Auburn football: Tigers expect UAB transfer to make big impact on defense

UAB transfer Tony Fair is expected to make a huge impact for Auburn football this season, AL.com reports. The UAB grad transfer should have an even larger role than initially anticipated after the unexpected departure of starter Tyrone Truesdell.

Tigers defensive coordinator Derek Mason said Fair brings the attitude that he likes to see out of leaders.

“Tony’s driven,” Mason said. “Tony’s a father. Tony is a grown man. I mean, when I sit down and talk to Tony, it’s like talking to a little brother, so to speak. He’s older. He’s very, very mature. You know, I’m 52. Talking to Tony, it seems like he’s 50. He’s a really mature young man…. Whenever you get maturity in the room — somebody who is quick and powerful and explosive, and you add some maturity to that, I think what you get is a calming force who can challenge guys to get better.”

Fair arrived at Auburn in the summer after spending two years at UAB. He recorded 57 tackles, including eight for loss and two sacks, in 18 games with the Blazers. He is one of seven transfers the Tigers added to their defense this offseason.

The 6-foot-1, 330 pound Fair brings experience that the Auburn defense is going to need this season, according to Mason. It will be a challenge for him. He originally signed on looking to make an impact in early-down situations. Now Mason and defensive line coach Nick Eason are trying to develop him into an every-down player.

“He’s a big dude, but he’s quick,” defensive tackle J.J. Pegues said. “I respect dudes like that just because of what people think of me. You know, I’m a big guy, but they just think I’m big, strong and slow — but Tony, he could really move.”

The Tigers open the season at 7 p.m. EST on Sept. 4 against the Akron Zips. Keep an eye on the former UAB transfer in that one, as he should make a big impact for Auburn football from the start.