Tag: zakoby McClain auburn

Zakoby McClain named to Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List

Auburn linebacker Zakoby McClain has been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, an award won by Derrick Brown in 2019.

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Zakoby McClain is out for vengeance.

After the Auburn linebacker was denied postseason honors despite leading the nation with 113 tackles last season, he’s back to prove himself (and his doubters) wrong.

He’s already earning some recognition as he has been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. Per the award website, “The IMPACT award is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football’s Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.”

Auburn is no stranger to the award as Derrick Brown was the ultimate winner just two seasons ago.

Along with the 113 tackles (57 solo), McClain recorded 5.5 tackles for a loss, 3.0 sacks, 2.0 quarterback hurries, 1.0 forced fumble and 1.0 passes broken up last season as a sophomore.

2021 Auburn football player profile, overview: No. 9 Zakoby McClain

Auburn linebacker Zakoby McClain finished third in the SEC in total tackles last season but postseason award snubs has him inspired for 2021

Name: Zakoby McClain

Number: 9

Position: Linebacker

Class: Senior

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 219 lbs

Hometown: Valdosta, GA

High School: Valdosta

2020 Statistics: 113 total tackles (57 solo), 5.5 tackles for a loss, 3.0 sacks, 2.0 quarterback hurries, 1.0 pass broken up, 1.0 forced fumble

Twitter: @RicochetRabbit

Overview:

Somehow and some way, McClain was left off the All-SEC team last season after finishing third in the SEC in tackles (113) and being one of the most consistent playmakers in the league.

Expect the senior to use that for motivation heading into 2021.

“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.”

McClain and Pappoe form a vaunted linebacker corps for the Tigers that should be a major strength for Derek Mason’s defense. With his talent and the inspiration from getting snubbed, expect McClain to have another outstanding season.

Postseason honors snub inspiration for Zakoby McClain going into 2021

Despite leading the SEC in total tackles last season, ZaKoby McClain didn’t find his name on any postseason award lists.

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.

Leading SEC tackler Zakoby McClain returning to Auburn for 2021

Auburn linebacker Zakoby McClain announces he will return for his senior season in 2021 after leading the SEC in tackles.

Auburn and new defensive coordinator Derek Mason have received a big boost.

Zakoby McClain, who led the SEC with 113 total tackles in 2020, announced that he will return for his senior season in 2021.

As a junior in 2020, McClain posted 57 solo tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.