Bryan Harsin updates Landen King's progress amid position change

The Auburn Tigers enjoyed a victory at home to start the season against Mercer. However, there was one Tigers player that was a healthy scratch from the game; tight end turned wide receiver Landen King. Fans of the team and members of the media noticed the sophomore’s absence from the competition. And during a recent press conference, head coach Bryan Harsin updated King’s progress amid position change and explained that his absence was not intentional.

“Yeah, we need to get him out there. He can play; he’ll play. We’ll get him in the rotation, get him the mix, and all that. But you can call him whatever; he’s whatever we need him to be; from tight end to wide receiver. But he is playing wide receiver now,” said Harsin. “We’ll see how he fits into the rotation this weekend and where we can utilize him.

But you know we gotta get him on special teams as well. He’s one of those young guys that’s up and coming, that just needs to keep working. (He) will get a shot, and when he does, I know he’ll go out there and make plays for us.”

As a true freshman, King received decent playing time at Auburn. For the season, he did not put up much of a stat line, only recording five catches for 59 yards and a touchdown. His lone touchdown on the year was the equalizer in Auburn’s matchup against Alabama to send the game into its second overtime.

Given King’s size and strength, he will be an asset in the Tigers’ passing game for years to come when on the field. As head coach Harsin pointed out, expect him to be utilized all over the field, making him a problem for opposing defenses.

Harsin reveals Auburn players of the game from Week 1

Following a 42-16 victory against Mercer to open the season, Auburn coach Harsin named his players of the game. Running back Tank Bigsby earned the title on offense, linebacker Cameron Riley claimed defensive honors, Brandon Council was offensive lineman of the game and Colby Wooden defensive lineman of the game.

Harsin also noted that Brandon Frazier and Zion Puckett were recognized for their academic performance this week. In a press conference Monday, the coach had plenty of great things to say about the play of Council from Saturday.

“The first play he started running his feet,” Harsin said. “That’s what you want to see from your offensive line. He ran his feet, sustained his blocks and played physical. I think from what he’s been through to get back out there and play, it was good to see him go out there and showcase what he’s capable of doing but also it’s a little bit of the work he had to do to get to that point.”