< Previouslegacyofhope.org Have a HEART. When you become an organ donor, you’re helping people in need. Please register today. It’s quick, it’s easy and it could save up to eight lives. Scan the code to register now!SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: SHEDRICK JACKSON 61 Wide receiver Shedrick Jackson is no stranger to the Auburn Family. The fifth-year senior is hoping to continue making a name for himself with his veteran presence on the team. Even though Jackson is the nephew of Auburn legend and 1985 Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson, he has worked hard to leave his own legacy at Auburn. Jackson was part of Auburn’s 2018 recruiting class that included fellow wide receivers Seth Williams and Matthew Hill. Jackson was an important component in Auburn’s offense from the second he stepped onto the field in 2018. He was a true freshman who got his first playing time against Washington in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. His first start came three weeks later against Arkansas. Four seasons have passed since then, and Jackson has made a name for himself. This past year, 2021, was a breakout season for the wide receiver out of Hoover, Alabama. He played in all 13 games and set career highs with 40 receptions, 527 yards and one touchdown. By now, his teammates and coaches know exactly what they are getting from Shedrick Jackson. “Describe myself in three words? I would say disciplined, calm, and prepared,” he said. Those traits have served Jackson well over the past 18 months as he and his teammates not only had to navigate the challenges of a pandemic but also the challenges that come with a coaching change. As a senior, it can be a daunting task to adjust to a completely new coaching style, but now that he’s been able to fully absorb the changes, he is confident he can continue his success on the field. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA granted an additional year of eligibility to collegiate athletes who partici- pated in the 2020 season. Jackson opted to take advantage of that extra opportuni- ty and return to Auburn for a fifth season. In the not-so-distant future, Jack- son sees himself playing in the NFL and “hopefully winning a Super Bowl.” But those dreams will have to wait. As a fifth- year senior, he’s a leader for this Auburn team, and his goals reflect that. “I want to lead the wide receiver room and just make sure we’re all getting better collectively,” Jackson said. “Then I want to make sure that I’m bettering myself so that I can lead from the front at all times – just have a big year, make big plays, and do special things.” Jackson also knows the importance of a college degree. Since he has been at Auburn, his proudest accomplishment has been graduating from Auburn because “it will set me up for a lot of other opportu- nities.” “Even though football is what I do and what I want to do for a living, that diploma is something nobody can take away from me,” added Jackson, who graduated last August. Football will always be one of Jackson’s first loves, though. At the age of 5, he saw his friends playing and knew it was something he wanted to get involved in himself. He started playing back then and hopes to continue playing until he has a chance to play in the Super Bowl. For Jackson, his drive and biggest motivation comes from his mother, Laquesha Sanders. Seeing how hard she worked for him and his brothers, it inspires him to be great. There are so many things Jackson is still hoping to achieve before his time is up at Auburn and even after he leaves Auburn, but if he could go back and tell his younger self one thing, it would be to “learn everything I can about whatever it is, whether it’s sports or what’s going on in the world around me – just learn everything that I can.” Outside of football, Jackson enjoys hanging out with his friends. He recently got a dog and he’s been spending a lot of his free time training the dog and taking him on walks. He’s a graduate of the Harbert College of Business and is completing an additional degree. Before he leaves, Jackson wants the Auburn Family to know him as more than just a football player. “I hope they know me for being a guy that worked hard and cared about more than just winning,” he said. “I cared about the people around me and did everything that I could to make sure that the team was successful.” The phrase ‘War Eagle’ is Auburn’s battle cry. It can be used as a greeting or salutation among the Auburn Family. But to Jackson, it’s special because it embodies what Auburn is and that “Auburn Family feel.” “No matter where you go, if you see somebody wearing an Auburn logo you tell them ‘War Eagle,’ and it’s a different type of language. It’s special,” he said. ‘LEAD FROM THE FRONT’ BY: MORGYN JONES AUBURNTIGERS.COM SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: SHEDRICK JACKSON $15billion impact. ServingAlabama's number-oneagricultural industrywitha GoodforYouandGreatforAlabama www.alabamapoultry.org Didyoueatyoureggsthismorning?SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: BRANDON COUNCIL 63 For senior Brandon Council, the road to where he is now has been anything but ordinary. Last year was supposed to be his final year at Auburn, but he’s back after his 2021 season was cut short due to a knee injury. Why come back? He wants to be part of something great at Auburn. “I decided to stay because of the atmosphere at Auburn,” Council said. For Council, last year’s knee injury wasn’t the first injury he’s encountered. When suffering through multiple major injuries throughout a career, it can be hard to persevere and stay focused on getting back on the field, but en- durance and determination seem to come naturally to him. “It’s more about self-motiva- tion,” he said. “Me being able to just motivate myself to keep going no matter what. Even after all these injuries, to achieve the goals and set a standard for myself to not quit anything I do means a lot. I don’t want to have any regrets. I don’t want to ask myself, ‘What if I made the wrong choice?’ “Taking care of your mental health is the biggest key to that. Just having a great support system around you during re- covery is always vital. One of the biggest things in the recovery process of injuries is that your physical health is always going to be the easy part. It’s more about mental health. You want to get back out there and compete again but knowing that you can’t yet is the challenge.” In his time at Auburn, Council has not only gone above and beyond to reach his goals on the field, but he’s also worked extremely hard to stay focused and reach his goals in the classroom and in the community as well. He already graduat- ed with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and is cur- rently finishing a second undergraduate degree in business. Down the road, he’d love to be an athletic director. Council came to Auburn prior to the 2020 season as a graduate transfer from Akron, and he’s learned what sets Auburn apart from other schools is the fan base and the love they have for the university. “The fan base – they know things about me that I don’t even know about myself,” Council said. “They just know ev- erything from the day you stepped foot on campus, and they treat you like family. They don’t hesitate to take you in, and everybody’s just so friendly.” What’s his favorite Auburn tradition? “Easy. Toomer’s Corner. I’ve seen Toomer’s papered a million times, but have yet to experience papering it myself,” said Council. Throughout his entire journey, family has always been his motivation. The versatile offensive lineman credits his family and coaches for helping him get to where he is today. “My family is everything,” Council said. “Going back to me being self-motivated, I know what I want to see for myself in the future – I want to put my family in a great posi- tion and create generational wealth. “I also can’t forget our offensive line coach, Coach (Will) Friend. He’s a great dude. He’s teaching us things that we’re going to use on the field and off the field and in life and he’s just a very respect- able man. He’s probably one of the best offensive line coaches I’ve had.” College football has provided quite the journey for Council, a journey he wouldn’t trade for the world and one he wishes to use to guide other young players with the same dreams. When asked what advice he would give his younger self or new players walking onto the same big stage, his response was simple. “Take advantage of every day,” he said. “You’re putting in the work for a free education so take advantage of that,” added Council. “A lot of people pay a lot of money for college, and you’re basically getting a free four years of training to prepare yourself for a career or if you want to play for the next level. You’re learning about nutri- tion, time management and all that different type of stuff. “Learn it. Love it. If you can do that, you’ll be successful. You’ll get to where you want to be.” When Council reflects on his time at Auburn and the things that have meant the most to him, his memories stretch far beyond just football. It’s about the relationships he’s built with his teammates and the chemistry created from those relationships. “Without chemistry, your team will never be successful,” Council said. “Little things like just being able to pick up the phone and call another teammate for advice. I get to be in some teammates’ weddings this year, too. You make lifetime friends, and you can’t beat that.” It’s no secret Auburn has helped Council accomplish some big dreams when it comes to the game of