2016 Senior Thank You

I love Auburn Football. I love everything about it. I love watching the players grow and getting to see how they change over the years they are at Auburn.  

As a high school teacher, I feel like college coaches and older players pick up where we left off. Each year, I enjoy writing an individual thank you to each Auburn senior. I am never sure if they see it or not, but I know that I put these words out there for them to see.  

I have a special appreciation for this group of seniors. They have been through many ups and downs. This is a very special and large group of seniors. It is quite lengthy.  So, in mostly jersey number order, (Carl and Stanton are at the bottom)  I present to you the 2016 Senior Thank You.

Photo from my personal collection @tatershell

Montravius Adams- Wow, what a season you have had. It has been incredible to watch you grow from a talented freshman to a skilled, mature leader. Thank you for everything you have done for Auburn. You have grown into an Auburn man and I know we will see you take that into the world and do wonderful things.  Your hard work and diligence have paid off, big time. We are so very proud of you. Thank you for your dedication to Auburn. It has been fun to call you Mon, Sacktravius or Carltravius. It's been a fun ride. Keep in touch with your Auburn family. You have a home with us always. War Eagle!

Photo from my personal collection

Jeremy Johnson- You have been one of the most unselfish players I have ever seen. You could have caused a rift in the team or even transferred but you did not do that at all. You helped in any way you could and you were ready when Coach called on you. That is the definition of a team player and of an Auburn man.  You have been brave, strong and tough. There are a few players in history who have demonstrated that kind of unselfishness. I count you in a group of players I consider to be the top of the line. The foundation has been put down for future players.  I KNOW there are great things in store for you. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.  Thank you for everything you have done for Auburn.

Tony Stevens- What a ride it has been! I know as a group you all have been through so much. Through it all, you kept your head up.  It was always exciting to see #8 make a spectacular catch, and boy, did you make some. Whether you know it or not, your attitude and dedication has set a high water mark for future WR. I know it will have an impact. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. It was truly noticed and will always be appreciated. I know the future holds great things for you.  Make sure you keep in touch with your Auburn family.

T. J. Davis - ALL THE DAVIS BOYS! You've had quite a ride at Auburn.  You've experienced a lot of ups and downs while there, but throughout it all you have demonstrated class and grace while playing football! You have demonstrated the definition of student-athlete and that really matters. You've set an example for future players that you can play and be an excellent student at the same time. Thank you for your time, dedication and effort to Auburn.  You made a difference an impact. Thank you!

Photo courtesy of Josh's mom, Marilyn

Josh Holsey - Wow, Josh. I am not sure where to even start. You are the epitome of not quitting. You battled through injuries, changes in coaches, wins, losses, and so many more things that people like me never knew about. I am personally appreciative of your two spectacular interceptions this year, especially the one with Vanderbilt since I was at that game! It is so much more with you though. You demonstrated a LOVE for Auburn and for the game of football. You are one of the hardest seniors to say goodbye to and I do not even know you! Thank you, Josh, for everything. You are why I love Auburn football. Your time, dedication, effort and tears are worth it. We appreciate it. Please keep in touch with your Auburn family.  I know we are going to see great things from you.

T. J. Neal - I wish you had come to Auburn sooner! We were just getting to know you! Thank you for coming to Auburn. You will forever have a home with us. Your time and dedication did not go unnoticed. Thank you. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to Auburn.  I know we will hear great things from you in the future. Thank you for all you have done for Auburn! War Eagle, TJ!

Rudy Ford - You are another player it is hard to say goodbye to! I think my favorite is seeing you run the ball after you intercepted it! You've had such a huge impact on the team. Your leadership has truly made a difference and it will be seen in future teams and seasons because of the impact you made on the younger players. In life, there are times that we have to roll with it. You took your new role and you went for it as hard as you could. Thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for Auburn. I have truly enjoyed seeing you play.  I know the future holds great things for you and I cannot wait to see what life holds for you. Thank you. War Eagle!

Austin Dupper - You are my favorite kind of football player. I love your heart and dedication. Your witness and leadership on the team has had a huge impact. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn.  Your dedication as a student-athlete has an impact on the younger players.  Your presence and effort did NOT go unnoticed. Thank you. You will always have a home at Auburn. I know the future holds great things for you and I cannot wait to see what happens for you. War Eagle, Austin.

Marshall Taylor- I also wish you had been with Auburn longer! We have loved having you! I hope you enjoyed your year with us. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. I think it is always a good example for the younger players to be able to see an older player who has already gotten their degree. Thank you for that influence! Your time and dedication have been noticed. You will always have a home with us at Auburn. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. I know it is going to be great things!

Damian Lewis What an example you lead with your academic honors! You have shown a real dedication that makes a difference. You have shown your teammates, especially the younger fellas that classroom efforts matter. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn.  I know we will hear great things from you in the future! War Eagle!

Greg Hall Jr.  Wow, I surely wish you had been able to come to Auburn sooner. You are the kind of player that makes an impact on others, especially the younger players.  It takes a lot of guts to transfer and take a spot as a walk on. I am so glad you were one who earned a scholarship. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. You will always have a home with us. Keep in touch with your Auburn family! War Eagle!

