I thought that I saw a number 91 on the field Sat and was trying to figure out who in the hell it was. I assume it was Braden.
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/10/freshman_braden_smiths_role_ex.htmlPrint
Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com By Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com
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on October 14, 2014 at 9:56 PM
AUBURN, Alabama -- It seems Braden Smith has as many roles on Auburn's offense as he does nicknames.
The Auburn freshman, who teammates and coaches have nicknamed the Hulk, Terminator and Drago because of his intimidating size, debuted at tight end Saturday against Mississippi State. He played seven snaps as a typical tight end but did not go out for a pass. He had previously only played left tackle late in blowout victories this season, but coaches are working to expand his role.
"They felt like I could help out playing as an extra lineman/tight end on some plays on short yardage," Smith said. "I felt like I could get the job done and so did they, so I think I helped out pretty good."
Smith, whose 6-foot-6, 299-pound frame looks out of place at tight end, added a third position to his early playing career Tuesday at practice, where coaches had him work at left guard with the first-team unit.
"They're just trying to rest up some guys, so we only had one group going," Smith said.
Auburn (5-1, 2-1 SEC) is coming off a 38-23 loss at Mississippi State, which jumped to No. 1 in the polls following the victory. The sixth-ranked Tigers do not play Saturday and will rest up and correct mistakes leading into a showdown with South Carolina at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Oct. 25.
Smith has averaged 6.83 snaps in games this season. He primarily serves as Shon Coleman's backup at left tackle, but could play more tight end in the future.
"I've repped it sometimes during practice, but it didn't really come into anything serious until like the last week," Smith said.
When asked if he has caught any passes, Smith said he is "getting better." Smith's right wrist was wrapped in ice after practice Tuesday.
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