Injured defensive end Nick Coe

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Injured defensive end Nick Coe getting work with Auburn's 2nd-team defense

Tom Green | tgreen@al.com

Auburn defensive lineman Nick Coe (91) works out Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, during Sugar Bowl practice in New Orleans, La. Auburn will take on Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2, 2017. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) (JULIE BENNETT)

Auburn defensive lineman Nick Coe was limited during the first week of spring practice, but the redshirt freshman has been able to get some work with the Tigers' second-team defense.

Coe appeared to be dealing with a lower-body injury during the portion of practice that was open to the media when Auburn began spring practice on Tuesday. On Thursday, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele confirmed that he was still limited a "little bit."

According to linebacker Deshaun Davis, however, Coe was able to participate to an extent on Saturday, when the team held its first practice in pads.

"I know he's been working with some twos," Davis said. "I know he's been working with some twos. So, I'm sure how they're going to release him."

Coe is competing for time at Buck defensive end, where Auburn is tasked with replacing the production of pass-rusher Carl Lawson. Jeff Holland has been getting most of the work with the first-team defense at the position, but Coe has been splitting time with Paul James III on the second team, while sophomore Tre' Threat is also working with the group.

Coe, a former four-star prospect, redshirted last season but spent ample time working with the second-team defense as opposed to the scout team. Steele said Thursday that last season Coe got "70 percent" of the second-team reps during the week while Lawson and Holland rotated with the first-team defense, with Holland getting the remainder of the second-team reps.

Coe received praise in December during Auburn's preparations for the Sugar Bowl, with former defensive tackle Montravius Adams saying he believes Coe will become a "special player" at Auburn.

 

Why Auburn believes freshman defensive end Nick Coe will be a 'special player'

Nick Coe is redshirting this season, but the former All-American wrestler is believed to have a bright future as a pass-rusher for Auburn.