Auburn coach Gus Malzahn replaces quarterback Nick Marshall at SEC media days

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photo Nick Marshall

The Southeastern Conference media days event begins today in Hoover, Ala., and there is already a change in plans.

Auburn senior quarterback Nick Marshall, who was cited Friday for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana in Reynolds, Ga., is no longer one of the three players who will be representing the Tigers. Coach Gus Malzahn on Sunday night replaced Marshall with senior tight end C.J. Uzomah.

The other Auburn player representatives are center Reese Dismukes and defensive lineman Gabe Wright. Marshall threw for 1,976 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and he rushed for 1,068 yards on an offense that led the nation with 328.3 rushing yards a game.

"He was very regretful," Reynolds police chief Lonnie Holder said in an interview with WRBL-TV in Columbus. "He was very respectful. He was very apologetic. He seemed like he was disappointed in himself. He did get a little teary eyed as we had the conversation.

"I think sometimes what those kids need -- they need somebody to talk to them and say, 'Hey, you made a mistake. Don't let it happen anymore.'"

Auburn isn't the only school entering media days dealing with an unwanted July jolt.

Alabama junior defensive tackle Jarran Reed was arrested early Sunday morning by the Tuscaloosa Police Department and charged with driving under the influence. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Reed amassed 66 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks last season at East Mississippi Community College, and he was the No. 12 junior-college prospect in the 2014 class according to 247Sports.com.

"We are disappointed in Jarran's actions, and this is obviously not the kind of behavior we expect from our players," Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement through the school's media relations department. "It is a privilege to represent the University of Alabama, and there are responsibilities that go along with that privilege. We'll evaluate the situation and determine the appropriate discipline so better choices and decisions can be made in the future."

Reed is Alabama's second player to be arrested this month, with junior tailback Kenyan Drake disobeying Tuscaloosa officers last weekend by passing through crime scene tape to get to his vehicle.

Auburn will be joined at media days today by Florida and Vanderbilt. The event will begin around lunchtime with an address from conference commissioner Mike Slive.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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