Zakoby McClain isn’t going to forget that he earned no postseason SEC honors following the 2020 season. In fact, he is going to use it as motivation.
The Auburn linebacker led the SEC and tied for the national lead with 113 total tackles last season but was ignored by both the media and coaches when it came to awards.
“It hurt a little they didn’t give me any award last year, but it just gives me more motivation,” he said. “I have got a chip on my shoulder to just keep going harder and harder.”
The inspiration is good news for an Auburn defense that will rely on strengths at the linebacker and secondary positions under new coordinator Derek Mason. Along with the total tackles, McClain also recorded 5.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
With K.J. Britt now gone off to the NFL, McClain also has a chance to make a difference on the team.
“I am going to try to make more plays and be a better leader,” he said.
One change that he is making is his weight where he has put on close to 10 pounds in the weight room this offseason.
“Oh yeah, they got us big in the weight room,” he said. “They got us doing a lot of stuff in the weight room making sure we are getting right so we are game-ready and stuff.”
That’s scary news for opposing offenses everywhere.