AUBURN, Ala. – As Marcus Woodson heads into his first season as the defensive backs coach at Auburn, the excitement level has ramped up to a new level.
Since 2006, he's made coaching stops at Memphis, Fresno State, Charleston Southern and Millsaps College, and every year around this time, the adrenaline starts kicking in. But for the first time since he was a player at Ole Miss from 1999-2003, he's returning to the SEC.
"I'm anxious," Woodson said. "I am. Since I've been coaching, to have an opportunity to coach in this conference has always been a goal of mine and a dream as well because I played here and I wanted to have the opportunity to coach at it. I think the SEC is the most elite conference in college football.
"But with that being said, running a post (route) at Fresno State, at Memphis and at Auburn – it's a post. And defending it, the fundamentals of the game don't change. But the excitement and the passion and the recognition here is unbelievable, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Woodson was added as the 10th assistant coach in January, and though he'll tell you it was simply "being in the right place at the right time," his resume speaks for itself. He's coached numerous all-conference players, including Memphis defensive back T.J. Carter, the AAC Rookie of the Year last year, and he's always been known for his ability to recruit – a trait that's been evident since he first arrived at Auburn.
On the field, Woodson has primarily worked with the cornerbacks, allowing fellow assistant coach Greg Brown to focus on the safeties. It wasn't long before the players started making a connection with their new coach.
"He's very energetic," junior Javaris Davis said in the spring. "I love Coach Woodson so far. He's very hands-on. He really cares about his players, and his main focus is to get you better. He's not going to sell you short, so don't sell him short."
"I enjoy him," added fellow cornerback Jamel Dean. "It feels like he's an uncle to me. Every time we see each other, it's just good vibes."
For Woodson, this is arguably the most talented group of defensive backs he's ever had the opportunity to coach. Davis and Dean were both named to the preseason coaches All-SEC teams on Thursday while converted wide receiver Noah Igbinoghene has been one of the bigger surprises this offseason as he's vying for one of the top cornerback spots.
There's also the freshman trio of Smoke Monday, Jamien Sherwood and Christian Tutt, who were all Top 300 players coming out of high school.
"I have flashes at practice and I see guys do certain things and I'll be like, 'Wow,'" Woodson said. "This is a talented group. I'm excited to coach them. Just watching them, the way they show up to practice every day is a 'wow' moment. Just being around them every chance I get is a 'wow' moment. To understand the character they possess as kids individually and then the work ethic that they bring as a group, I'm excited."
Off the field, Woodson has found a new home in Auburn. From the fan base to the administration to just the people in the community, everybody has welcomed the new coach and his family with open arms, and that embrace has made their transition to The Plains that much easier.
"I'm a firm believer – regardless of where you're at – it's the people that make a place special," Woodson said. "And that's the No. 1 thing that stands out about Auburn. It's truly a family. A lot of people use that word loosely, but it's truly a family atmosphere and feel here at Auburn that's different than any other place I've been."
The only thing left for Woodson? Coaching his first game. He'll get to do that in little over a week when the Tigers open the season against Washington on Sept. 1.
Greg Ostendorf is a Senior Writer for AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greg_ostendorf
