aubiefifty

si.com D.J. James speaks highly on Kayin Lee: "He's a veteran in my eyes" Daniel Locke ~2 minutes Auburn cornerback D.J. James believes that Kayin Lee is capable of stepping up for Auburn next season. D.J. James was an asset to the Auburn Tigers during his two seasons with the program. James missed one game during his time with the Tigers. He recorded 75 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss of yards, three interceptions and 21 pass deflections. In an interview with Zac Blackerby of Locked on Auburn at the senior bowl, James talked about who he believes will step up in the Tigers' secondary and believes Kayin Lee will be up to the challenge. "Kayin Lee, he's a veteran already in my eyes," James said. "He played as a freshman, he knows the game, he's physical, he's fast, he's fluent. I'm really excited for him." Lee, a 5-foot-11 cornerback from Ellenwood, Georgia, played in every game for the Tigers during his freshman season. Lee recorded 18 total tackles, two tackles for a loss of yards, six pass deflections and one forced fumble. According to 247Sports, Lee was a 4-star recruit with a 0.9386 composite rating. Lee was the No. 2 player in Auburn's 2023 recruiting class behind defensive lineman Keldric Faulk. Lee was the No. 146 player nationally, the No. 16 cornerback and the No. 11 player in the state of Georgia. Lee will be expected to take a big jump in 2024 because of everything that Auburn lost, but a revamped coaching staff and an influx of new talent should put him in a position to do just that.

