Rudy...Rudy...Rudy...Rudy

[Godfather]

I hope this kid does well, he has moved positions multiple times. Seems to be a great team player!

Rudy Ford is moving up, and he could start Auburn's season opener at boundary safety.

The sophomore moved from running back to cornerback last season to help with depth, and moved again to safety in the offseason.

The move comes on the heels of Derrick Moncrief's absence from several practices due to a virus and dehydration. The junior college transfer emerged as the top boundary safety in the spring and drew rave reviews, but has fallen behind a tad because of his illness.

Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said Moncrief and Ford are "pretty even," but Moncrief's absence was enough to push Ford ahead on the depth chart -- at least temporarily.

"He's missed a little bit of time and Rudy kinda took advantage of it," Johnson said. "They're both doing a good job."

Ford said in January he was hoping to move to running back, and running backs coach Tim Horton said it was possible, but he stuck with defense.

"I kind of miss it," Ford said earlier this month. "But I'm focused in, tuned in on safety. I'm planning on being the best DB I can."

Jermaine Whitehead continues to man the field safety position, where he started last season.

Receiver-turned-cornerback Trovon Reed was impressed with Ford early in preseason camp.

"He's very confident," Reed said. "A great tackler, great speed, and that helps a lot with the fast guys like Sammie (Coates). Rudy's going to be a great player."

[Snaggletiger]

Well, Trovon said it.  I believe it.  That settles it.

[jmar]

Well, Trovon said it.  I believe it.  That settles it.

...after all, this is HIS year to shine.

[Snaggletiger]

...after all, this is HIS year to shine.

It's going to be very awkward if he doesn't come through this year.

[jmar]

It's going to be very awkward if he doesn't come through this year.

Damn if Rudy gets a virus or dehydrates, who takes his job?

[Snaggletiger]

Damn if Rudy gets a virus or dehydrates, who takes his job?

Michael Sherwood

[CCTAU]

Well maybe after Moncrief recovers, they can let Ford get some reps for Neiko Whitehead.

[GH2001]

It's going to be very awkward if he doesn't come through this year.

A fine pep talk from Dax will surely put him in the right state of mind. No worries then!