The Auburn Tigers have suffered a major blow to their offensive line before the season even gets started. Friday in his post-practice press conference, head coach Gus Malzahn announced that starting left guard Alex Kozan will miss the entire season with a back injury.
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Kozan reportedly suffered the injury while lifting weights at his home in Colorado over the summer. Malzahn explained (via al.com):
"“He came back, we tried to rehab it, do some different things and he tweaked it,” Malzahn said. “The doctors just felt like it was the best thing for him and his future to have surgery. He will miss the season.”"
Chris Slade was moved to Kozan’s left guard spot during Friday’s practice while backup Avery Young took over for Slade.
Kozan made all-SEC in 2013 after starting all 14 games for Auburn. Teammate Reese Dismukes talked about Kozan’s state of mind:
"He’s taking it well for what all has happened. I think today is probably be one of the toughest days for him. Obviously watching all of us back out there and work. I think he’ll do what the rest of us athletes do and he’ll move on and keep working and keep getting better each and every day. He’ll come back better than he was before."
Tough break for Kozan and a big blow to Auburn. But it’s college football so they’ll find someone who can play the offensive line.
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