A week after surgery, Auburn OL coach refuses to miss practice

It would be understandable if J.B. Grimes needed a break, as the Auburn Tigers offensive line coach has had a long week. However, the level of toughness Grimes is showing his players is sure to rub off as they begin fall camp Tuesday. 

A week removed from surgery to remove cancer from his tongue and having his lymph nodes removed from the right side of his neck, Grimes plans to be at practice with the rest of the team. 

"I will not miss practice," Grimes said Tuesday to AuburnTigers.com. "I'm strong. I'll recover."

Grimes isn't the sole person connected to Auburn's offensive line to be struck by cancer, as projected starting offensive tackle Shonn Coleman is also a cancer survivor. If the players can bounce back, so can their coach, apparently. 

"The report came back that I'm cancer free. I'm good to go," Grimes said.

While Grimes admits he isn't fully 100-percent recovered, he's well enough to make it through practice with the team. The Tigers line will need as much knowledge and coaching as it can get from Grimes this fall, as the team has several talented players vying for starting spots across the line. 

How does Grimes see the potential of his unit heading into practice?

"I like the makings of this group. If we can stay healthy, we have a chance to be pretty good," Grimes said.

Something he can relate to judging by recent events off the field. 

(h/t AuburnTigers.com)