AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn will take center stage at SEC Media Days next Thursday, the fourth and final day of the event. It was announced Wednesday that quarterback Jarrett Stidham, defensive lineman Dontavius Russell and linebacker Deshaun Davis will join head coach Gus Malzahn and represent the Tigers in Atlanta.
Stidham returns as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. The Baylor transfer was named SEC Newcomer of the Year last season after throwing for 3,158 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also led the conference in completion percentage (66.5).
Russell turned down the opportunity to go pro to come back to Auburn for his senior season and earn his degree. As a junior, the 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive lineman recorded 46 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He's played in 40 games with 37 starts over the past three seasons and has 117 career tackles for the Tigers.
Davis, also a senior, led the team in tackles (82) last season. He's started every game at linebacker the past two seasons and has 150 career tackles.
At last year's SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala., Auburn was represented by Daniel Carlson, Tray Matthews and Braden Smith.
Greg Ostendorf is a Senior Writer for AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @greg_ostendorf