Josh Holsey has career-high 11 tackles in return to safety

MANHATTAN, KANSAS -- Josh Holsey returned to safety and looked like he didn't miss a beat.

With Jermaine Whitehead not making the trip, Holsey slid back from corner, where he moved this off-season after six starts at safety last season.

Holsey had a career-high 11 tackles, including ten solo take downs, to help the Auburn defense contain Kansas State to 285 yards, including just 40 on the ground, in a 20-14 Tigers win at Bill Snyder Family Stadium Thursday night.

"Josh has played safety before," cornerback Jonathan Jones said. "Me and him have been in last year together while he was at safety. He knows what he's doing back there and we have trust."

Holsey made several key stops against the run. He had six tackles on passes and five on rushes, including stops after gains of four, one and no yards.

"I thought Josh Holsey did an excellent job," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said.

The game-high outing was more than double Holsey's previous career high of five tackles, which he did three previous times. He was not available for interviews.

"He can play anywhere on the field," cornerback Trovon Reed said. "We really appreciate Josh."