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One of the big questions coming into 2017 was how Auburn would replace All-American Carl Lawson’s pass rush. If anything, the Tiger pass rush has gotten better.
Through seven games, Jeff Holland has recorded eight sacks and forced four fumbles. Holland needs only 4 more sacks in the next four games (plus bowl) to break Auburn’s single-season sack record of 11.5, set by this man:
Auburn’s top sack masters brings great players and great performances to mind. Nick Fairley had 11.5 on his way to the 2010 National Championship. Hall of Famer Kevin Green had 11 in 1984. First rounder Dee Ford added 10.5 in 2013. Quentin Groves, possessor of the Dreadlocks of Power had 10 in 2006. Jeff Holland’s 2017 deserves to be mentioned with these all-time greats.
Holland’s new nickname is Sensei Mud, originating from his use of hand-fighting techniques in training. Holland trains in a headband marked with the Chinese character for “mud.”
Jeff Holland wears a headband with a Chinese character. I eventually translated it to mean "mud."
— Clint Richardson (@Clintau24) October 2, 2017
Your guess is as good as mine. pic.twitter.com/XFOEUezO8r
Whatever he’s doing is clearly working. Two more sacks will place him in the top 10. Three ties him for second. Four places him alone atop the pedestal.
We may not see him in 2018, but this year is one to remember.
Poll
Who Is Your Favorite Auburn Pass Rusher of the Last Decade?
This poll is closed
-
11%
Jeff Holland
(17 votes) -
11%
Carl Lawson
(17 votes) -
14%
Dee Ford
(21 votes) -
0%
Corey Lemonier
(1 vote) -
32%
Nick Fairley
(47 votes) -
0%
Antonio Coleman
(1 vote) -
27%
Quentin Groves
(40 votes)