Tigers plan to take it easy

Jerraud Powers had planned to spend his off week relaxing, either at his apartment in Auburn or at his family’s home in Decatur.

Then fellow Auburn defensive back Eric Brock started talking high school football.

Brock’s alma mater, Benjamin Russell, is playing at Decatur in a second-round AHSAA football playoff game. Brock has had plenty to say to Powers, a former Decatur star.

“Brock is hyping it up,“ Powers said. “He’s talking about Benjamin Russell and how Decatur isn’t a powerhouse.“

Powers couldn’t sit idly by. And just like that, at least one football-free day is gone, replaced by a trip to Decatur to cheer on his fellow Red Raiders. He’s confident about the outcome - and he wants Brock to know it.

“I’ve already told him Decatur is going to win by 21 points, easily,“ Powers said with a laugh.

“I might go give the team a pep talk or something. I hope they don’t let me down.“

Powers still hopes to get some rest and relaxation in during his trip. But he has a busy schedule, including watching his sister play in a high school basketball game.

Most AU players were released after noon Thursday, though some have class today. Powers was anxious to get started on his action-packed bye week even before he was officially free to go.

“If they’d let me, I’d already be gone,“ he said with a laugh, just minutes after the end of Auburn’s Thursday-morning practice.

While Powers is keeping busy, defensive end Sen’Derrick Marks plans to do the opposite.

Marks, a Mobile native, considered a trip home. But he quickly decided it wasn’t worth it.

His main priority is rest.

“I really want to just lie down,“ he said. “I want to go home, but if I go home then I’m not going to lie down. And if I go anywhere else, I’m not going to lie down.

“So I may just stay at home and just lay around while nobody’s here, so I don’t have to worry about anybody.“

Senior defensive end Quentin Groves also plans to keep off the radar. Groves and his wife, Treska, will spend the weekend out of town.

Groves was mum on the details.

“Me and my wife are going to spend some quality time. Away from football, away from Auburn. That’s all you need to know.“

Whatever their plans, Auburn’s players all plan some form of relaxation this weekend. And that’s exactly what head coach Tommy Tuberville wants to hear.

“These guys need to get away,“ Tuberville said.

AU will have meetings Sunday afternoon but will not practice. The Tigers’ next practice is set for Monday.