al.com Auburn's Hugh Freeze is staying ahead of the curve in hiring Will Redmond. Here's how Updated: Jan. 31, 2024, 3:14 p.m.|Published: Jan. 31, 2024, 2:22 p.m. 7–9 minutes Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed the hiring of former LSU director of player personnel Will Redmond Wednesday afternoon during a brief media availability at the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl. News of Auburn hiring Redmond, who is set to take on a general manager-like role on The Plains, was first reported by FootballScoop.com on Jan. 24. The thought of having general manager-like roles in college football is enough to make the “traditionalists” of the sport shudder. But with the college football landscape changing at a head-spin-inducing rate with the transfer portal and name, image and likeness, there’s an undeniable need for a GM-like position. “It is different,” Freeze said Wednesday. “But I need help with that, I do. You’ve gotta have somebody you can completely trust help us build the roster and then manage it, whether it’s the NIL discussions or whatever the discussions are. I really need some help with that to take some of that off my plate. And I’ve got a guy that I’ve got great trust in that can do.” And while Redmond isn’t a coordinator or coach, his addition still might be the biggest one Freeze has made this offseason as it helps solidify the direction the Auburn football program is moving: forward. What are Redmond’s responsibilities? In mid-December, Freeze opened up about how difficult it is to craft an 85-man roster in today’s football landscape. “It’s really hard for me to juggle the numbers in my mind for managing the 85,” Freeze admitted. Thanks to the revolving door of the transfer portal, it’s exhausting for coaches to have to constantly recruit players already in their locker room, while also keeping close tabs on what’s available in the portal. Freeze admitted in December that the transfer portal was something he and Auburn’s staff struggled with. “Don’t think I have handled it very well, truthfully,” Freeze said of the transfer portal. “It’s hard for any of us to truly manage all of it.” Not to mention, still evaluating recruits in the high school ranks, which is something Freeze has made clear he prefers to be the biggest piece of his roster’s blueprint. That’s where Redmond’s role comes in. When Redmond was LSU’s director of player personnel, his greatest responsibility was helping craft and maintain a “recruiting board” for LSU’s coaching staff, meaning Redmond did the work behind-the-scenes to assess the needs of LSU’s roster and then evaluate prospects who could help fill those voids. Now at Auburn with an elevated title, Redmond will likely do much of the same for the Tigers, as well as possibly helping Freeze identify potential hires as the need arises. What does Redmond’s track record look like? When Brian Kelly first arrived at LSU in 2022, LSU’s roster consisted of fewer than 40 scholarship players. Essentially, unless he could figure something out quick, Kelly was looking down the barrel of a massive, multi-year rebuild in Baton Rouge. But fortunately for the Bayou Bengals, Kelly made the decision to retain Redmond, who was brought to LSU by Ed Orgeron the year prior. And it was Redmond who acted as the general contractor of LSU’s roster rebuild ahead of the 2022 season. In 2022, LSU landed the seventh-ranked high school recruiting class. But more importantly, LSU landed the third-ranked transfer portal class in 2022 as it brought in 15 incoming transfers to help offset the mass exodus that followed Orgeron’s departure. The biggest transfer pickup for LSU in 2022? Former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels, who went on to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy. For his efforts in helping LSU rebound in 2022, Redmond was awarded with the 2022 Player Personnel Director of the Year Award by FootballScoop.com. “This is a tremendous honor for Will, and I’m very happy to see him recognized as the recipient of this award,” Kelly said of Redmond winning the honor. “His ability to identify talent and his overall evaluation of players is vital to our program. Whether it’s identifying young players or evaluating players who may be in the transfer portal, Will has been able to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of recruiting and player evaluation.” With Redmond still in Baton Rouge, LSU went on to land the fifth-ranked recruiting class and fifth-ranked transfer class in 2023. Before his time at LSU, Redmond served as the director of recruiting at Kansas for more than four years, as well as three years as director of player personnel at Middle Tennessee State. Former Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris was at Kansas at the same time as Redmond and was quick to endorse the hire. “Great dude, fun guy, great energy. His energy is very contagious and he always comes with a smile on his face,” Harris said after his first Senior Bowl practice Tuesday afternoon. “I can’t wait until he gets to Auburn and the players get in contact with him and interact with him. It’s going to be a great deal.” Redmond is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in sport management. Why is the hiring of Redmond needed at Auburn? Again, while such an addition might be tough for some to wrap their heads around as the need for a general manager-like role in college football still feels so foreign, Auburn fans should be relieved to see Freeze staying ahead of the curve with the hiring of Redmond. Redmond has a mentor in Ole Miss’ Austin Thomas, who Lane Kiffin hired as the Rebels’ football chief of staff and sport administrator. But before Thomas made his way to Ole Miss, he served in a general manager-like role at LSU, becoming the first in the SEC to hold such a title. In an interview with ESPN in 2021, Thomas helped explain the reasoning for hires such as himself. “You think about it, it’s strength staff, training staff, nutrition staff, analysts, recruiting staff, personnel staff ... it’s a lot of people,” Thomas said. “If a head coach doesn’t have help with that stuff to carry his message and implement that on a daily basis, it can go sideways really quick.” Up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s recently hired head coach Kalen DeBoer is expected to bring with him Courtney Morgan, who served as DeBoer’s general manager at Washington. At Ohio State, Ryan Day has Quinn Tempel, who serves as the Buckeyes’ chief of staff and assistant to the head coach. Meanwhile in Texas, Steve Sarkisian has Jared Blank, who serves as Longhorns’ chief of staff. The addition of general manager-like roles is the next piece of college football’s evolution. And the hiring of Redmond is evidence that not only does Freeze recognize the evolving need for a general manager, but also his refusal to be left trying to catch up. “Will Redmond, I think, is a star,” Freeze said Wednesday. “He blew me away in his interviews and he’s already adding great value to being in there.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

