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    Daniel Locke
    Daniel Locke
    Oct 23, 2025, 02:24
    Updated at: Oct 23, 2025, 02:24

    Auburn will be without Connor Lew, its starting center, for the rest of the season after he tore his ACL during the Missouri game. Kail Ellis, the youngest player in FBS, will step up.

    The Auburn Tigers will be undergoing a change on its offensive line, as center Connor Lew has been sidelined for the remainder of the season with an ACL tear.

    In his place is Kail Ellis, the youngest player on an FBS roster this season.

    It has not been established who will start at center against Arkansas on Saturday, but Ellis will be occupying a spot on the offensive line.

    "It's very impressive," said offensive lineman Mason Murphy. "It speaks to the work ethic that Kail (Ellis) has. I mean, he's a dog. To come in here as a 17-year-old, reclassify, come here early, have the mental focus he has? It's very impressive, and I have nothing but confidence he's going to get the job done Saturday."

    Murphy has been pleased with what he has seen from Ellis both on and off the field so far this season, and is confident he will be able to handle things.

    "His work ethic is great," Murphy said. "He's easy to lead. He's never going to talk back. He's always going to ask questions, but he's never going to think he's doing the right thing. He's always going to take in the information and be coachable."

    Lew has found a way to remain involved with the team this season. He has been assisting the coaching staff with helping the unit during practice, something his teammates are appreciative of.

    "Every time, I'm going up to him asking, 'Snaps good? Am I doing this right? Am I doing this certain body movement right? Am I making the right calls?' He's invaluable," Murphy said. "He's going to be a big tool for me as I'm making this adjustment." 

    Ellis, Murphy and the rest of the Tigers will attempt to snap their skid against Arkansas on the road at 11:45 a.m. CT on Saturday. SEC Network will carry the television broadcast.