Auburn concludes spring practice with first A-Day scrimmage of Golesh era

AUBURN, Ala. – After a Tiger Walk reminiscent of an SEC gameday, Auburn concluded spring practice with the first A-Day scrimmage of the Alex Golesh era Saturday in front of 34,276 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.     

“Beyond grateful for what that Tiger walk crowd was for our kids,” Golesh said. “For me to get off the bus and it look like that was incredible. It was great to get a gameday environment. I can only imagine what it’s going to be like with 88,000 in there. Especially for guys who have not been here, to get that environment and play in front of people is priceless for us.”

Using a scoring system that awarded offensive points first downs, touchdowns, field goals and explosive plays, and defensive points for three-and-outs, takeaways and sacks, the offense outscored the defense 66-43.

The score, however, mattered little to the head coach.

“There’s no winner in the whole thing other than our team with nobody getting banged up,” Golesh said. “We made it out healthy. It was physical, which we wanted. I told these guys after the game, if we can stay together, stay connected, continue to build a level of trust within that locker, we’ve got a chance to have a have a good football team.”

Freshman receiver DeShawn Spencer earned offensive MVP honors by making nine receptions for 93 yards.

“It was a huge thing for me,” Spencer said. “Building up until today, I felt like I had an okay spring. Today was really important to me. I was like, whatever I’ve got to do, I’m going to leave it all out on the line. Whether that’s a competitive catch, making a big block, some type of way to create an explosive play.”

Sophomore edge Jared Smith, who intercepted a screen pass and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown, was voted defensive MVP.

“A blessing,” said Smith, who also recovered a fumble atter an errant shotgun snap. “If we get the ball back, it’s more opportunities for our offense to score. We like our chances with our offense. Everybody’s coming into work every day. That’s what I like. A gritty defense ready to work, all 11 guys flying to the ball.”

Kicker Alex McPherson, who made field goals of 26 and 55 yards, was voted the special teams MVP. Connor Gibbs added a 30-yard field goal and an extra point.

Auburn’s defense limited the offense to two conversions on 15 third downs.

One of those third-down conversions resulted in the scrimmage’s first touchdown, a 28-yard completion from Tristan Ti’a to Duke Smith.

Nykahi Davenport scored a touchdown on a 7-yard rush. Ti’a scored the game’s final touchdown on an 11-yard quarterback keeper.

AnQuon Fegans and Fred Gaskins III shared the team lead with six tackles apiece.

Jacoby Mathews, Bryce Deas and Wayne Henry also made interceptions. In addition to the five takeaways, Auburn’s defense was credited with seven sacks and nine tackles for loss.

While Golesh’s coaching staff hits the recruiting trail next week, the team will take a couple weeks off to recover from spring practice before resuming training next month.

“If in any way, shape or form we splinter and don’t come together, then it’ll be an average squad,” Golesh said. “We have a long, long way to go. I do love this group, they’re intentional in what they do. They’ve done what we’ve asked them to do. We’ve got a huge summer ahead of us.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer