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PMARSHONAU Once overlooked Auburns Pritchett ready for a big finish Phillip Marshall 21–26 minutes For cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn is the place to be Cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett does it the right way on, off field. (Photo: Auburn University Athletics) AUBURN, Alabama – In the sleepy little south Alabama town of Jackson, where he grew up, Nehemiah Pritchett was a football star as he went into his senior season in 2018. With elite speed, he played both ways for Jackson High School, and he was a playmaker supreme. But where he really stood out was in the secondary. Long-time Jackson coach Danny Powell was convinced Pritchett could play college football at a high level, but there weren’t many takers. Up the road in Auburn, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele liked what he saw. Powell wasn’t unlike Roget McCreary, another lightly recruited defensive back, who had signed the year before. Then-head coach Gus Malzahn, his eyes often on star ratings, wasn’t so sure. In both cases, Steele fought hard to convince Malzahn and, finally, got his way. Pritchett was a 3-star prospect who had offers mostly from smaller programs. McCreary was a 3-star who was headed to South Alabama. “Kevin had to absolutely pitch a fit,” said one who was part of the program. “But he got it done.” McCreary went on to become a second-round NFL draft pick and then an NFL starter. Pritchett, headed toward his fifth and final Auburn season, is on a similar track. “Auburn was my first big offer,” Pritchett says. “I got that when I came to a camp. After that, Coach Steele was recruiting me very hard. Auburn was close to home, and every time I came on campus it felt like a family atmosphere, just like it does now.” Powell was puzzled that Pritchett, though he reported to Auburn weighing just 155 pounds, didn’t generate more interest. He was convinced Pritchett could not only play in the SEC but play at a high level. “Kevin really loved him,” Powell says. “He had been to some Alabama camps. About the 10th grade, they showed some interest, but they never did really get on him. There weren’t a lot of others really on him, for whatever reason. “We knew he was a really good player. He had the speed and size necessary. He was a very aggressive and physical player. He needed to add some size and strength, but he would really come up and hit people. I really felt like he had a good chance.” Today, Pritchett weighs in at 188 pounds. He is a three-year starter and a preseason All-SEC player. He is a leader in a secondary that could be among the best in the SEC. Pritchett is not a big talker. He admits to being a tad uncomfortable doing interviews. Even moving from the little town where he grew up to Auburn was a challenge. “I’m a very quiet person,” Pritchett says. “I got up here and kept seeing all the people every day. It was different, but I adjusted pretty well.” Pritchett’s quiet ways should not be misinterpreted. His personality changes on the football field, and he does not lack for confidence. He acknowledges he was disappointed he didn’t get more attention as a high school senior. “At the time, I was,” says Pritchett, who was a first-team All-State performer. “I felt like I was one of the better players in high school. But then I got here and realized that, once you get on campus – 3-star, 2-star, whatever - they treat everybody the same.” Pritchett could have gone to the NFL after last season, but after a talk with first-year head coach Hugh Freeze, he decided to finish what he started at Auburn. "I felt like he was building something different," Pritchett says. "Now that I have been here with him building this program, it is headed in the rightdirection. That’s one of the main reasons I came back." On and off the field, Pritchett has done it the right way at Auburn. He is as respected off the field as on it. He earned a degree in education last May. Perhaps what he told AuburnTigers.com, the athletics department web site, when asked how he would like to be remembered, says it best: “Just that I was a respectful young man who went about his business the right way, someone who, day in and day out, went about their day like a professional.”

247sports.com Quotes of note from 24 Auburn players this preseason Nathan King 31–39 minutes In total, 24 Auburn players spoke to reporters this preseason With the Tigers set to conduct a walkthrough practice in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, the team will conclude its final weekend before the season officially starts Sunday with game week and preparations for the opener against UMass (2:30 p.m. CST, ESPN). And over the course of the preseason, 24 players spoke to reporters about their progress during camp, how newcomers are performing, the quarterback competition, their new coaches and more. In position order, here's one standout comment from each from the past month of practice. QB PAYTON THORNE On leaving Michigan State: “It was a quick thing that happened. If you had asked me a week before I committed or a week before I got in the portal if I was transferring, I would have been like, ‘What are you talking about?’ There were a few things that happened — way in the past in the whole offseason. When I entered the portal, talking to Coach Freeze and the coaches here, I thought it was a no-brainer to come here.” RB DAMARI ALSTON On taking the next step in his sophomore season: “In the offseason I was like, ‘I’ve just got to be different. If I want to get to the goals that I’m trying to achieve, I literally have to be different. I have to do things that other people aren’t doing at specific times. I have to take the next step. I’m doing what’s required, but I’m also going to do a little bit more. You’re going to see me, most of the times I’m the last one off the field. That’s just how I roll. I’ve got to be different.”’ WR CAMDEN BROWN On his goals at Auburn: “My goal is definitely to win a championship — even if I don't win it this year, I've got to win one before I get out of here. I've always been a winner at St. Thomas (Aquinas), and I won two state championships. My other goal is to beat Bama. I've got to beat Dallas Turner (Brown's high-school teammate) for sure. That's my boy, but I've got to beat him. Just being a champion, for sure. Getting 1,000 yards will come with the Lord himself, so I don't want to make that a goal. I feel like that's just going to happen.” WR JAY FAIR On his improvements this offseason: "I feel like I used to struggle with leadership early on, but I feel like I just got more comfortable with the hard work I put in just to kind of accept that role and realize that I'm not the same guy I was last year. I got a year under my belt. A couple of experiences. I've been through adversity, so I kind of see a lot more than before, so I just feel like that confidence just kind of came within the hard work that I put in and the guys around me that believed me." WR MALCOLM JOHNSON JR. On relationship with Marcus Davis: "I would say that Coach Davis is somebody that we can all relate to. He's been in our shoes before. He's also a great leader, and he preaches a lot of things I care about like religion and God. He always open up with a Bible verse with each meeting. I think that's something that really stands out. He also takes it upon himself to make each and every one of us better than we were before." ‌ TE TYLER FROMM On entering fifth season at Auburn: "I've pretty much transferred three times but stayed in the same place. I'll tell you what: I think it was in January or February, after being in the new facility, it didn't even feel like Auburn. Once we got here I was like, this is incredible. It didn't feel like the same place I got recruited to and when I first got here. I took a walk through the old facility and took in the old memories of being over there. It's only been four years but still, it feels like it's totally different than what it is now." ‌ OT DILLON WADE On his progression since transferring to Auburn: “The summer, I was a little raw. I tried to play with athleticism. Now, in fall camp, we’re focusing more on technique. My technique has definitely improved. Learning how to stay lateral and square. Coach Thornton is doing a good job teaching us all to stay square and not give up our edge. And just play football.” ‌ OL GUNNER BRITTON On his development in the strength program: "Going into the season I was around 301 or 302. Today I weighed 312 and that’s through camp. I actually gained a pound from yesterday. I have gotten up about 10 more pounds, but the biggest thing is transforming my body going into the year and trying to cut down on my fat. That’s just a credit to our strength staff and our nutritionist. They do a great job. I have never had a group so supportive of me as a player. Trying to individualize as much as they can to every player and having every player’s needs met." ‌ OL JALIL IRVIN On gelling with newcomers on the offensive line: "I think it’s helped us mature. We know how to communicate. We all have that sense of urgency to just do the right thing. We have the sense of urgency to get the job done. Come the first game we’ve got to be ready to go. Once you get to SEC play, I mean, shoot, everyone’s gotta be ready to play. I think that’s the biggest thing. We know how to gel together. We’ve done things outside the facility. I think that’s a big thing too, just being together on and off the field. That’s the biggest thing." ‌ C AVERY JONES On offensive line depth: "It’s real important because you never know what’s going to happen in a long season, especially in the SEC. A guy could go down at any point. I think it’s just important that guys can play different positions. Guys can come off the bench and have that same intensity. That same knowing what to do if one of the starting guys comes down." ‌ OG TATE JOHNSON On