Nick Ruffin aiming for 'strike zone' after targeting foul

AUBURN --Nick Ruffin has learned from his targeting foul and ejection during the LSU game.

The Auburn freshman defensive back hit defenseless LSU wide out Trey Quinn with a shoulder-first hit high on Quinn's chest after the pass fell incomplete with 4:55 to go in the first half of Auburn's game with LSU.

The 6-foot 174 pound Ruffin was called for targeting, which was reviewed and confirmed, and was ejected.

"At first when I first hit him, I kind of knew, OK they might throw that," Ruffin said. "I wasn't too happy about being ejected; but it happens. It was split-second, so there's not really much I can do about it. I can't change it. So move on from it, learn from it and get better."

Ruffin's penalty is one of seven targeting calls in the SEC this season, six of which have been confirmed, according to SEC coordinator of officials Steve Shaw.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn called it a "boom-boom play" at the time and reviewed the film with Ruffin to teach the newcomer of what he can and cannot do in making big hits.

"It was definitely difficult in the heat of battle, split-second decisions, but the rule says strike zone, and I've got to learn to aim lower, to protect,' Ruffin said. "It's all about protection of other players. Hopefully it won't happen again, just aim for the strike zone and get better and learn from it."