New faces earn places at DB

AUBURN - Secondary coach Willie Martinez talks about increased roles for sophomore cornerback Robenson Therezie, sophomore safety Erique Florence and freshman cornerback Josh Holsey going forward, about Chris Davis' standout performance in last Saturday's 12-10 loss to LSU and more. Go inside for the video.

Some highlights:

On Florence getting his first significant playing time this season

"I thought he did well. One thing about Erique is he is going to play with a lot of energy and he is a physical player. In a game like that, you need guys that are going to love to mix it up. He just has to keep on working, keep learning.

By no means has he arrived or any of those young guys or guys who haven't had that many reps. It takes time, especially at the safety position that makes all our calls. But he's feeling more comfortable."

On Therezie moving back to cornerback after moving to running back

"We're just trying to get guys on the team to fit a certain role. For that ballgame and what we were asking Therezie to do, it was perfect for him. He's a physical kid. When they got into a certain personnel grouping it just fit for him and fit for us."

On Holsey's performance in his first chance to play defense

"The thing about Josh, along with (freshman) Jonathan Jones, they have been playing on special teams and they have been doing a great job. Anytime you play on special teams, it's a space game. ... They've just been getting better and better. It was no surprise. They've been working really hard and getting to know our defense.

"I think it's just a matter of time before Jonathan sees some defensive plays. It was good to see Josh in there, and then the play he made."

On whether Florence, Therezie and Holsey will play significant roles in next Saturday's game against Arkansas and beyond

"They are getting reps. They are playing on defense and getting better and better. Their role could get bigger and bigger. It really just depends on them and how they continue to practice and continue to earn reps.

"They earned reps. When they got in there, they did some really good things. They weren't perfect, but they played with a lot of energy and a lot of physicality. It's good to have, because the more you have, the better you are."