DJ Durkin named Auburn’s next defensive coordinator WSFA 12 News Staff 2–3 minutes AUBURN, Ala. (WSFA) - Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze has made a hire to fill the team’s vacant defensive coordinator position, securing DJ Durkin for the key role. Durkin has spent the last four seasons in the SEC, including the last two in the DC role at Texas A&M. Prior to that he directed defense and linebackers at Ole Miss for two seasons, and is credited with building successful defensive units at Michigan and Florida, among other stops. In 2023, Durkin’s defense at TAMU was No. 3 in the SEC and No. 19 nationally in total defense (316.0) while leading the conference in rushing defense (108.8), sacks (7.6) and first-down defense (214). The Aggies tackles for loss and sacks per game totals were ranked fifth and seventh nationally, respectively. Under Durkin, the defense was also third in the SEC and No. 18 nationally in third down defense (.332). His first season’s defense led the nation allowing the fewest passing yards per game at 156.2. “DJ has been a successful defensive coordinator at multiple stops in the Southeastern Conference,” Freeze said. “I’ve always been impressed with his schemes and game plans, including the two times I have faced his teams in recent years. Texas A&M’s defense was fast, physical, and well coached. We are excited to have DJ join our staff here at Auburn.” “I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Coach Freeze’s staff and be a part of the Auburn Family,” Durkin said. “Auburn has a well-earned reputation for hard-nosed, physical defenses. We will work extremely hard to continue that tradition and make Auburn proud. I can’t wait to get started.” In addition to college roles, Durkin spent one season in the NFL as a consultant for the Atlanta Falcons in 2018 after serving as the head coach at Maryland for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He doubled the Terrapins’ win total during his first season at the helm and excelled on the recruiting trail, bringing in consecutive top-30 signing classes for the first time in program history. Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store! Copyright 2024 WSFA. All rights reserved.

Harris excited for Senior Bowl following 'amazing' time at Auburn Marcus Harris talks about the Senior Bowl and his time at Auburn. MOBILE, Alabama—Coming out of Park Crossing High in Montgomery, Marcus Harris was hoping for an opportunity to show what he could do on the next level. That wound up being at Kansas in the Big 12, but eventually he would make his way back to Auburn after transferring home and the rest is history. Becoming a huge part of Auburn’s defensive front during his time on the Plains, Harris is once again hoping to prove himself this week in Mobile as one of four Tigers on hand for the Senior Bowl. Getting off to a great start on Tuesday with a strong workout, Harris said he’s excited about his opportunity this week. “It just feels good being down here playing against the best and competing against the best down here,” Harris said. “The SEC is the best of the best but this is the best of the world so just having that opportunity and having this platform here is a great opportunity.” Opportunity is what Harris was looking for when he made the move to Auburn before the 2021 season. A three-year starter for the Tigers that improved his game by leaps and bounds while on campus, Harris said he can’t begin to describe how important his time at Auburn was for him. “It's just been amazing,” Harris said. “Going 12 hours away from home before the transfer portal was big and stuff and then not knowing if I was going to have the opportunity to play close to home or at Auburn. And then get in the portal and Auburn offers, it just meant the most, man. Playing for these great coaches that we've had over the past few years has been amazing. I'm glad I got to come in and witness the new facility and the new coaching staff that's there now.” With Freeze and a revamped staff in charge now, Harris sees big things ahead for the Tigers as they continue to overhaul the roster in this new age of NIL and the transfer portal. Harris said the open door policy is something that he really enjoyed in his one season with Freeze in charge. “Yeah it's been amazing,” Harris said. “Coach Freeze comes in as a players coach and if we have any problems we can just go up and talk to him about it. He's very relatable, he can relate to us about anything. So just having that ear and knowing that he's going to always be with us no matter what, it just makes you want to play harder for him.” Even though his Auburn career is done, Harris said he will forever be an Auburn man following his time spent on the Plains. With younger brother Malik Blocton now on the roster and beginning his career, Harris said all he can do is say thank you. “War Eagle,” Harris said of his message to Auburn fans. “Thanks for the support throughout my whole Auburn career and right now as I get ready for the NFL they're still showing me a lot of support. Even down here at the Senior Bowl site in Mobile, or when I was training in Pensacola there was a lot of Auburn fans there giving me love. The Auburn family is going to travel wherever, they're going to be there through whatever, I love the Auburn family.”

247sports.com Freeze Too early to decide playcalling plan with new OC Derrick Nix Nathan King 7–8 minutes 'It's a comfort level to have D-Nix and Kent in that room, knowing that the verbiage and terminology and everything that I understand clearly. I can add value to that when I need to.' MOBILE, Alabama — Hugh Freeze will see a few more familiar faces in offensive meetings this coming season. His new offensive coordinator Derrick Nix and quarterbacks coach Kent Austin both worked under Freeze previously at Ole Miss and Liberty, respectively. Nix will also coach running backs, filling the vacancy created after Cadillac Williams stepped down from the staff earlier this month. In the case of Nix, a first-time coordinator after spending 16 seasons at Ole Miss as an assistant, the familiarity in running Auburn’s 2024 offense is something Freeze hopes can be a real boost for a unit that needs some significant improvement heading into next season. “It's a comfort level to have D-Nix and Kent in that room, knowing that the verbiage and terminology and everything that I understand clearly,” Freeze told reporters Wednesday at the Senior Bowl. “I can add value to that when I need to.” Nix was on all five of Freeze’s assistant staffs with the Rebels, serving as running backs coach. He’d been on staff at Ole Miss since 2008 and has obviously helped contribute to a number of prolific offensive seasons, both under Freeze and Lane Kiffin. Nix coached running backs for the Rebels from 2008-19 and wide receivers since 2020. “D-Nix is one of the best recruiters, best men, best football coaches I've been around,” Freeze said. “Good to reunite with him.” Freeze designated offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery as Auburn’s play caller last season, and as the season progressed, Freeze said he spent more time implementing the game plan for respective weeks. After the Arkansas game, Freeze said he “put his foot down” in the offensive meeting rooms. Montgomery was fired early this month. While Freeze said he will have a larger role from the jump with Nix as his coordinator, he’s not sure yet how the play-calling marriage will look — only that he’ll be more comfortable working with one of his former SEC assistants. “I think it's too early,” Freeze said when asked how he and Nix will work together within the offense. “I have great confidence in D-Nix and that room. But just knowing that it's in the verbiage that I completely understand, where I can suggest things or make adjustments.” Auburn had the SEC's least efficient offense during a four-game losing streak, as quarterback Payton Thorne and the passing attack struggled mightily to find any consistency running Freeze and Montgomery's run-pass option system. There was a relative breakthrough when the competition level lowered, as Thorne and his supporting cast improved during Auburn's three-game winning streak over Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Arkansas. The Tigers had an unsightly product on offense in two of their last three games of the season, though, scoring just three combined touchdowns in losses to New Mexico State and Maryland. Auburn finished the season with the SEC's least productive passing offense, and second-to-last in the league in QBR and yards per attempt. As an offense overall, the Tigers were No. 11 in the SEC in both yards per play and scoring. “I will know how to help more,” Freeze said of the offense’s outlook with Nix in 2024. “I have nobody to blame but myself. I'm going to be more comfortable this year.” *** Subscribe to Auburn Undercover for the latest news and intel, podcasts, recruiting coverage and more *** *** Get Auburn news straight to your inbox with the Auburn Undercover newsletter ***

thank you! you remain one of the good guys on here as always.............

you are the most awesome guy on this site. i hope when i grow up i share some of your qualities. i cannot tell you how much this means. even with my bad jokes you are still awesome. thank you for making me feel better.

