AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn kicked off the first preseason camp in the Bryan Harsin era Friday with two practice sessions, veterans in the morning and newcomers in the afternoon.
"We get to go out there, get the helmets on and get ourselves ready through these 25 practices that we get, and start preparing for the season," Harsin said. "It's a good vibe. We're all looking forward to getting back out there on the field. That's been the focus."
While Auburn returns players with starting experience at a majority of positions, Harsin emphasized the value of competition at every spot.
"You've got to let guys compete," he said. "Every guy here wants to play. Every guy on this team wants to be on the field and wants to contribute. They're going to get their opportunities to do that. They've got to make it count.
"You create that competition in that room. I think it brings out the best in all the players. At the same time, as a coach you want to have depth, and competition creates that. To me, that's the fun part of having a chance to compete.
"We get the best players on the field, the guys who have earned it, deserve it. And that's really how things should be. You earn it, you get your opportunities and you're the best, then you're going to have the chance to go out there and play and be on the field when it's game day."
In contrast to 2020, Auburn's offensive line at all five positions features players with starting experience.
"When we walk on the field, we know what to expect," senior center Nick Brahms said. "Today was a good practice. I think we gelled pretty well today and we're just looking forward to building off of that.
"We know how much work we've put in in springtime and summertime. We work hard all year long for the opportunity to play football in the fall. We're going to be tough guys and we're going to lead this football team."
Defensively, Auburn returns linebacker Zakoby McClain, who led the nation with 113 tackles last season.
"It gives me a lot of motivation to keep working hard," McClain said. "Being a leader and trying to win more games for my team."
Senior safety Smoke Monday will lead Auburn's secondary, sharing his experience with younger teammates.
"I had a lot of guys when I first got here who taught me a lot," Monday said. "I really didn't think I'd be in this position so quick. It feels good to be an older guy in the room.
"I thrive under pressure. When all of the pressure is on me, that's what I feel like I'm at my best."
Auburn will hold its first fall scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 14, three weeks before the season opener vs. Akron Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium.Smoke alert: Senior Smoke Monday takes part in a special teams drill
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer