SEC MEDIA DAYS: Auburn believes defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will improve sagging defense

HOOVER, Ala. — Will Muschamp is out of eligibility, but it’s hard to argue any team landed a better recruit than Auburn did by hiring its new defensive coordinator.

Fired by Florida, Muschamp is regarded as one of the best defensive minds in the country, with the energy and wits to stand toe-to-toe with his new practice field peer, Tigers’ play-caller and head coach Gus Malzahn.

“I believe Will’s the best defensive mind in all of football, not just college,” Malzahn said. “He’s a breath of fresh air. Our players have taken on his personality.”

Auburn was ninth in the SEC last season in total defense with 398.8 yards allowed per game. Malzahn runs the ball, and the Tigers score points in bunches. That combination brings Muschamp, who inherits eight returning starters, a level of freedom he did not have at Florida, where points were harder to find.

Muschamp said the one concern entering the season is the number of young, inexperienced players the Tigers must count on, but that doesn’t begin to factor in talent. One weakness last season that should be improved – Malzahn called it Auburn’s Achilles heel – was a modest pass rush.

No. 1 overall 2015 recruit Byron Cowart, a 6-4, 260-pound defensive end, could have a big part in that.

“He will play, and I feel like he’ll be a big part of it before it’s all said and done,” Malzahn said.

Quarterback Jeremy Johnson is saddled with high expectations after a brilliant high school career and two seasons as a backup at Auburn. The 6-5, 240-pounder started two games and Malzahn said his greatest trait can be traced to wanting to be great. His time is now, and some believe he could be the best all-around player at the position in the SEC.

“I think he’s got a chance to be,” Malzahn said. “He’s ran our offense the last two years in practice. He ran this offense in high school, too. We really feel like the sky’s the limit for this guy. He’s earned the spot.”

With Muschamp’s philosophy and a flashy recruiting class, Malzahn said Monday that Auburn is ready to compete in a man’s league again, with the critical elements being able to “rush the passer and hit people in the mouth.”

NOTES: Greg Sankey made his inaugural opening address as SEC commissioner on Monday. Sankey replaced Mike Slive, who retired June 1 after serving in that role from 2001-2015. “As you can imagine,” Sankey said, “this is a bit of a moment for me.” Sankey is the eighth commissioner in conference history. … More than 1,100 media members were credentialed for SEC Media Days, a four-day event that ends Thursday.