247sports.com Freeze talks hire of Durkin as DC why he was the right fit Jason Caldwell 38–49 minutes How Hugh Freeze leaned on Charles Kelly during Auburn DC search 'If I was in Charles' shoes 10 years ago, I would have been clamoring, 'I'm the guy, man. I'm the one that you should hire.' I wish I was more like Charles because that would have been me.' MOBILE, Alabama — One of the most involved people in Auburn’s defensive coordinator search was one of the newest members of the staff. It took Hugh Freeze nearly three weeks to land on a replacement for Ron Roberts, doing so this week by giving D.J. Durkin his third SEC coordinator job in the last five years. Freeze said Wednesday that “I know I’ve got to get this right,” and that athletic director John Cohen was “so supportive” during the process. Another pillar of support Freeze leaned on was Charles Kelly, Auburn’s new safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator and someone Freeze has wanted to work with for a long time. Kelly has coordinator experience, and some thought that may be the direction Freeze would go as the search dragged on. And Freeze wouldn’t have blamed Kelly for feeling that way, either. “I cannot speak highly enough of Charles Kelly,” Freeze said Wednesday at the Senior Bowl. “... If I was in Charles' shoes 10 years ago, I would have been clamoring, 'I'm the guy, man. I'm the one that you should hire.' I wish I was more like Charles because that would have been me.” Freeze said he involved Kelly, the Auburn alum who was most recently Colorado’s defensive coordinator last season after four seasons as an assistant at Alabama, in the searches and even had him sit in on the candidates’ interviews for his feedback. “Charles, all the way through it, he sat through the interviews with me,” Freeze said. “If it were me, I would have been trying to poke holes in everything and make sure you knew I was the best fit for it. When I watched him and how he handled everything, the humility he exhibited — and his whole deal all along was, 'Coach, get the best guys in the room. However you want my role to be, just tell me what you want my role to be.’” Set to coach the Auburn secondary with Wesley McGriff, Kelly’s primary draw as a coach throughout his career, particularly in the southeast, has been his elite recruiting chops. Coming off his final season on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama before he took the Colorado DC job, Kelly was named the 247Sports Recruiter of the Year for 2022. Between stops at Alabama, Florida State and Tennessee, Kelly — who played under Pat Dye at Auburn — has been the primary or secondary recruiter for nine 5-star prospects and 21 top-100 recruits in the 247Sports rankings. “We've had many recruiting battles, and he's tough to beat, particularly in this state,” Freeze said. The Tigers are off to a strong start in that area for the 2025 class, currently with three of the top 10 players in the state of Alabama committed, and in strong contention for most of the others in that group.

was that the guy dye called bowling ball?

i have a four inch mass on my right kidney that is cancer. i also have abnormal protein in my blood which is a worry and he would not speculate. i suffer from depression and i am pretty bummed right now i need someone to cheer me up. maybe auburn will win tonight. i know not many folks will care but i just need to vent.

you rawk bro............

i wish i was popular but my past history haunts me.

tis sad but true big shooter but we have high hopes for you.

is live right now on espn2 i posted it here mods cus we haveplayers on the teeam.

si.com Auburn Has Seven Future Stars Ranked In The Top 200 Players On On3 Zac Blackerby ~2 minutes Auburn football's 2024 recruiting class continues to look like a sign of great things to come. Auburn football's future seems strong thanks to landing the top seven class in the 2024 rankings. In On3's top 200 players in the 2024 class, Auburn has seven players who could all play early during their time on the Plains in Hugh Freeze's program. Cam Coleman, the wide receiver from Central Phenix-City, is Auburn's highest-rated signee. He is the third overall player in the class and the second-ranked wide receiver. Auburn quarterback signee Walker White is Auburn's second highest-rated player in the 2024 class by On3. He's ranked as the 95th overall player in the class. Auburn wide receiver Perry Thompson is the 98th overall player in the rankings. Fellow wide receiver signee Bryce Cain from Baker, Alabama is ranked as the 147th player in the class. A late addition to the 2024 class, defensive end/EDGE Amaris Williams is ranked as the 150th-best player in the class and Auburn's overall best defensive standout. Linebacker Joseph Phillips from Booker T Washington in Tuskegee, Alabama came in as the 177th player in the 2024 class. He will be playing next to Demarcus Riddick, the linebacker standout from Chilton County, is ranked as the 189th player in the class. Auburn's freshman class will need to be ready for action early in their time on the Plains, especially the wide receiver group and defensive linemen. Freeze may elect to go younger in those two key position groups in 2024 to help prepare for the future of the Auburn football program. Auburn opens the season on August 31 against Alabama A&M.

