LB Dorian Mausi 'felt I needed to be' at Auburn for last year of college football

AUBURN – One of Auburn’s newest additions, Duke transfer linebacker Dorian Mausi, went into why he chose Auburn and why he’s excited to take on a new challenge in his last year of college football.

“Just hearing their plan, like I am only here for one year, my role and what I would be doing, how I can help the team, and add on to my portfolio before heading off to the NFL Draft next year. All of those things attracted me to Auburn,” Mausi told the media.

“This last year going to the SEC playing big time football with these players, these fans, this team is what attracted me here,” Mausi said. “It’s big football, playing on a bigger stage and everything. It’s kind of where I felt I needed to be at this moment at this time.”

What is Auburn getting in Mausi, what is his fit?

In his words, what is Auburn getting as a player?

“First and foremost, I am a leader, I am a leader on the field,” Mausi said. “You’re going to see that all through my film kind of taking the guys around me and putting them in the right position, putting them where they’re supposed to go so we can all make plays together.”

“On top of that, I bring the energy to the field. I am a down hill football player, I will go make plays, shoot the line, make plays in the backfield, pull my trigger shot. That is the player I am, a downhill football player.”

Where will he fit in the defense? Where is he playing the most right now?

“I’d say right now it is important for us to learn all pieces of the defense,” Mausi said. “If it gets too complicated or wordy, we can do short and sweet, less is more. So, it’s that aspect. You want to know everything so in fall you can be slotted where you fit best.”

He feels that now more than ever he must take care of his body and mind heading into the season.

“Yeah I feel like what you do in the dark will come to light,” Mausi said. “I kind of pride myself in taking the extra time in the day to get my mind and body right. It’s not just a physical game, you have to be a great mental athlete, too. I can’t be out there thinking. If I’m thinking, I’m moving slow.”

The defense

So far, Mausi feels that he fits with DJ Durkin’s defense.

“It fits amazing. I love Coach Durkin’s teaching style, coaching style, and kind of how he comes with energy every day talking to the team in the meeting room. Everything about him I love it. I’m happy to be here and coached by him.”

“This is my third defense I am learning right now, so for me I feel like it is becoming really easy. If you’re making plays, he will call your number. So player friendly, I will use it in that way. The defense is a little complicated, but he breaks it down so you can understand it and play fast. If anything doesn’t work, you’re going to be able to play fast.”

So far, he does not see a big difference in talent between Auburn and Duke. He feels his transition will be seamless.

“Honestly, I feel like last year I was able to play on a great defense over there at Duke,” Mausi said. “I would say one of the main differences I have seen is kind of the depth that it brings here. In terms of caliber of athletes, everybody is big and fast. I honestly wouldn’t say it was a huge jump from what I was used to. I’d say I am able to adjust pretty well.”

Who stands out to Mausi so far?

The main standout so far is edge Jalen McLeod.

“That 3-5 right there on the edge,” Mausi said referring to Jalen McLeod. “That’s a guy who will show relentless effort every time. That’s one of our models we say every day. Constantly he is showing up on the tape playing with effort. I’m happy to be playing with him.”

Also, Eugene Asante has been with him the most since joining the team. Asante has caught his eye in several ways.

“He’s a spark,” Mausi said. “He brings that energy every day. I feel like he is somebody who caught my attention from the jump on the defense.”