He’s a little older. The jacket is a little newer, a little sharper. But Will Muschamp looked right at home Monday wearing his Auburn gear at practice. It was the Tigers’ first bowl practice and Muschamp’s first opportunity to get a look at his new team.

New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp watches his first Auburn practice Monday pic.twitter.com/dmShYy25dv — Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) December 15, 2014

The Auburn defense will change from the 4-2-5 style implemented by former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson to a 3-4, 4-3 hybrid, the same defense Muschamp used the last time he was defensive coordinator on the Plains.

Here’s a look at five Auburn players who could thrive under Muschamp:

DT Montravius Adams: The coaches were disappointed with Adams, who failed to reach his potential as a sophomore. They expected more out of the former ESPN 300 star. He looked dominant at times but disappeared in bigger games. Maybe Muschamp will be the one who helps Adams maximize his talents. The 6-foot-4, 306-pound defensive lineman played primarily at tackle under Johnson, but he probably will move to end when Auburn goes to a 3-4 set. Think A'Shawn Robinson at Alabama. Adams might not be that good, but that’s the type of role he’ll fill in Muschamp’s defense.

DE Carl Lawson: There might not be a more important piece to Auburn’s defense next season. Lawson tore his ACL in the spring and missed the entire 2014 season, but he returned to practice Monday for the first time since the injury, an encouraging sign for next year. When he does return, he’ll no longer just be rushing the quarterback off the edge with his hand in the dirt. He’ll do some of that, but look for Muschamp to try him at Buck linebacker, a hybrid role where the 6-2, 261-pounder also will have to stand up at times. If the transition goes well, Lawson could become the next Dante Fowler Jr., Florida’s leader in sacks this season.

DB Tray Matthews: Fellow safety Johnathan Ford led the team in tackles this past season, but keep an eye on Matthews, who will be eligible to play next fall. The former four-star recruit started six games at Georgia his freshman year before transferring. He finished with 36 tackles, four passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble. Now he gets a full offseason under Muschamp, who typically works hands on with the safeties in practice. Muschamp has coached and developed NFL safeties such as Matt Elam, Earl Thomas, Ahmad Black and Josh Evans. Matthews and Ford have the potential to be next on that list.

LB Cassanova McKinzy: Muschamp loves versatility, players who can move around and play multiple positions on defense. McKinzy might be one of the most versatile on the team. He played both linebacker spots in the previous 4-2-5 scheme, and he dabbled some this season as an edge rusher on third-down-and-long situations. What’s not to like? And on top that, he has been one of Auburn’s most productive players the last two years. He was second on the team with 82 tackles and led the team with 10 tackles for loss. It will be interesting where all McKinzy plays in the new scheme, but he’s a guy Muschamp can’t wait to get his hands on.

DB Nick Ruffin: Recruited as a cornerback, Ruffin was moved to the Star position before the season. The freshman played well in a limited role and showed glimpses of his potential, but the Star position left with the former defensive coordinator. That means Ruffin will likely move back to cornerback where the Tigers desperately need help next season. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Ruffin has good size to play cornerback for Muschamp. It’s just a matter of how he holds up in man-to-man coverage. He and fellow freshman Kalvaraz Bessent, who redshirted this year, are the two best options to start opposite Jonathan Jones next year in the secondary.