football. What many might not know is that Council has also achieved an enormous amount of personal growth in his two years on the Plains. His classes and teachers have helped him mature as a player, as a student and as a young professional entering the real world soon. “I think Auburn helped me mature financially,” he said. “Everything is a little bit more expensive now, and my Auburn classes have helped me learn how to watch my money. Classes like personal finance help you grow more financial awareness. A lot of my courses and programs they present to us have really helped me step outside my comfort zone.” There have been a number of trials and tribulations for Council at Auburn, but despite his injuries and countless hours of rehabilitation, he would not change his experience on any level. It’s that drive, determination and commitment to Auburn that will benefit him throughout his life. ‘TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY DAY’ BY: CHANNING MAGEE AUBURNTIGERS.COM SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: BRANDON COUNCIL BUSINESS FRIENDS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE OF AUBURN AL lic #11024 334-501-2426 We Service All Brands • Better lift without underwire Our camis feature: • Digging Underwire For more information: Text the word “curious” to (205) 813-RUBY (7829) • Straps that stay in place all day • Cups designed to custom fit you • Full coverage for no bulge or spillage • Smoothing back and tummy panels • Wicking fabric to stay cooler and dryer • Slipping Straps • Cups That Don’t Fit • Bra Bulge • Bra Lines • Boob Sweat DO YOU HATE WEARING BRAS? -Call for pickups 334-705-8858 - Supporting Hosanna Home and His Place - 2,000 fresh pieces daily! 1750 Opelika Road, Auburn www.harvestevangelism.org AXE Come Check us out in Downtown Opelika... the owner is an Auburn Alum! (912) 322.1699Find us on 223 S 8th St. Opelika AL, 36801 Auburn’s First OFF-LEASH Dog Park & Bar! Bring Your Dog & Come Watch The Game With Us! We Have TV’s, Shade, & Over 16,000 Square Feet Of Turf! No Dog Required! 203 East University Drive gooddog_auburn | gooddogpark.org TASTE WEEKLY 2638 Enterprise Drive Opelika AL 36801 (334) 203-4783 www.Crumblcookies.comPOST SEASON TROPHY WINNERS 65 n Zeke Smith 1958 Outland Trophy n Tracy Rocker 1988 Outland Trophy & Lombardi Award n Carlos Rogers 2004 Jim Thorpe Award n Nick Fairley 2010 Lombardi Award n Reese Dismukes 2014 Rimington Trophy n Derrick Brown 2019 Lott IMPACT Trophy POST SEASON TROPHY WINNERS AUBURNTIGERS.COM66 TIGERS IN THE NFL TIGERS IN THE NFL AUBURNTIGERS.COM C.J. UZOMAH ANTHONY SCHWARTZ DARIUS SLAYTON JOSH BYNES RUDY FORD DERRICK BROWN CARL LAWSONTIGERS IN THE NFL 67 TIGERS IN THE NFL AUBURNTIGERS.COM JOHANTHAN JONES DANIEL CARLSON NOAH IGBINOGHENE Auburn in the NFL (as of Nov. 24, 2022) Montravius Adams DL Pittsburgh Steelers Angelo Blackson DL Chicago Bears K.J. Britt LB Tampa Bay Buccanners Derrick Brown DL Carolina Panthers Josh Bynes LB Baltimore Ravens Daniel Carlson PK Las Vegas Raiders Carlton Davis DB Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jamel Dean DB Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jack Driscoll OT Philadelphia Eagles Rudy Ford DB Green Bay Packers Josh Harris LS Los Angeles Chargers Noah Igbinoghene DB Miami Dolphins Jonathan Jones DB New England Patriots Carl Lawson DE New York Jets Roger McCreary DB Tennessee Titans Anthony Schwartz WR Cleveland Browns Jamien Sherwood DB New York Jets Arryn Siposs P Philadelphia Eagles Darius Slayton WR New York Giants Braden Smith OL Indianapolis Colts Jarrett Stidham QB Las Vegas Raiders Daniel Thomas DB Jacksonville Jaguars C.J. Uzomah TE New York Jets Prince Tega Wanogho OL Kansas City Chiefs Chandler Wooten LB Carolina Panthers Injured Reserve: Smoke Monday DB New Orleans Saints Also AU lettermen: Byron Cowart DL Indianapolis Colts Malik Willis QB Tennessee Titans Practice Squads: Seth Williams (Jacksonville)BUSINESS FRIENDS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE OF AUBURN Make tailgating easy by picking up our homemade dips, casseroles, cookies and cakes! Downtown Opelika • 334-748-9075 • 105 Southridge Ct. Opelika AL, 36804 334-663-2464 LET US MOVE YOU! Recover from Opioid Addiction 205-877-8585 WWW.READYMIXUSA.COM READY MIX USA Concrete Right...The First Time...On Time 334-737-1818 Ready Mix Concrete • Paving Water Proof Concrete • Flowable Fill Internally Reinforced Concrete Lightweight Concrete • Shotcrete Architectural Polished Concrete A Proud Supporter of Auburn University Moving? 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We are always looking for talented, self-motivated Chemical, Mechanical and Polymer & Fiber Engineers. Send engineering resumes to careers.aub@aptar.com. 960W. Veterans Blvd. | Auburn, AL 36832 334-887-8300 | Fax:334-887-8328Next >