On The Plains with Dorian Mausi: ‘Bring the best out of me’

AUBURN, Ala. – When fifth-year linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr. was choosing where to go for his final year of college football, he knew exactly what he was looking for in his next spot. 

“I came from a school where culture was a big thing and I wanted to continue my career in a place where that was important,” the transfer from Duke said. “I heard stories about what it was like here and when I visited with Coach (Hugh) Freeze, he told me that he wanted me to help bring up the young guys – to be in a position to teach those around me where I’m becoming a better player because of those leadership opportunities. That was what really persuaded me, and I loved that.”

So, when it was time to make the decision, Auburn’s pride and joy stood out the most for Mausi – the family culture of the Plains that seems to consistently draw people in. 

“When you come to Auburn, you can tell there is something different,” Mausi said. “Everything isn’t transactional here. It’s a family. I really wanted to be in this family-oriented culture because that’s what drives a team. I knew this place was going to bring the best out of me.”

Mausi brings a lot of experience to the Tigers. A two-year starter for the Blue Devils, Mausi amassed 144 tackles while in the ACC. In this next phase of his career, the best thing for Mausi was to find himself in a position to lead and pour into his teammates. 

“I just want to be a natural leader,” he said. “That doesn’t always mean I’m the loudest person in the room, but an example of someone who is just there and has their head on strong.”

What better time in Auburn football’s history to grow in leadership than now? With a team full of talented freshmen hungry to learn and get better, Mausi is poised to guide this group through the rigors of fall camp and a Southeastern Conference football season. 

“I’ve been so impressed by the young guys because they’ve come in with a plan, knowing where they want to go,” Mausi said. “And that’s what I’m here for. They know what they want to do, but they are always willing to learn and be corrected because I’ve been in their shoes.”

That desire to give back stems from his upbringing in the sport. Mausi began playing football when he was 7 in Detroit and ended up having a successful prep career at the University of Detroit Jesuit High as the defensive player of the year and an all-state performer.

“I was lucky to be placed around coaches that really influenced my life and these were people that really taught me about life,” Mausi said. “I still keep in contact with many of them. I was blessed to learn this sport with a lot of players that are now in the NFL as well. It’s been a great thing for me, and all have impacted me.”

Among those influences is the organization Sound Mind Sound Body Academy. The program’s mission is to prepare students for college and increase scholarship opportunities through extracurricular activities. And the work the organization did to help Mausi ignited his drive to give back. 

“When I realized I was going to be able to play college football for free, I donated all my graduation money back to that program for kids who needed the gear and needed help in school in Detroit,” Mausi said. “When people have big impacts in your life, it makes you want to give, and that program was huge for me.” 

As he’s come up through the sport, one of the biggest lessons Mausi has learned from football is the importance of not just growing physically, but more importantly, mentally. 

“Playing football has strengthened my mentality more than anything else,” Mausi said. “Your mind is the driving force behind you and your actions. So having that strong mentality and mindset, doing the hard work with your coaches and your teammates, and having those relationships is just huge in this sport. That’s what builds you. I feel like mentality is the biggest thing.”

That desire to strengthen his mind led him to a double major in psychology as well as innovation and entrepreneurship from Duke where he graduated this past May. 

“I also like to see how the mind works on the business side of things, and I just really like to know how the mind works in general,” the academic all-ACC honoree said. 

With that approach, Mausi knows having a strong mindset will play a big role in Auburn’s success this year. 

“Auburn can achieve whatever we set our minds to,” he said. “Getting to the playoffs is something we believe we can achieve. Cleaning up the little things and focus on the details are what will push us over to the next level.” 

Mausi got a taste of what this team can achieve when he participated in the A-Day spring game in April. 

“It was so fun seeing all of us come together, the defense coming together, the freshmen making impacts,” Mausi said. “We’re going to be something special because that’s what we believe.”

And on top of the team’s performance, Mausi is looking forward to a full Jordan-Hare Stadium and what makes playing for Auburn so special. 

“I’ve heard that the fourth quarter is crazy,” Mausi said. “That the swag surf is crazy. I’ve heard you feel everything in your skin and bones. It’s literally electric. And that is so important when you’re playing college football. To hear players rave about it is exciting – I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of.”

During his college career, moving from Detroit to Duke and now further South raises the question about the biggest differences about living in a different region of the country. 

“Accents, hunting and cowboy boots,” Mausi said with a laugh. 

But he also pointed out his favorite aspect of the South. 

“One thing I’ve noticed about the South and that I really respect is that Southerners love God first and family and football second,” Mausi said. “These are areas that matter the most in my life, and I’m in a place where those are the top priorities for almost everyone I’m surrounded by. 

“It’s a blessing to be down here in a place that heightens all things I want to be better at, so when people ask me how I ended up in Auburn, I just say, ‘Thank God that I did!’”