AUBURN, Alabama–Transferring to Auburn from Florida last season, middle infielder Deric Fabian had some bright spots for the Tigers but also some struggles as he transitioned away from his natural position of shortstop to more of a third baseman for coach Butch Thompson’s team. Starting 44 games, Fabian batted .268 with five home runs, nine doubles and was fourth on the team with 27 runs batted in.
Heading into year two, Fabian has become one of the leaders for an Auburn team that will have a big group of newcomers play a key role in 2025. Along with Cooper McMurray, Fabian is one of the most experienced players on the roster and he said it’s time to step up.
“I think the biggest thing is I have come into more of a leadership role,” Fabian said. “I feel like I can help guys when they need it. I’m not the new guy trying to sort through things myself. Now I can just help other guys.”
Saying he has learned a lot of his leadership from dad Eric Fabian, the 6-3, 198 senior has become a more vocal player for the Tigers as they prepare for Friday’s season opener against Holy Cross. It’s a role that he enjoys.
“The coaches just told me to not let my voice be quiet,” Fabian said. “I took that to heart. Just being my fourth year in college, I have been around the block a lot. I kind of know what to expect heading into the year. As much as I can help the freshmen and the young guys, that’s what I’m going to do.”
A regular starter last season and returning for his senior year, Fabian knows nothing is guaranteed this year with the addition of USF transfer Eric Snow, the return of sophomore Eric Guevara, and the additions of true freshmen Chris Rembert, Addison Klepsch and Chase Fralick creating a lot of competition for the rest of the infield spots outside of McMurray at first base. He said the entire group has pushed each other since the fall and that has continued in the preseason.
“I just think our freshman class came in ready to work, which is awesome,” Fabian said. “I think the transfers came in and made an immediate impact. I think of Cade Fisher and Sam Dutton and Bristol Carter just to name a few. All three of them have been really good.”
Noting that this year’s group feels really close with a team-first attitude permeating through the locker room, Fabian said the toughest thing is now just getting to Friday’s first pitch.
“It feels like it’s forever,” Fabian said. “Each and every day, we’re counting down the days. All we can control is today. That’s easier said than done, but I think our goal is to go 1-0 each day whether that’s playing Holy Cross or in the SEC. Even if it’s practice, we want to get consistently better as the season goes on and we’ll be in the right place at the end of the year.”
Auburn opens the season this weekend vs. Holy Cross at Plainsman Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. All three games can be streamed at SEC Network+.
