Holsey Embracing Leadership Role in 2016 Return

Auburn Senior Josh Holsey making a tackle vs Georgia in 2012. (Photo: Auburn Athletics)

Auburn football’s motto for the 2016? Earn it.

Since the 2013 National Championship season, Auburn has a 15-11 record. That includes a 7-6 final record in 2015, and the Tigers will enter 2016 with a chip on their shoulder.

“We feel like we have to earn everything that we are going to get this year.” says senior defensive back, Joshua Holsey. “We feel like we didn’t do as well as we should have done last year. We have had a lot of team meetings with all of our coaches, to tell everybody that this year is the year that we are going to get back to doing what we do best, playing Auburn football. Playing hard-nosed defense, and putting up a lot of points on people.”

Holsey feels that they best way for Auburn to earn the respect that they have worked hard for, is by playing a team like Clemson in the opener.

“I think this game right here (vs. Clemson) is perfect. The way how it’s set up is perfect for us to come out, and show what we have been working for all summer. Starting with Clemson is going to be a good game for us to go out there and earn all the respect that we need to get back.”

The Auburn defense will have the possibility of playing more than 25 guys during the game on Saturday, a solid number of those are freshmen and sophomores. Like a true senior, Holsey has shown leadership to the younger players, and has given them advice to stay motivated and calm during this Saturday’s high caliber game.

“Pressure only comes when you don’t know what to do, so if you know what to do, there’s really no pressure, you’re just playing against another guy in another uniform.” Holsey said, when asked about his message to those defensive players who will enter the game without much experience. “Me and Markell (Boston) just met today, because I kind of know what’s going on. I tell him, you just have to play it like it’s a normal game. You can’t go out and look in the stands, because you might get shellshocked. There’s going to be a lot of people out there, and they are going to be rocking for this game on Saturday.”

Josh Holsey is looking to rebound from a shortened 2015 season, following an injury against Jacksonville State, in which he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament. Holsey is listed as the second string corner back, and nickel, for Saturday’s game against Clemson (8PM Saturday).