The Tigers have another veteran option at the position in Florida State graduate transfer Wilson Bell, who started 19 games for the Seminoles over the past two seasons. But Golson would provide more experience at the other guard spot than the two sophomores vying for the job in Mike Horton and Marquel Harrell.

The position Golson has played least is tackle, and Auburn looks fairly solidified there anyway with senior Braden Smith set to man the right side and incumbent started Darius James, sophomore Prince Tega Wanogho and five-star true freshman Calvin Ashley pushing each other on the left side.

But it never hurts to have a contingency plan.

“Austin is a guy that could really play all five,” Hand said this spring.

“Whatever is going to make the team best,” Golson said days earlier. “It doesn’t matter where. As long as we’re winning, I’ll play wherever.”

Smith has seen that mentality from his teammate this summer. He’s also seen a player he believes is primed for a big senior season.

No matter which position Golson ends up playing.

“He’s really made a lot of strides. He’s been getting after it. He’s increased his physicality quite a bit,” Smith said at SEC Media Days. “You can really see that he has an extra edge this year. He’s going to get after it. You plug him in at any position, I have full confidence in him. He’s a great player.”

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