Tigers to build defense around experienced linebackers

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247sports.com

 

Tigers expected to build defense around experienced linebackers

ByMark Murphy

3-4 minutes

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Two players who could surprise in Auburn's preseason practices

 

AUBURN, Alabama–As the Auburn football team opens preseason camp the Tigers are expected to build their defense around last season’s top tacklers, linebackers Zakoby McClain and Owen Pappoe.

McClain, a senior for the 2021 campaign, was the SEC’s leading tackler last year with 57 solo stops and 56 assists. Pappoe wasn’t far behind with 56 solo tackles and 36 assists as a sophomore.

A key to success for both linebackers is that each has excellent speed. “That part of their game is huge with the teams that we going to face,” said Bryan Harsin, who will send his Tigers on to the field for their first preseason practice on Friday.

Harsin said having proven linebackers to build the defense around is “absolutely” a big deal for the Tigers as they put together their 2021 team.

“I have seen those guys play,” the coach said. “I have obviously worked with them in the spring and this fall camp is going to be good to get back out there and have more experience with those guys at that position.

“Any time guys have played and you can go back and review the film...and there’s a lot of coaching that happened from last season also so these guys are better players. They have learned. They have been in this league. They know what to expect.”

Pappoe, McClain and the rest of their teammates will take the field on Friday for the first of 25 preseason practices as the Tigers prepare for their Sept. 4th season opener, a home contest vs. the Akron Zips. The competition is expected to be much tougher as the season progresses with the defense facing quick offensive play-makers who can put major pressure on linebackers who aren’t athletes with good speed.

ZaKoby McClain makes a tackle in Auburn's 2020 victory over LSU at Jordan-Hare Stadium. (Photo: Jason Caldwell/Inside The Auburn Tigers, 247Sports)

“The way the offenses are, they are spreading it out, they are going to try and get the ball on quick throws in space,” Harsin said. “When you have got guys that can close space and distance real quickly, and those guys can do that, you are going to eliminate the run after catch.

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“You are also going to put yourself in position, too, to make a play on the ball,” Auburn’s first-year head coach pointed out. “Both those guys are able to do that. Now, it’s just a matter off getting them out there again, getting better at schemes that we have already installed in the spring—stuff they worked on this summer. I know they have improved in those areas.”

McClain was selected as a preseason second team All-SEC player at the league’s media days while Pappoe was named to the third team.