Steele: Declined to say if Rudy Ford practiced, leaving those questions to head coach
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) March 5, 2016