AU no longer the enemy
The Iron Bowl has always been a simple subject for Austin Troxell.
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The standout sophomore left tackle from Madison (Ala.) Academy grew up an Alabama fan. He wanted Alabama to beat Auburn, plain and simple.
This year, it's gotten a bit more complicated.
Troxell, 6-foot-8 and 275 pounds, has seen the other side of the rivalry. He has crossed enemy lines. He's visited Auburn.
"And I really liked it," Troxell said.
Troxell first visited Auburn on Oct. 25 for the Tigers' win over South Carolina. He spoke to Gus Malzahn, area recruiter/running backs coach Tim Horton and offensive line coach J.B. Grimes.
The Auburn coaches wanted Troxell to join them on their side. They offered him an opportunity to be a Tiger.
"It was a real shock to me," Troxell said. "Coach Malzahn told me before the game and I couldn't believe it. It was an amazing feeling."
Troxell returned to Auburn two weeks later for the Tigers' game against Texas A&M. He visited again last weekend for Auburn's win over Samford.
"That was my third time down there and it was great," he said. "I talked to Coach Malzahn, Coach Horton and Coach Grimes again before the game. I really like them. I like all of the coaches."
Troxell has become more familiar with Auburn during his visits. He's grown more comfortable with the coaches.
His teammate, Rivals100 running back Kerryon Johnson, is committed to Auburn. Another teammate, junior fullback Malik Miller, is heavily considering the Tigers.
After his visits, so is Troxell.
"I grew up an Alabama fan," he said. "But I'm starting to like it at Auburn."
Simple enough.