Auburn head football coach Gus Malzahn gave an update on his team Monday as SEC teams begin their first official week of practice.
Malzahn said most Auburn players have been on campus since June 4 and have each been tested for COVID-19 at least seven times since then.
The team is using what Malzahn called the “gold standard” of tests that involves a nasal swab. There were no positive cases amongst the most recent batch of testing that occurred last week which included all players, coaches and staff.
“You can just really see the excitement on our players, and you can tell that the coaches too. It has been a long time coming, we’re excited to get out there with our players today and start practice,” remarked Malzahn, who was addressing reporters via videoconference.
Four additional players have not yet completed their COVID-19 protocols but the coach said they should rejoin the team later in the week. Chandler Wooten and Traivon Leonard remain the only players who have opted out of the season.
Malzahn made his comments Monday as discussions continue over whether the football season will be played at all. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has said the conference he represents will be as cautious as possible in making the decision.
Two good signs for those wanting players to take the field occurred Monday. First, the SEC began announcing the newly added parts of their schedule. Kentucky will play at Auburn on September 26 as part of the COVID-19 delayed opening weekend.
Secondly, Malzahn said in his briefing that he hoped to announce “later this week” a plan for stadium capacity at Jordan-Hare Stadium in the event games are played.
Both indicate that the season is proceeding, but the full go-ahead from university presidents has not yet been given.
“We take it day by day and week by week. We’re just concerned about us. As of right now, we’re getting ready for the season,” commented Malzahn in regards to uncertainty around the season.
With regards to play on the field, Malzahn said that “teams with the most depth will have a big advantage,” citing the possibility of a starter catching COVID-19 at any point.
He also believes that Auburn will be well suited to tackle the 10-game schedule against exclusively SEC opponents because in recent years the Tigers have played one of the toughest schedules in the nation. He explained that makes his Tigers well adjusted to the level of difficulty.
“Adding two extra [SEC] games won’t be a shock to our system,” said Malzahn.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
