Auburn Football: What You Need to Know About Tigers' DE Corey Lemonier

Auburn will enter the 2012 season with one of the best defensive lines in the SEC. The Tigers return a wealth of talent and experience, with a number of big names looking to continue the legacy of strong defensive line-play at Auburn.

Corey Lemonier is one that will make a huge mark for the Tigers this season, and there are a few things that fans should know about the star that wears No. 55.

Lemonier came into the spotlight last season after making play-after-play in the backfields of some of the country’s most talented teams. Despite huge losses to Alabama, Georgia and LSU, Lemonier was able to perform at a very high level—gaining a combined 15 total tackles and three sacks in those games.

This season, the Tigers will rely on experience and highly regarded talent to drive the front of the Auburn defense. Corey Lemonier is one of the major parts of the 2012 defensive plan.

Here are five things that you must know about the Tigers star defensive end before the season begins.

All-SEC Selection

Corey Lemonier is no surprise pick to be a huge contributor for the Tigers this fall. After receiving All-SEC Freshman honors in 2010, Lemonier was a first team All-SEC selection in 2011 as a sophomore.

Entering his junior season, Lemonier is receiving high accolades as Phil Steele has him as a first team All-SEC selection again for the 2012 season.

In the past two seasons, Lemonier has earned his reputation with his fierce play and relentless speed off of the edge. This season, expect him to reach All-SEC expectations yet again and improve on his 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks from a year ago.

Consistent Contributor Since Freshman Season

Corey Lemonier is one of the many reasons that the Tigers are confident in the defensive prowess that will come with the 2012 season. Lemonier has 11.5 sacks, 64 total tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss in his career.

His freshman season saw Lemonier earn 1.21 tackles a game. For a true freshman reserve that played on a national title winning team, that is a pretty solid impact. In the 2010 season, he was a consistent pass-rushing threat that developed into a furious defensive end.

Lemonier recorded sacks in eight of 13 games last season, bringing his development to elite status by seasons end.

With the expectation of continued growth this season, Lemonier will be a scary force for opposing offensive tackles. Lemonier has developed into not only a speed rushing end, but a powerful run stopper as well. 

There looks to be another leap in development for Lemonier in the 2012 season. 

Combo Player with Coverage Speed

Corey Lemonier is working hard this season to prove that he is not just a speed rushing end. Lemonier has the size—6’4”,242-pounds—and speed to play standing up, not just with his hand down in some of the Auburn defensive formations.

As Lemonier looks to increase his draft stock in this coming season, getting involved in pass coverage to assist with defensive back blitzes could make substantial leaps in his draft stock. The NFL is looking for hybrid defensive end/ linebacker types—Lemonier fits the mold.

Not only does Lemonier have the frame to play on the outside with his hand on the ground, he also has the speed—reportedly a 4.78 forty—to be effective in pass coverage for the Tigers this fall.

Look for the Tigers defense to find numerous roles for Lemonier in this year’s defense. 

All-American Contender

When Phil Steele releases his pre-season magazines, people tend to listen. Steele has been extremely accurate in the past with his predictions and player selections for breakout performances.

This season, Corey Lemonier—as well as Philip Lutzenkirchen—was chosen to the Phil Steele pre-season third team All-American list. Lemonier is also found on the first team All-SEC list with Lutzenkirchen and Tre Mason.

The point is, Lemonier has gained the attention of the country with his play a year ago. The Tigers defense was not very good in 2011—it rang in at No. 80 in total defense—so expecting Lemonier to land higher on the list would be a bit presumptive.

Just having his name in the national discussion is huge for Auburn and big for a player that may be looking to move into the NFL after his junior season. 

Early Draft Option Player

The Tigers enter the 2012 season with limited seniors on the roster. Despite that, there will be a number of high-profile juniors that will be on roster—ones that could make the early leap to the NFL.

Corey Lemonier is one of the high-profile guys to watch. This season, he will be in a defense that is designed to allow for the defensive ends to cover both strong-side and weak-side of the line. It will allow for Lemonier to display his power and speed multiple times a game.

One of the biggest concerns for an incoming speed rusher to the NFL is the ability for that player to stop the run and close off the outside effectively.

With former NFL defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder now leading the Tigers defense, Lemonier will receive the instruction and opportunity to prove his abilities in both facets of the game, making him an early NFL Draft possibility.

According to nfldraftscout.com, Lemonier ranks as the No. 4 out of 166 DE’s in the 2014 senior class. 

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