Malzahn: Justin Garrett 'main guy,' no mention of Robenson Therezie

AUBURN -- The status of Auburn's Defensive Player of the Year from last season remains in question, and he was not even mentioned by coach Gus Malzahn during his weekly radio show on Monday.

Robenson Therezie, the senior "star" safety who is dealing with "eligibility issues" was not mentioned at all during Malzahn's appearance on the Tiger Talk radio program, including during discussion specifically about the position where he started all 14 games last season.

"Justin Garrett, he's our main guy," Malzahn said. "T.J. (Davis) is going to get a chance to play some right there. We'll also mix and match, I don't want to sit here and tell you before the depth chart comes out tomorrow, but we got some other guys that played linebacker position that'll give us some depth there."

Therezie is the only player to start a game for Auburn last season not made available for interviews since the Tigers opened fall camp on Aug. 1. He had a breakout season in 2013, with 57 tackles and a team-high four interceptions.

Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson deferred to Malzahn when asked about Therezie's status on Sunday. On Aug. 15, Johnson said there was uncertainty as to whether Therezie would "be able to play early."

Garrett, who has also been unavailable for interviews, was a top performer in the spring of 2013 and this year, but two foot injuries caused him to take a medical redshirt last season.

There have not been any concerns with Garrett's health this summer.

"He's been healthy," Malzahn said, "and we're expecting big things out of him."