It’s happened a couple of times in Auburn’s first few spring practices.

Sen’Derrick Marks breaks the defensive huddle and jogs toward a spot across from the opposing tight end.

No big deal: That’s exactly what a strongside defensive end is supposed to do. There’s just one problem. Marks is no longer a strongside defensive end. These days, he’s a defensive tackle.

Oops.

“I was just used to going out there,” he said with a smile.

It’s an easy mistake. After all, Marks started 12 games at defensive end last season, where he racked up 43 tackles and two sacks.

But that’s in the past. Now he’s back at defensive tackle, where he started 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2006.

He had 36 tackles and 3 ½ sacks that season and was named to the Freshman All-Southeastern Conference team by the league’s coaches.

Defensive tackles coach Don Dunn coached Marks in his first two seasons and watched his performance in 2007.

He has no doubt about the junior’s ability to succeed wherever he lines up.

“He was a great defensive end last year, and he was a great tackle the year before that,” Dunn said. “I don’t have any doubt he’s going to be a great tackle again this year.”

That versatility makes Marks one of Auburn’s most valuable defensive players.

His talent has already impressed new defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads.

“Those are the guys that you have to have in your program if you’re going to be a championship caliber team,” Rhoads said. “I’m glad he’s in this one.”

Marks expects to participate in every spring practice despite a slow start to his offseason: He had to undergo offseason surgery to repair a hernia he suffered in midseason.

Somehow, he played in every game despite the usually debilitating injury. In fact, Marks says it didn’t even affect his play in practice.

“It wasn’t hurting,” he said. “They were like, ‘Stay out of the drills.’ But I kept going.”

If that can’t slow Marks down, what chance does a position switch — or an opposing offensive lineman — have?

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