With DJ Durkin as interim head coach, Auburn has had a new approach in its preparation.
There has been a significant change in the Auburn Tigers since the day following their 10-3 loss at the hands of Kentucky that led to a change in leadership.
DJ Durkin taking over as Auburn's interim head coach has brought a renewed energy to the team as they fight to reach a bowl game, and this has included the manner in which the team prepares to play.
Defensive lineman Xavier Atkins is a fan of Durkin's leadership and believes it will lead to a turnaround within the program.
"It's great, man," Atkins said of the quality of Auburn's preparation under Durkin's leadership. "For him to come out and lead a team, get us fired up every week and every day. He's hard on us. Practices are urgent and intentional. Just having that type of leader, making sure we're coming out, knowing what we're supposed to do every day, what we're supposed to bring, and what the standard is here at Auburn University."
Atkins believes this change will benefit the program's loyal supporters.
"We've got the best fans in the country despite the season we've had," Atkins said. "We all had big expectations for this year. We've still got sellout home games. When we go on the road, Vandy game, there was a lot of Auburn fans there. It felt like it was Jordan-Hare when we were at Vanderbilt. It was special to me. We've got the best fans, and I just want to come out there every Saturday and give them something worth sitting down for."
Despite the adversity the team has gone through this season, Atkins explained how it has stuck together.
"We've done a lot together," Atkins said. "Just staying together as a team and understanding what we're doing, why we're playing together as a team, playing for Auburn University. We're staying together as a brotherhood. It means a lot to us to stay together."