Gimel President makes first start after yeoman's work

AUBURN -- After a solid start to the season and good week of practice, sophomore defensive end Gimel President made his first career start against LSU.

President, who had just three tackles in three games last season, is off to a great start, with 11 tackles in four games – second-most among defensive linemen. He had one tackle against LSU.

"He's steadily been improving and did a good job and I think he had confidence, and gave him the start," Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said. "It's almost a reward mechanism because they're all capable of playing, and we're playing a lot of guys. That's our philosophy. But the ones who get to start are usually the ones who have the best week of practice and coming off a good game."

The 6-foot-4 259 pound President made the most of his opportunities in the rotation against San Jose State and Louisiana Tech, making five and four tackles, respectively.

"He's gotten better in fall camp, each practice, he's just a tough guy and does a lot of dirty work that goes unnoticed," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "He's real strong at the point of attack."