Tim Irvin's instincts earn him early look

AUBURN -- True freshman Tim Irvin's instincts are getting him an early look at both nickel and safety.

The last of Auburn's eight early enrollees to arrive on campus in January, Irvin got first-team reps and has impressed.

"He does a nice job. He's got a really good feel in the slot," Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said. "He's got really good instincts on the field. … He's got a long ways to go but I've been pleased with his playing nickel. We also play him at safety so he does a nice job in the deep part of the field. He's got some really good instincts as far as the reception area and running the alley."

The 5-foot-9 190 pound Irvin still has to get adjusted to the strength and conditioning program but he's put himself in position for early playing time.

"The work ethic and all that, it's just a real hard transition coming mid-year, especially coming into a new situation," Muschamp said. "It's good for him because everybody's hearing it for the first time new. But we've just got to continue to build his stamina and his endurance, but he's going to be a good football player."