DALLAS – From scout team to leading tackler to preseason All-SEC, Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante’s ascension stems from his mantra.
Let’s work.
“That's kind of how I've been my whole life,” Asante said Thursday at SEC Media Days. “Energetic, outgoing, souped up, energy type guy.
“The guys have rallied around that saying. I brought that to the team last year. I'm just going to continue to try to embody it.”
At 6-1, 219 pounds, Asante relies on his motor to mitigate his measurements.
“Being an undersized linebacker people try to put stipulations on you or try to put narratives on you,” he said. “I feel like “Let's work" embodies everything I believe in. Relentless effort. If you believe I'm undersized, that's fine, but I'm going to show you the way I work, the way I play the game of football, and the way my passion and the love I have for this sport.”
🗣️ MR. LET'S WORK 🗣️
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) July 18, 2024
Relentless effort with work, hard work.@AsanteAssassin | #SECMD24 pic.twitter.com/QbbYGDVg8T
Buried on the depth chart in 2022 after transferring from North Carolina, Asante asked to be moved to the scout team, preserving his opportunity to redshirt. A new coaching staff last season brought new possibilities.
Six tackles in the season opener against Massachusetts earned Asante a starting position in Auburn’s road game against California. He responded with 12 tackles, the first of three double-digit performances in 2023 on his way to a team-high 86.
“Having them in my corner breathing life into us and telling us that we're doing a good job allowed me and propelled me to play that game the way I did,” Asante said of Auburn’s 14-10 road win over Cal. “I am so grateful to Coach Freeze and his staff for coming in and giving me confidence.
“They don't know that they changed my life truly in giving me that chance. I'm forever indebted to them, and I'm going to continue to try to make them so proud in whatever I do. I'm so grateful to Coach Freeze and the staff for giving me that opportunity when they did.”
Asante’s passion and production positioned him for leadership in his sixth and final college football season.
“Coming into this season and being more of a leader in terms of preparation and trying to allow the guys to have somebody to rally around,” he said. “I try to lean on my mentors and the example my father has left me.
“I had a leader in the household, so I try to be a leader every single day to this team and show the guys that I truly care about ball. Excited to put it together for this 2024 campaign.”
That campaign begins Aug. 31 with Kickoff on The Plains against Alabama A&M at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the first of five consecutive home games.
“That rich fanbase, that rich culture that is here at Auburn, certainly it's something we take pride in,” Asante said. “I'm going to continue to try to make our fans proud in everything we do.”