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Auburn's Braden Smith returning for senior season

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Auburn received some good news Wednesday, as guard Braden Smith announced he will be returning for his senior season.

"I feel like we have a chance to do something special next year. It's exciting," Smith said. "We have a bunch of people coming back. I feel like it's going to be a really strong line next year."

Jarrett Stidham is no doubt excited to hear the news, as the quarterback figures to be the starter for Gus Malzahn and Co. in 2017. Smith noted that he wants to play another season under offensive line coach Herb Hand.

"Playing under Coach Hand definitely made me a better player," Smith said. "He's definitely a great coach. I've come miles under him. He took me to a different level and helped me develop as a player."

Keeping Smith in the fold will be key for the line, as the Tigers are already losing seniors Alex Kozan and Robert Leff up front.

The news comes on the same day that the Tigers lost pass rusher Carl Lawson to the draft.

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