Malik Blocton on first camp with Auburn football and visiting Pike Road's football practice

AUBURN — Montgomery native Malik Blocton has made an early impact for Auburn Football during the spring and summer.

After dominating the high school ranks in the River Region at Pike Road, Blocton plans on making an immediate impact with the Tigers. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze confirmed that he will play this season, highlighting him as an under-the-radar player to watch.

More: Auburn football: Hugh Freeze praises Montgomery's Malik Blocton. 'He's got something to him'

"Camp is going well. Everything has been fun," Blocton said. "The surprise for me so far has been the size of the offensive linemen compared to high school and the speed of the game at this level is a lot faster."

Sophomore Keldrick Faulk praised the growth he's seen in Blocton from spring to fall. He shared the advice he gives him and the rest of the freshmen as he was in their shoes — just a year ago.

"Really, just don't worry about making mistakes and focus on what you're supposed to do and how you're supposed to do it. From that point, it's just learning football," Faulk said. "When you learn football, the game slows down for you, and you play faster. [Malik] done a great job with that so far. He's progressed a whole lot, since the start of spring to now."

Blocton added on being the youngest in the group and how he's learning from all the older guys on the team.

"All the older guys have been helping me and they have all taught me different stuff," Blocton said. "Everyone's game is different, so I try to take different things from everyone so I can be the best player I can be."

"I always want to know and learn how pieces move around and fit. With this defense they have me moving all over from the end to nose tackle. So, I really want to understand everything, so I can get better."

This summer, Pike Road head coach Granger Shook invited different alumni to speak with the team after practice as they prepare for the upcoming high school football season. Blocton was given the opportunity to shadow practice and serve as a coach for the day.

He spoke to the guys, giving them encouragement and called that experience a big deal for him.

"I wanted to let those guys know I'm still same guy they played with last year," Blocton said. "I'm not changing, and I wanted to give them insight into what they are getting into next year. I wanted to provide something that nobody gave us last year. My brother [Marcus Harris] was able to give me advice, but he was busy playing football here at Auburn. Overall, the experience was rewarding, and I want to be that guy they can come to and always count on."

Harris, who finished third among SEC defensive linemen in sacks last season with the Tigers, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Houston Texans. With Blocton enrolling to Auburn early in the spring, he was able to work with his older brother and learn from him before the start of camp.

"Enrolling early was probably one of the most beneficial things I could do so I can see the field this season and possibly start," Blocton said. "This was my goal coming in the spring so I can learn plays and get all the early mistakes out. Now I'm getting a chance to play and get reps with the starters."

"I talked to Marcus a couple of day ago, our first day of camp was the same day as their preseason opener. We dreamed about moments like this our entire lives. He's the one who taught me how to watch and dissect film. Showing me where the tight ends and running backs are going to be so I know the play before it happens. It's helped me play a lot faster."

With just 15 days left until the season opener against Alabama A&M, Blocton says he gets goosebumps thinking about his Auburn debut.

"Even when I use to visit last year for the games, I would visualize myself running out the tunnel," Blocton said. "I can't wait for that moment and hearing all the fans yelling."

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Malik Blocton on first camp with Auburn football and visiting Pike Road's football practice