Auburn enters its fifth year under head coach Gus Malzahn looking to improve upon its 8-5 record from a year ago. The Tigers hope to build upon a promising defense that turned out to be the team's strength in 2016, and the offense has high expectations under first-year coordinator Chip Lindsey and his revamped scheme that will expand the passing game.

Which 10 members of the 2017 team will prove to be the difference between a successful season or a disappointing one? AL.com delves into the topic as it unveils Auburn's 10 MVPs for the 2017 season.

7. Tray Matthews, safety



Linebackers are typically considered the focal point of defenses but Auburn's defensive leader might be in the secondary.

Tray Matthews is absolutely the leader of the defensive backfield. A bone-crushing safety who led the Tigers with 76 tackles last season, Matthews is No. 7 in our countdown because of his production and the presence he commands on and off the field.

He also had an interception and three pass breakups in 2016 and in choosing to return for a fifth college season, Matthews will try to improve his skill set under new position coach Greg Brown.

"We just want to ensure our overall skills and make ourselves as best we can in the secondary," Brown said, "both as a individual player and as a position."

With one last chance to improve his draft stock before entering the NFL, Matthews will be highly motivated to exceed his numbers from a year ago.

With two other senior safeties, Matthews doesn't have to do it alone but he takes on the responsibility.

Matthews is obviously a starter, but he could see a slight drop in workload if Auburn can bring some of its younger safeties along in their development.