Jack Bjork You may never know the differences that you have made for the Auburn football team, but I promise your academic  honors made a difference. When you have players who are dedicated students, it sets an example for other players. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn.  It did not go unnoticed. I know we will hear great things from you in the future. Come back and visit often. You always have a home with us. War Eagle!

Xavier Dampeer  You're my neighbor! Well, sort of anyway. I teach in Lucedale! I am so proud of you and what you did at Auburn.  The O-Line has been incredible!  Thank you for all you have done for Auburn.  You made more of a difference than you can ever know. Your time and dedication has not gone unnoticed.  You got that degree and that shows a model for younger players. You have helped to lay a foundation, both with your academics and your O-line play that will make difference for future players and future teams.  You will always have a home with your Auburn family. Come and visit us often. I know we are going to hear great things from you.

Jackson Thomas   Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. I know your hard work has paid off in ways that you may never see.  Walk-on players have a special place in my heart. Also, your efforts in the classroom make an impact that you may never know about. Make sure you keep in touch with your Auburn family and come visit us often. You always have a home with us. I know we will see great things from you.

Alex Kozan  You have always been such an impressive player. The O-Line has steadily improved while you have been there. I really wish you had never gotten hurt, but I am so glad you fully recovered. I know there were days in recovery that you probably wanted to just give up, but you did not do that. Thank you for all of your hard work for Auburn. It was noticed and appreciated. The work you did with the O-Line has set the bar and foundation for even more improvement at Auburn. You haven't even seen all of the results of your hard work yet. I know for sure we are going to hear great things from you. Please keep in touch with your Auburn family. War Eagle!

Robert Leff  It has been a joy to watch you throughout your career. Living in Mobile, I have seen you play some since high school.  Your efforts and dedication to the classroom are greatly appreciated. I know it had an impact on players when you may not have been aware of it. Also, thank you for your hard work with the O-Line. You guys have been steadily improving and I believe that you just set a foundation for future greatness in O-line play.  Thank you for your time and effort and dedication to Auburn.  It was noticed. I know the future holds great things in store for you. Make sure you keep in touch with your Auburn family. You will always have a home with us. War Eagle!

Marcus Davis Anytime I think of you, I think about the big catch you had in the 2013 BCS game. Thank you so much for all you have done for Auburn. You have always been a fabulous representative of Auburn. We were lucky to have you. This group of seniors set the groundwork for some future teams. Thank you. I know we are going to hear great things about you in the future.  Your time, dedication and effort were definitely noticed. Come and visit us often. War Eagle!

Maurice Swain You have been a joy to watch over the years. I am so glad you came to Auburn! I know you had to work hard to get to us!  Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn.  Your efforts were definitely noticed. I think this team was pretty special, and every member of it played a role.  Keep in touch with us and come see us often. You will always have a home at Auburn. I know we are going to hear great things from you.

Kevin Phillips Not often can I say this about a punter, but it has been a joy to watch you play at Auburn! Your fake punt pass for a touchdown was fun to see!  Your "Kicking it with Kevin" segment was always the 2nd best part of the Review. My favorite part is when we get to watch the team sing. Seriously, thank you for your dedication to Auburn. Your hard work and diligence paid off and it was definitely noticed. I hope the new punter was able to take a few pointers from you. We will really miss you. I hope you keep in touch with your Auburn family. I know we are going to hear great things from you. You will always have a home with us. War Eagle!

Devaroe Lawrence  What an example you  have set for younger players! I know you had to work your tail off to get to Auburn. Congratulations on your degree. That hard work shows the younger players what can be achieved with hard work.  I believe we have only begun to see the work this defense is going to do. Your work has set a foundation that will make a difference for years. Thank you for your time and dedication. It was surely noticed and appreciated. Please come and see us soon and let us know what you are doing. I feel certain there are great things in your future! War Eagle!

Stanton Truitt There are so many things that you have accomplished already! You earned that degree! I always loved seeing you run the ball. We are definitely going to miss you, but we wish you well in everything you will do. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to Auburn. Your hard work was definitely noticed and appreciated. You will always be a part of the Auburn family. I know there are great things in your future. Make sure you keep in touch with us and visit when you can. You always have a home with us.  I will always be your fan, no matter where you play. (OK, there is ONE place) War Eagle, Stanton.

Photo from my personal collection

Carl Lawson  Last, but definitely not least is Carl. I would like to thank you for the way you always handle your business. From your recruitment to your announcement of leaving for the NFL, you have always handled everything with class and integrity. I am so proud to call you an Auburn Tiger. You have battled through injuries, changes in defensive staff, and so many other things. Your hard work has not only paid off, but it set an example for other players. We are really going to miss you. The defense was elevated the second you put your foot on the field. I believe that this defense has only just begun to show what it is going to do and you were a huge part of that change. Be sure to keep in touch with your Auburn family. I know we will hear great things from you. War Eagle, Carl!