Cassanova McKinzy to see more time at MLB

Middle linebacker Cassanova McKinzy could be seeing more palying time this week, Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said.

Jake Holland has started all six games at the ‘Mike’ spot so far this season and has made 48 tackles. Ashton Richardson has also seen time at the MLB spot.

“All three of those guys will get some reps this week,” VanGorder said. “Cass will get some more reps. We’ll see how ready he is to stand in front of a huddle and manage it, make calls and do the things a middle linebacker has to do.”

Should McKinzy earn the starting spot, VanGorder said Holland will be the backup. In such a scenario, some responsibilities may be assigned to others in order to help McKinzy.

“We can take some of it off, but there’s a lot he has to do,” VanGorder said. “In game plan, we can take some of his communication responsibilities away. He’s still got a plate full of food.”

VanGorder said McKinzy, who made five tackles in last week’s 41-20 loss to Ole Miss, has become increasingly comfortable.

“We’ve seen a player getting more and more comfortable in the college game. Every freshman who comes in is a little different in how they adapt to the environment of big-time college football and the volume of practice,” VanGorder said. “And sometimes the coaching pressure, all those things that are different to a lot of players. He had a slow start in respect to all those things. We’ve seen him gradually get better, evolve. We got him into the Arkansas game late against (two tight end) personnel. We’ll give him a shot in practice and see how he handles it. He has a long way to go.”