FanHouse WillHerring

We've talked the past few days about the lack of senior leadership on this Auburn team. Many have pointed to a lack of leadership by the old guys as a reason for the meltdowns against Arkansas and Georgia. Personally, I think that's an over simplification. But it's hard to argue that leadership hasn't played some role in the Tigers struggles this season.

It's ironic that this senior class is on the verge of being the most successful to ever wear orange and blue and yet we're talking about their ability to lead. True, there is really no senior leader on this team. You could argue that the Irons brothers, Will Herring, Karibi Dede or Courtney Taylor are the go-to guys, but it has been hard to see where they've rallied the troops this season. Until now.

Reports out of Auburn on Tuesday are that Taylor gave an impassioned speech to the offense that brought tears to his eyes and others. Taylor knows the rivalry better than anyone on the team. He grew up just outside of Tuscaloosa and has been a part of three wins over the Tide.

Everyone was thinking it. Could Auburn live up to the expectations? Could they handle the season opening jitters? Not since 1990 had an Auburn team been ranked so high coming into a season.

As fans tailgated around Jordan-Hare Stadium yesteday, the subject always managed to come up. "Hey man, how have you been? Are these your kids? Really? Wow they've grown since I last saw them. Do you want a beer? Well what do you think? Can we handle it tonight? Can we get it done this time?"

That conversation took place thousands of times around campus Saturday afternoon.

The Auburn defense answered that question quickly, setting the tone with three sacks in Washington State's first three pass attempts. It looked like Stanley McClover and T.J. Jackson were still playing against the Tide. From there, Kenny Irons and John Vaughn took over, leading Auburn to a convincing 40-14 season opening win against Washingtion State.

If Auburn ends up playing in the desert on January 8th it will probably have Will Herring to thank. New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is rolling the dice in hopes that Herring will be as effective as a linebacker as he was in the role of safety for the past three seasons.

There are risks in moving a known commodity to a new position. The coaches in the SEC think those risks are minimal. Despite never playing a down at strong-side linebacker, the coaches made Herring a preseason All-SEC selection. The Opelika, Alabama, native lead the team in tackles last year with 69. In his three years on the Plains, Herring has the second most tackles on the team in that time with 176.

All indications are that he is adapting well. Will had a solid Fall practice and has already gotten the attention of the coaches. Linebackers coach James Willis says Herring is progressing fine. "The biggest change for him was how to line up," Willis said. "Other than that, he's the same type of player: He's smart. He's athletic. He's very open-minded. A good guy, as he always is."

The only negative so far has been a nagging hamstring injury that has kept him out of practice a few times. Herring says he'll be ready to go on September 2nd.

Willis also believes the move to linebacker could pay off financially for Herring.

"I would think so, because you have to compare yourself with the rest of the players and the rest of the league," Willis said. "At safety, he may have been out of place. At linebacker, he definitely has the body, the frame, the speed and intelligence to play that position.

"I can really see him playing in the NFL."

But for now Will Herring is focused on getting Auburn to Arizona in January. How he adapts will go a long ways in determining Auburn's success this year.

Football Saturday In The South