Auburn CB Kayin Lee: 'We have a nasty defense for everybody to see'
AUBURN – Sophomore corner Kayin Lee says he is entering 2024 with much more confidence. He sees several talented players around him and is ready to take the next step as a leader on the team.
“It feels good,” Lee said. “I have way more confidence coming into this year knowing that our scheme is going to be a little bit different. I like it because it reminds me of high school the way our scheme is. We have a lot of guys coming back around me that I look up to who I know I can trust on the field. We’re looking pretty good right now. I feel great.”
Lee feels DJ Durkin’s style of defense has plenty of NFL concepts that will help him translate to the next level.
“It’s definitely easier to remember,” Lee said. “The concepts are getting bigger on me so I am growing as a player on the field and off the field. The concepts within it are helping me learn and get ready for the NFL.”
So far, Lee has been impressed with Durkin.
“Coach Durkin is a great coach and he has given us some great tips within our defense,” Lee said. “It’s a simple scheme. I don’t want to say too much, but we have a nasty defense for everybody to see this year. “
Lee on other players
Lee feels like there are plenty of talented players around him at corner and safety.
“I see a lot of great talent in the room, a lot of great DB’s around me,” Lee said. “We are out there competing everyday, trying to get picks, get turnovers, getting our hands on the ball every single rep. As Coach Crime tells us every single rep is critical.”
“I’ve seen a lot of growth with Tyler Scott and Colton Hood, those boys are balling. Colton probably had the most picks last year during the spring.”
Having Keionte Scott at corner has helped Lee. They help each other.
“Keionte is a big part of our group,” Lee said. “Him being more vocal this year is going to help us. He’s a great overall player, someone I can talk to about anything. He pushes me and I push him. I took some pieces of his game and added to mine.”
As for the guys Lee is covering at practice, he named a few guys that are standing out with two being freshmen.
“I see a lot of great things from our receivers,” Lee said. “They’re coming down with a lot of tough catches. I see a bright future in Cam Coleman also, he’s a dog. There’s another freshman we have–Bryce (Cain), that boy is moving, he’s sliding. We got the transfer from Cal, he’s a little dinged up but he is back in a regular jersey. Cam (Brown) also, he is doing great things, getting his hands on a lot of balls as a bigger receiver.”
There are a few interesting names working at nickel.
“Tyler Scott works at corner and nickel, Keionte he was the nickel before he went to corner. Then we have Buggs (Jerrin Thompson) from Texas, he is at nickel a lot, then Champ (Anthony).”
