Auburn Football: Shon Coleman Back at Practice After Surviving Leukemia

The offseason in college football is usually a time for bad news. It's a time when, if you make headlines, you probably did something that you shouldn't have (see: Bobby Petrino).

It's with that in mind that we thank Auburn offensive lineman Shon Coleman for providing college football with something good to talk about on Wednesday.

Coleman, who has been battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), practiced as a Tiger for the first time in two years, according to Charles Goldberg of AL.com. Auburn players reportedly gave Coleman a standing ovation when they saw him dressed and ready to practice at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Coleman has been around the program during his recovery, but had not been cleared to practice until Wednesday.

Gene Chizik commented on Coleman after practice:

"

We're going to take baby steps. We're going to follow exactly what the orders are from our medical staff. We're not going to predict anything right now. We're going to get him acclimated.

"

Obviously, predicting when Coleman will be able to see the field in a game is something that Chizik can't—and shouldn't—do. The simple fact that Coleman has made it this far is truly an inspiring story and is a testament to his strength.

Coleman was a key piece of Auburn's 2010 recruiting class—Chizik's second class after taking over for Tommy Tuberville. He was a 5-star recruit according to Rivals.com, and he was listed as 6'7", 285 when he came to Auburn out of Olive Branch High School in Olive Branch, Miss.

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