Alex McPherson, 4 Others Earn Auburn Captain Honor Ahead of Florida Showdown
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The Auburn Tigers have announced their captains for Saturday's game against the Florida Gators.
For the third week in a row, Alex Golesh has picked new captains, as he intends to do each week during the season of his first year as the head coach on the Plains.
The list of five features a few mainstays, as well as a trio of debuts showcasing the vast depth of Auburn leadership. Both quarterback Byrum Brown and linebacker Elijah Melendez were named captains for the third straight week and seem to be the mainstays on both the offensive and defensive sides. They were joined this week by tight end Jake Johnson, defensive lineman Cody Sigler, and kicker Alex McPherson.
Byrum Brown, quarterback.
This may be the biggest non-story here, with Byrum Brown being named a captain for the third straight week. When a quarterback is not named captain, it becomes an issue. Brown is obviously a leader on this team and continues to improve from week 1 to week 2.
Last week in Auburn's 43-8 victory over Southern Miss, Brown went 18 for 29 for 226 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 88 yards on the ground.
Jake Johnson, tight end.
Johnson might have been one of the most talked-about players in terms of leadership during the offseason, so his name finally arriving as a captain is no surprise if you kept up with both spring and fall camps.
Johnson was held without a catch last Saturday but was a big table setter in the first game of the season against Baylor, recording three receptions early in the game. A huge surprise, as Golesh's offensive scheme usually does not utilize tight ends in the passing game.
Cody Sigler, defensive lineman.
After recording a safety last week against Southern Miss, Sigler is rewarded with the captaincy for the upcoming game against Florida.
Sigler transferred from Arkansas State this past offseason and has quickly become a leader inside the Auburn defensive line room. His position could be the X-factor in this game, as Florida's interior offensive line could be a weakness. If Sigler and the rest of the defensive trenches of the Tigers can capitalize, they could slow down their top player, Gators running back Jaden Baugh.
Elijah Melendez, linebacker.
For the third straight week, Melendez is named captain and has quickly become the "quarterback of the defense."
With a stacked linebacker room, one of the best in the country, Melendez is truly starting to become one of the best players and leaders on this Auburn team. So far across two games this season, he has 18 tackles, the most in the SEC. He has also recorded one sack this year.
Alex McPherson, kicker.
One of the most inspirational stories in college football history may be the one of Alex McPherson.
The strength it took for him to return to college football and play at the elite level he is at as the starting kicker for the Auburn Tigers is something fans will remember forever.
But him being named captain for the first time this season against the Florida Gators in what is predicted to be a very close game does not go unnoticed. Especially since one of the most famous Auburn wins in recent memory against the Florida Gators came from kicker Wes Byrum's game-winner in the Swamp in 2006
The game on Saturday is very pivotal for both programs, as it is the opening game for conference play. It is also the first game for both first-year head coaches inside the SEC.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 pm Central Time at Jordan-Hare Stadium and can be found on ESPN.
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