Auburn's Quentin Groves Says He's Coming Back For Senior Season

If Auburn has its way, defensive end Quentin Groves will be spending a lot of quality time with Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor on Monday. And thankfully, Groves will be spending more time with his teammates come next season.

Unwilling to make the mistake Stanley McClover did a year ago by leaving early for the NFL, Groves has made the decision to return for his senior campaign. Much like McClover last season, Groves has saved his best for the biggest games. One could argue that he was the difference maker in wins over Florida and Alabama.

Through the first half of the season, it didn't appear that the NFL was even an option for Groves. The All-SEC selection had made little noise heading into the Florida game. That's win head coach Tommy Tuberville gave Groves a little pep-talk.

He told him that he expected more out of him and that he was capable of better play. That low key talk changed everything for Groves. In the Florida game, he recorded three sacks and led Auburn to a 27-17 win over the second-ranked Gators.

He followed that performance up by forcing Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson to fumble twice in crucial situations. Those fumbles led to two Auburn touchdowns that resulted in the Tigers winning its fifth consecutive Iron Bowl 22-15.

When it was all said and done, Groves finished the season with nearly 10 sacks. He heads into Monday's game with 23 career sacks. That has caught the attention of Nebraska's Taylor. "He's a great pass rusher," said Taylor, the Big 12 offensive player of the year. "He's not one of those 280-, 290-pound defensive ends. But he is quick and he can move, and you have to be aware of him at all times. You have to know where he's at."

Thankfully, Auburn fans will know where he is come next Fall.