AUBURN, Alabama -- Shon Coleman, who has battled leukemia since signing with Auburn in 2010, practiced for the first time with the Tigers today.

"Which is a great thing," said coach Gene Chizik. "It was great to see him smile."

Coleman is an offensive lineman who has been around the program, but wasn't cleared to practice until today during a workout in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

"We're going to take baby steps. We're going to follow exactly what the orders are from our medical staff," Chizik said. "We're not going to predict anything right now. We're going to get him acclimated.

"He's worked extremely hard to get to this point."

Defensive lineman Jeff Whitaker said Coleman's return was met with excitement.

"A lot of people were praying, a lot of people were rooting for Shon on and off the field," Whitaker said. "It feels good to see him back. He's my brother. I love him."

Whitaker said Coleman had a "big smile."

"He tried to down play it, but you could see he was excited and he was happy. I know he was excited about the response that he got. Coach Chiz made him stand up in front of the whole team. Coach Chiz didn't even have to acknowledge it. Once he stood up the whole team gave him a standing ovation."

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