Freshman Nick Ruffin practicing at 'star' safety

AUBURN -- A freshman has found himself at a somewhat unexpected role in Auburn's defense.

Defensive back Nick Ruffin is practicing at the "star" safety position as well as in the dime package.

"He's playing some dime in the dime package. He has not gotten any work yet at corner or at deep safety," Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said. "I think he's starting to feel comfortable there and we just don't want to move him too quick. We're really pleased with where Nick is right now."

Johnson said Ruffin, Duluth, Georgia native, is a "natural" defensive back.

At 6 feet tall and 174 pounds, Ruffin is considerably smaller than Auburn's top two star safeties, Robenson Therezie (5-foot-9, 212 pounds) and Justin Garrett (6-foot-1, 224 pounds). Because of his stature, some of the more physical aspects of the position have been where Ruffin has struggled so far.

"The biggest thing he's had to improve on right now is the big receivers stock blocking him out in space or coming off the edge and having to take on a running back on a blitz or an outside run play when a big blocker gets out on the edge," Johnson said. "That's the thing he has to get better at, which Therezie did too. He's kind of got DB skill sets and he's looked very comfortable out there."

It's somewhat unusual for a player as small as lightweight as Ruffin regularly play in the box, but the coaches feel he could be used for certain matchup needs.

"We got different size guys that do different things," safeties coach Charlie Harbison said. "We're developing guys in positions so whatever personnel come on the field we can match up."