Horton loves Auburn 'to my soul'

AUBURN | Mike Horton ended spring as the second-team right guard behind returning starter Braden Smith, who was named second-team All-SEC last season. But Horton is a lot closer to playing than one would assume being behind Auburn’s best offensive lineman.

Horton is likely the Tigers’ sixth or seventh offensive lineman so an injury to any of the starting five could put him in the starting lineup.

“Mike's doing a great job, he really is, for a guy who is a freshman,” offensive line coach Herb Hand said. “Mike is a guy we're expecting really big things from as we move forward.”

Hand, who was hired away from Penn State by Gus Malzahn three months ago, used spring practice to find his starting five and also establish positionally flexibility. Most of the veteran offensive linemen worked at multiple positions including Smith, who played some right tackle, a position where he’s started two career games.

“We have to have a plan that if something were to happen and we have to shift some bodies around,” Hand said. “What's allowed us to do that is the versatility of guys.”

Whether it’s as a starter or key backup, Horton will be ready when called upon.

“Anywhere I can get on the field and help my team that's what I'm trying to do,” Horton said.

Horton is one of five freshmen offensive linemen that redshirted last year. He was the best of the group during practices last fall, going on road trips and getting work with the second-team offensive line.

Horton was working with three of those redshirt freshmen on the second-team in the A-Day game with Tyler Carr at right tackle, Kaleb Kim at center and Marquel Harrell at left guard.

“It's great working with all of those guys I came in with. I love those guys. We have a close chemistry,” Horton said.

Horton flipped his commitment from Florida to Auburn last Signing Day. Part of that was due to his relationship with Will Muschamp, who was hired as Auburn’s defensive coordinator shortly after he was fired as the Gators’ head coach.

Muschamp departed for the South Carolina head coaching position in December while offensive line coach J.B. Grimes left Auburn for Cincinnati in January.

But their departures haven’t lessened Horton’s feelings for Auburn one bit.

“They were a big part of my recruitment but I came here because I wanted to come here. It wasn't really because of anything extra they said,” Horton said. “I really love Auburn, like to my soul. I just love Auburn so them leaving didn't really affect me that much. I was close to them but they had to go do what they had to go do. I'm happy for them.”