Trovon Reed

Auburn wide receiver Trovon Reed (1) laughs with teammates before practice Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Newport Beach, Calif. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

AUBURN, Alabama -- Trovon Reed is catching on quickly at cornerback.

The former receiver didn't quite fit in with Auburn's rotation at receiver, where he did not emerge as a go-to threat for quarterback Nick Marshall and caught nine passes in 2013. He made the move to cornerback in the offseason, and so far the early returns at field corner have been good.

"Trovon has had a really good camp," defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said Thursday. "He's still learning the system, but I think from what (cornerbacks coach) Melvin (Smith) is telling me about 1-on-1's, just his cover skills and playing the position physically, he's been a really bright spot. We think he's going to help us tremendously."

The 6-foot, 188-pound senior is looking for a breakout season in his final year on campus. He arrived to Auburn rated one of the top athletes in the country, but he didn't quite know where he would land on the field -- as a receiver or defensive back.

He bounded around, starting two games as a sophomore to go along with 21 catches, but failed to crack double digits in catches in 2012 and 2013.

Coaches alerted him of the position switch two weeks following the Tigers' 34-31 loss to Florida State in the BCS National Championship in January.

"He's doing a real good job," receiver Sammie Coates said. "He is a real quick guy and got good footwork, so it's going to be amazing when he learns defense to see what he can do."

The Tigers are working on improving their depth at cornerback, a spot Johnson believes is deeper than last season. If Reed gets up to speed as fast as projected, he could challenge Jonathan Jones for the starting spot as the Tigers' field corner in the fall.

Reed certainly sticks out on the field among his teammates, though "he's got to come over there and have our mindset," boundary cornerback Jonathon Mincy said.

"I've always liked Trovon's energy," safety Jermaine Whitehead said. "When he played offense, he was the guy who got us pumped to have a good (day). Now he's on my side of the ball, so it's going to be a long year for the offense."