Jan. 4, 2017
By Charles Goldberg
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - Braden Smith says his work is not done at Auburn. The junior offensive lineman said Wednesday he's decided not to enter his name in the NFL draft and will return for his senior season.
"I feel like we have a chance to do something special next year. It's exciting," Smith said. "We have a bunch of people coming back. I feel like it's going to be a really strong line next year."
Smith was part of an O-line that produced three of the most productive offensive games in Auburn history this season. He helped pave the way for Kamryn Pettway to rush for 1,224 yards, and for Kerryon Johnson to go for 895. Auburn's 543 rushing yards against Arkansas was the highest total ever in any SEC game.
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Smith, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2016, said he wanted another year with offensive line coach Herb Hand.
"Playing under Coach Hand definitely made me a better player," Smith said. "He's definitely a great coach. I've come miles under him. He took me to a different level and helped me develop as a player."
Auburn is losing two seniors starters in the line in Alex Kozan and Robert Leff. But Smith said he likes the players coming up to replace them.
"I'm excited for the future," he said.
Charles Goldberg is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @AUGoldMine