si.com Three things to think about Auburn's new defensive coordinator Andrew Stefaniak 2–3 minutes Three things to think about the new Auburn defensive coordinator. Hugh Freeze has been in the market for a new defensive coordinator. Ron Robers left for a position on the staff at Florida, and that left Auburn with a vacancy at a very important position. We found out late last night that DJ Durkin would be the new defensive coordinator for the Auburn Tigers. Durkin was the defensive coordinator for Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M last season and led an overall solid defense. This seems to be a solid hire for the Tigers. Let's take a look at three things to think about with Durkin taking over as the DC at Auburn. 1. Texas A&M led the SEC in sacks last season Durkin's Texas A&M defense led the SEC with 42 sacks last season, which was also good for seventh best in all of college football. He got sacks from all over the field, including the front seven and secondary. Hopefully, Auburn is able to record more sacks than they did last season (31) in Durkin's first season on the Plains. 2. Durkin's defense at Texas A&M stopped the run Last season in College Station, Coach Durkin's defense only allowed 108.8 yards per game on the ground and 3.36 yards per carry. This was good for 13th best in all of college football. The Tigers want to win in the trenches, and bringing in Durkin will help that happen on the defensive side of the football. 3. Durkin has expertise in all defensive positions During his long coaching career as a defensive mind Durkin has helped at nearly every position on defense. This is good as it will help him be able to coach every position on the field rather than just being an expert coaching one. Coach Hugh Freeze made the right hire, bringing in an experienced defensive mind who can take this Auburn defense to the next level.

si.com Auburn Podcaster Names New Defender As An Impact Transfer Andrew Stefaniak ~3 minutes This Auburn Tiger will have an instant impact. In this story: Auburn Tigers The transfer portal window has come and gone, with Hugh Freeze bringing in nine new players. Coach Freeze didn't bring in as many players in the portal as many expected, but you can see a path to playing time for each one of the players heading to the Plains. Auburn had a few needs in the portal in the secondary, receiver, and defensive line rooms, and the staff made additions in all three. With these portal additions, the talented freshman coming in, and the players back from last season, Auburn could take that next step in 2024. One of the transfers to be excited about is former Texas Longhorn safety Jerrin Thompson. Last season for the Longhorns, Thompson had 38 total tackles, seven pass breakups, and three interceptions. One of his three interceptions came when Texas made the trip to Tuscaloosa and took down the Crimson Tide 34-24. On the Locked On Auburn, host Zac Blackerby asked guest Charlie 5 to talk about some instant impact transfers, and he brought up Thompson. Charlie 5 had this to say about Thompson, " We needed a veteran safety in this room so incredibly bad. You have a ton of really young talent. A ton, okay. You have a ton coming in. You have a really talented recruiting class full of secondary players, and you have a talented freshman class coming in, but you did not have the guy who has multiple starts and experience against older, seasoned SEC college players. You add a guy who has got tons of starts. He has played in probably 30-plus 40-plus football games in his career. Three interceptions last year big interception against Alabama. Not someone who will wow you with his physicality and his overall physical tools but somebody who has just been there. He knows how to practice, play, and read defenses. That puts a veteran back there with all of these young dudes at corner and opposite him at safety. You will have a new face there, so I think it was our biggest need, to be honest. A guy who can play a veteran safety." Thompson is just what Auburn needed in the secondary to help these young Tigers adjust to college football and playing in the SEC. If Auburn has a dominant defensive backfield in 2024 Thompson will be a big reason why.

