Auburn Redshirt Freshman Shares Appreciation After Derrick Brown’s Return to the Plains
An Auburn redshirt freshman has expressed his gratitude after receiving valuable guidance from former Tigers defensive standout Derrick Brown during a recent visit back to campus.
Brown, one of Auburn’s most highly regarded defensive linemen of the modern era and a top NFL draft selection, returned to the Plains during his offseason with the Carolina Panthers. His appearance at spring practice quickly turned into a learning opportunity for current players, especially those on the defensive line.
Among them was sophomore defensive tackle Jourdin Crawford, who highlighted how meaningful it was to hear directly from a player who has already succeeded at the highest level of football.
According to Crawford, Brown went beyond general encouragement and offered detailed insights into technique, preparation, and the small habits that helped shape his professional career.
“He talked about things we could improve, areas that might help us develop, and even shared things he focuses on personally,” Crawford said. “It means a lot because he’s been in our position before, played on this same field, and understands what it takes. Getting advice from someone like that helps push us forward.”
Crawford, who took a medical redshirt during the 2025 season after limited appearances, featured against Texas A&M and Mercer. In those games, he recorded two assisted tackles, showing glimpses of his potential despite an interrupted campaign.
Brown, meanwhile, continues to make his mark in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, finishing the 2025 season with 73 total tackles, five sacks, five tackles for loss, and seven pass breakups—further reinforcing his status as one of Auburn’s modern success stories.
The visit also reflects a wider cultural shift within the Auburn program under new head coach Alex Golesh, who has placed strong emphasis on reconnecting current players with the program’s history.
Former Auburn linebacker Takeo Spikes praised Golesh’s approach, noting his intentional focus on building a culture that embraces past and present players alike.
Spikes explained that Golesh views program building as an ongoing process, stressing yearly development while honoring those who helped establish Auburn’s tradition.
With former stars like Derrick Brown, Cam Newton, and Takeo Spikes engaging with the program across multiple eras, Auburn continues to strengthen the bridge between its historic legacy and its future direction.
As the offseason continues, more former Tigers are expected to return to campus, further reinforcing the program’s growing connection between past success and present development.