Bryan Harsin weighs in on center Tate Johnson in light of Nick Brahms injury

Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin fielded questions from reporters heading into week one of the college football season. With a lot of focus on the Tigers’ offensive line, reporters asked about junior Tate Johnson playing at 285 pounds as he fills in for injured senior Nick Brahms at center.

“No, I think he’s plenty strong enough,” Harsin said, dismissing concerns about Johnson’s weight. “I think the weight, that will continue to come. We don’t stop lifting when the season begins. We don’t stop developing… We’re still getting guys stronger and faster, and bigger, throughout the year. But he’s done a really good job of understanding what we are trying to do on the offensive side. At center, you’re making a lot of calls, redirecting, getting people on the same page.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“You have all these things you have to factor in and I think he’s handled that well,” Harsin continued. “Early on, when Nick wasn’t out there, he was getting more reps. He had a lot of plays, more than before, and after that he started getting into the groove. Jalil (Irvins)’s helped. Brahms has really helped both guys.”

Harsin reiterated his confidence in Johnson as he prepares to make his first start at center versus Mercer this weekend.

“Tate can do it, he can go out there and do it. I think he’s actually moving really well. too.”

Tigers turn to Tate Johnson after injury to Nick Brahms

Sixth-year senior Brandon Council had high praise for his teammate when discussing how far he has come. He loves the progression he has seen from Johnson over the last two years.

“It’s night and day,” Council said. “I remember when we got here in 2020, you think Tate was a guy that you thought, ‘man, is he going to play here?’ The progression has been unreal from him.”

If Johnson is called on to start at center, Council believes he’ll hold his own.

“We’re proud of him as a unit. He’s added another tool the offensive line,” Council said. “He’s gotten stronger, he’s very quick, one of the shiftiest linemen off the ball. Absolutely. We have confidence in Tate Johnson.”