Roberts has high expectations for secondary
AUBURN | Stephen Roberts has high expectations for Auburn’s secondary this season. Very high.
“We can be the best in the country, I believe. I really believe that,” said Roberts, who was fifth on the team with 57 tackles and added two interceptions last season as a starting safety.
He is one of six defensive backs returning with starting experience including fellow safeties Tray Matthews and Nick Ruffin, cornerback Carlton Davis, cornerback/nickel Javaris Davis and safety/nickel Daniel Thomas.
The return of Jamel Dean and Jeremiah Dinson from injuries has given the group a further boost of talent and depth.
“As a group, we just have to get out there and communicate, knowing our job on the field,” said Roberts of the key to the secondary’s success. “That’s one thing that we talk about every day, communication, and make sure you do your job.
“I think from that standpoint it would be better that everybody can play different positions too as well in case nicks and bruises go down then you got somebody to step up.”
First-year secondary coach Greg Brown is also stressing the importance of mental toughness and concentration, especially late in games.
“He always emphasize with us just to always never give up,” Roberts said. “We’ll be out there tired sometimes but you have to fight through when you’re tired and that’s when your technique has to kick in. He’s big on technique.”
In addition to starting at safety, Roberts is hoping to become Auburn’s full-time punt returner this season. He took over for an injured Marcus Davis at the end of last year and returned six punts for 100 yards including a 58-yarder in the Iron Bowl. Roberts said it takes a special mindset to return punts on this level.
“Courage. You’ve got to have courage because it’s not easy looking up at a ball and 11 guys are coming at you,” he said. “You have to have great courage and that’s one thing that I learned by just watching the older guys. You don’t worry about anything else but catching the ball.”