BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Defending SEC Champion Auburn was the first team scheduled for a press conference at SEC Media Days 2014 at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham Monday.

Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn addressed the media at noon, followed by Reese Dismukes, Gabe Wright and C.J. Uzomah.

Check out how the press conference progressed below with our updates, which were posted live.

LIVE UPDATES: MALZAHN

* Malzahn's press conference has concluded. Stay tuned for more coverage of the Tigers from SEC Media Days.

* Malzahn on the death of former Tiger TE Philip Lutzenkirchen: "There will definitely be something to honor Philip. He was a great person and the very first player I recruited at Auburn. He's a true Auburn man and had the ability to play his best during the biggest games. He'll definitely be remembered and we'll do some things to honor him."

* Malzahn on incoming freshman RB Roc Thomas, who was named Mr. Football in Alabama: "He was the No. 1 running back on our board." He said his senior season was one of the most impressive performances he's seen as a recruiter. "We'll see how fall camp goes, but he's off to a good start."

* Malzahn said he's "extremely proud and happy" that former offensive stars Tre Mason and Greg Robinson have reached their goal of playing in the NFL. Both have been busy bees since being drafted by the St. Louis Rams.

* Malzahn feels plenty of high school coaches could be doing what he's doing if given the right opportunity.

* Malzahn's take on marijuana: "We have school rules and we have team rules, and we abide by them."

* Regarding Marshall's legal troubles, Malzahn says "I'm hoping he learns a lesson. I know he's very remorseful, and that's a start."

* Malzahn says it's "safe to say the SEC Champion will be in the final four" teams of the new College Football Playoffs.

* Malzahn calls senior center Reese Dismukes a team leader and an "extension of the coaches."

* Malzahn said when the Tigers beat Texas A&M on the road, it was a turning point in the season. After that, he felt the team could do something special.

* Malzahn says he has "a lot of respect" for Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema. The Tigers and Razorbacks will face off in the season opener Aug. 30 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

* Malzahn said Auburn "did our homework" while recruiting DB Tray Matthews, who was dismissed from Georgia before transferring to Auburn this offseason.

* Carl Lawson had successful ACL surgery in May and is determined to return toward the end of the 2014 season.

* Malzahn will not address what Marshall's consequences will be.

* Malzahn has addressed senior quarterback Nick Marshall, who was cited for marijuana possession last week. "It is a privilege and reward to represent Auburn at SEC Media Days" and Marshall "lost that privilege." He said "Nick made a mistake and will have to be ready to deal with consequences. I know he's regretful and feels bad about it."

* Malzahn said the BCS Championship loss was a "tough pill to swallow."

* Malzahn called the 2013 season one of the "most enjoyable and rewarding seasons" he's had as a coach.