pass rushers show speed and confidence

[aubiefifty 18,231]

al.com

 

Auburn's pass rushers show speed and confidence

By Giana Han

3-4 minutes

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Auburn football practice scrimmage at JHS on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020 in Auburn, Ala. Todd Van Emst/AU AthleticsTodd Van Emst/AU Athletics

When asked who the best pass rusher is, after some thought, Big Kat Bryant declared T.D. Moultry the winner at the buck position.

Granted, Moultry is one of Bryant’s closest friends — he says their bond is similar to Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson’s — but Bryant said Moultry has been showing confidence on the field.

Derick Hall isn’t far behind Moultry, though. It’s tough for Bryant to choose because he said they’re both speed rushers with a similar plan. It really comes down to the two extra years Moultry has on him.

Hall gained playing experience right off the bat when he contributed as a true freshman in 2019. He played in 11 games and gained starting experience against Ole Miss. In that game, he had a season-best three tackles. Over the course of 2019, he made 13 tackles, with 1.5 tackles for loss, and had two quarterback hurries.

Bryant has been working with Hall, teaching him the quickest ways and the best ways he learned the defense. From what Bryant has seen in camp, the way Hall is coming along is “so good.” Hall’s footwork and hands have improved, and Bryant thinks he’s ready to take that extra step.

“Derick, he don’t slow down,” Bryant said. “He’s the defense.”

But while Hall is still learning the game, Moultry has had four years at Auburn to learn the defense. He is able to move more confidently because of his better understanding. All the work he’s put in over the last four years is yielding results.

“T.D. has invested a lot in his craft and it’s definitely showing,” Bryant said.

When Moultry first arrived at Auburn, he was a linebacker, but Auburn converted him to buck. He and Bryant, who was an outside linebacker in high school and also converted to buck, worked out together as they transitioned, and Bryant said it would mean a lot for him to have a big year.

Like Hall, Moultry was able to contribute as a true freshman. He played in 13 games with 15 tackles. The following year, he was listed as second on the depth chart at buck and made 11 tackles. In 2019, Moultry played in 12 games, recording four tackles with one tackle for loss and one sack. He also had four quarterback hurries.

Both Hall’s and Moultry’s development at the buck position will be very important to the Auburn defense this year. Not only did the defensive line lose two All-Americans in Davidson and Brown, but Bryant, who is Auburn’s returning starting buck, is playing all over the line. So far, he has played as a buck, defensive end and tackle.

Coach Gus Malzahn said they will need to extend the depth chart this year, looking at least three deep instead of two deep. To help with that, he said some of the older players will have to be flexible with what positions they play. The defensive line welcomed a large group of new faces this season, so veterans like Moultry, Bryant and Hall are critical pieces of Auburn’s success.

[Tigerpro2a 5,650]

My man crush....TD going to break out.

[McLoofus 35,182]

8 hours ago, Tigerpro2a said:

My man crush....TD going to break out.

He was my man crush last year. I'm confident that you will prove a more constructive devotee than I was.