Coe expected to start
AUBURN | The legend of Nick Coe continues to grow.
The redshirt freshman is set to start Auburn’s season-opener against Georgia Southern Saturday at defensive end.
Kevin Steele was asked during an interview Wednesday if he thought Coe was ready to make a significant impact.
“Yes, yes I do. If we didn’t, we wouldn't start him. We’d start somebody else,” Steele replied. “It looks like he’ll probably be the starter unless something changes between now and then, which I don't foresee.”
Coe can play multiple positions on Auburn's defensive line.
Jay G. Tate/AuburnSports.com
Coe, who has been lauded by coaches and teammates throughout fall practice, could also play Buck linebacker or defensive tackle against the Eagles and throughout the season.
“He’s a big man,” Steele said. “He’s gained probably close to 40 pounds since he’s been here. He’s two-time, three-time state championship wrestler so he understands leverage. Understands the utilization of hands.
“He’s got a high, high skill level, and football is important to him. He’s really done a nice job.”
Marlon Davidson, who started all 13 games at defensive end as a true freshman last season, has been slowed by a couple of injuries during preseason practice including a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow that he suffered in spring and requires a brace. He injured his right knee during a non-contact drill during the early portion of fall camp.
“I think probably the only thing it might be is with football-playing conditioning. Everything else is fine,” said Steele on how the injuries have affected Davidson. “He has a lot of games under his belt at a high level with a lot of snaps. He got spring practice and some fall camp and then has gotten back in fall camp.”
Steele said the defense is in good shape overall going into the opener.
“We’ve mixed and matched a lot, some by design and some not by design, with little nicks and bruises here and there, but nothing that would prevent anybody from being ready to go,” he said.
Kickoff at Jordan-Hare Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