si.com Auburn NFL Draft Hopeful Shares Who Will Step Up Next Season For The Tigers Zac Blackerby ~2 minutes Auburn will need some younger players to step up in 2024. Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers will need his seventh-ranked recruiting class to step up immediately. The Auburn Tigers lost a ton of leadership on the defensive side of the ball and four seniors are aiming to improve their NFL Draft stock in Mobile, Alabama in the Senior Bowl. Former Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris discussed who could step up for the Tigers up front in 2024 to help match the production he found a year ago. "A lot of guys. Jayson Jones, Malik Blocton, Darron Reed," Harris said. "Just guys like that. Zykevious Walker, he had a big year last year. All of those guys will have a huge role this year." True freshman defensive lineman Malik Blocton is the younger brother of Harris. He was asked about what Auburn fans could expect from the true freshman early enrollee. "A little bit of me but a better version of myself," Harris said. "I'm going to teach him a little bit of the stuff I know from the next level and how it will translate to the college level. I want him to be a better version of me." Harris is one of four Tigers that went through the first practice of Senior Bowl Week. He was joined by his teammates DJ James, Jaylin Simpson, and Nehemiah Pritchett. Harris appeared to have a good day of drills in practice. He won some one-on-one drills and the defense dominated in the team drills. Harris is projected to get drafted anywhere from the second round to a day three selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

si.com Former Auburn defensive lineman praises his position coach at the Reese's Senior Bowl Andrew Stefaniak ~2 minutes The Reese's Senior Bowl is going on right now, and a handful of former Auburn Tigers are looking to raise their draft stock. Four former Tigers are in Mobile, Alabama, for the Reese's Senior Bowl, including Marcus Harris, Jaylin Simpson, Nehemiah Pritchett, and DJ James. The Senior Bowl is a perfect opportunity for these college stars to showcase their skill against the best talent in college football, hoping to make some money in the NFL Draft. Harris had a really good season for the Auburn Tigers, totaling 40 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He was at Auburn for three seasons after starting his career at Kansas and elevated his game to the next level during his time on the Plains. With the season Harris had this year for the Auburn Tigers, he has himself in consideration to be a late day two pick or early day three pick which not many would have expected heading into 2023. Host of Locked On Auburn Zac Blackerby asked Harris what he learned from Coach Jeremy Garrett during his one season with him. Harris had this to say about Garrett," It's just the technique, being consistent with the technique every play. Just the energy and being myself. He allowed me to be myself. Coach Garrett is going to be a great coach in the future." Coach Garrett did a terrific job in his first season coaching at Auburn after following Coach Freeze from Liberty. Thanks to the impact of what Harris did during his time at Auburn and Coach Garrett developing talent the defensive line room is in an excellent spot for the future.

Former Auburn DB discusses a current player changing positions Andrew Stefaniak ~2 minutes A position change won't hurt this Auburn DB. In this story: Auburn Tigers A position that will be a question mark heading into the 2024 season is the Auburn secondary. There is a ton of young talent in that room and a few veteran players but a handful of starters and role players left for the NFL Draft. Three former Auburn defensive backs are currently representing Auburn at the Reese's Senior Bowl. Jaylin Simpson, Nehemiah Pritchett, and DJ James are the former DBs at the Senior Bowl, along with former Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris. Simpson not only had an excellent season for the Auburn Tigers but really turned heads at the first day of the Reese's Senior Bowl. He had 37 tackles, four interceptions, one of which was a pick-six, and a fumble recovery last season. At the Senior Bowl, Ainslie Lee of AL.com asked Simpson about Keionte Scott's plan to change position from nickel to outside corner. This is what Simpson had to say to Lee about Scott's position change, “He did? I didn’t even know that man. I mean, he could come out here and play any position right now. He can do it all. He’s definitely going to be here at this game next year, for sure. All-SEC player right there.” It's great to hear that Simpson is confident that wherever Scott lines up, he will be an outstanding player for the Auburn Tigers. If Simpson keeps turning heads at the Reese's Senior Bowl, he could work his way into day two consideration when talking about the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.