Auburn’s rushing defense ranks 17th in the FBS and sixth in the SEC with a rushing defense average of 88.0 yards per game.
The 440 rushing yards allowed are the fewest through the first five games of a season since 2021 (427). Auburn is also sixth in FBS in YPC (2.56).
So, who deserves the credit for the success on the defensive line?
Let’s start with Defensive tackle coach Vontrell King-Williams.
Bringing in the most energy during Auburn football‘s practice, King-Williams has created a culture in his position room that has translated quickly on the field.
“That’s just what we stamp our name on: Stopping the run. Like, we don’t allow that. That’s non-negotiable. We stop the run over here. That’s just how we live. That’s just what we do,” Malik Blocton said Tuesday afternoon.
King-Williams followed Auburn coach Hugh Freeze from Liberty and started as a defensive analyst before being named the defensive tackles coach at Auburn on Feb. 9, 2024.
Prior to coaching, King-Williams played college football at the University of Illinois, Butler Community College and UTSA as a defensive tackle.
At UTSA King-Williams played in 25 career games, recording 17 tackles and one pass deflection. Blocton said his experience alone separates him as a position coach because of how relatable he is in the meeting room and on the field.
“Coach Vontrell, he’s really like one of us. He speaks to us from a player’s mindset. It’s easier to relate to Coach Vontrell, and it’s easier to understand when he’s coaching us hard, why he’s coaching us hard. He just comes with love and experience,” Blocton said. “He played this game. He played at a D-I level. He knows what he’s talking about from a player’s standpoint. He knows what he’s talking about. So, I trust him. That’s my guy. He loves me, and I love him.”
In 2024, the Tigers recorded 28 sacks and 68 tackles for loss. Blocton also earned freshman All-America honors as four other players went on to sign NFL contracts.
Now entering this week’s conference matchup with Georgia, King-Williams and his group have another prime-time game to show the world how dangerous this unit can be.
“It would mean the world. This is the biggest game, because it’s the next game. I want to win every game. Every win we get is a big one to me,” Blocton added.
Auburn will host Georgia with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on ABC.