infusion of experience from transfer offensive linemen: "The thing about the older guys is they know how grueling a football season can be, especially at this level. What I really pick up from a lot of these older guys is how well they take care of their bodies. You can come into practice every day and practice and then leave and go lay down in the lounge locker room for three hours until the next meeting but you're going to feel like crap the next day. Just getting done with practice, going to eat, going to the training room for an hour and a half. Really taking care of your body, that's what all these older guys understand is very important." ‌ NT JAYSON JONES On his improvements in Year 2 at Auburn: "I have started to realize my weaknesses. Me and (Jeremy) Garrett sat down and talked about my weaknesses and stuff I wanted to improve on. Each and every day, I want to find something that I have a weakness at and improve on it. I think pad level was the biggest thing for me. I’m 6-6 and touching 6-7, but I’m 6-8 with cleats on. Not a lot of D-linemen are my size with cleats on. That was one of the struggles for me and I’m still fighting that now." ‌ NT JUSTIN ROGERS On competing with Jones: "It's like a brotherhood, you know? We're going to keep pushing each other. I don't even look at it as who gets the starting job. It's, like, who can out-work each other while we're doing the drill? So I look at stuff like that and we're just going to keep pushing and I'm just (going to) keep pushing him. And he's teaching me stuff I'm using, (and) I teach him stuff he can use." ‌ DT MARCUS HARRIS On bringing in so many newcomers on defense: "That was the most difficult part just getting to know people and just genuinely getting to know their stories. Because if you know everybody’s story, you’ll know why they play the game, you’ll know why they play so hard. That’s the most difficult part, just trying to get to know everybody on a personal level before you get out on the field and play with them. It’s been getting better over the summer and then especially during fall camp you have so much time to get to know each other. All the new transfers we had, they’re open to talk to us and express themselves — that’s made it very easy for us." ‌ JACK JALEN MCLEOD On transfer to Auburn: “Me and my mom prayed so many times. My momma gets real nervous. So we prayed. The second thing — I had to see through everything. I'm older; I'm not a high-schooler. They tell high-schoolers certain things. I knew when I came to Auburn, they were telling the truth. And it's still the same. It feels like recruitment every day. They talk to you, they make sure they text me. They make sure I'm good, they make sure my family's good. It's love here.” ‌ LB CAM RILEY On his role this season: "You all have heard about me bouncing from outside to inside. It'll be a big role for me this season, coming into my senior year. Playing the Sam position to the inside, that elevates my game and gives me some bounce-around to both positions. You all should see me on the edge this year." LB AUSTIN KEYS On his improvements since the spring: "I'd say I got better with my hands and definitely vision. Some things I didn't just catch and helped me. Studying. Studying took me a long way, you know. I've gotten my playbook more so that helped me too." LB WESLEY STEINER On Eugene Asante's growth: "Fast and emphatic. He was that way last year, especially in the spring game if anyone watched. That’s just how he kind of is. He has his own personality. I think it’s good that he can show his personality the way he best shows it on the field. That’s being very expressive. I’m proud to have a player like that on the team." ‌ DB KEIONTE SCOTT On role as recruiter this offseason: "I just feel like at the end of the day just how I was raised, was to leave stuff better than you found it. So I feel like if I can talk to a recruit and be able to recruit for us, I want to win. I want to see Auburn win and win for a long time after me. Just being able to get around some of those guys and just telling them from my experience. Not trying to sell them a dream or anything but just tell them how I feel like Auburn can help them and Auburn helped me. Once I’m able to tell them that and they go talk to the coaches, and the coaches are telling them the same thing and it’s like, ‘OK, I’ve heard it from a player and I’ve heard it from a coach.’" ‌ CB D.J. JAMES On goals of being an All-American this season: "Just seeing different routes, different players, different receivers. I hadn't seen a lot or played a lot of football. So I feel like that plays a factor in just my performance and how fast I play. And just also learning the game as well. Just being with the coaches more, being in the field room studying formations, just knowing what's coming before it comes." ‌ CB NEHEMIAH PRITCHETT On why he returned for another year at Auburn: "I felt like (Hugh Freeze) was building something different. Now that I have been here with him building this program, it is headed in the right direction. That’s one of the main reasons I came back." ‌ S JAYLIN SIMPSON On his experience entering 2023: "I don't really know anybody else's confidence on defense, but I feel like I have the best confidence, so when I step on the field, I feel like I'm confident in every call I can make, every check, I can do everything, anything. I feel like I'm a dangerous person when I step on the field." S ZION PUCKETT On relationship with Simpson at Safety: "We've been here, this is our fifth year. Just having that relationship with him off the field helps you on the field. Like, when you closer to somebody and bonding you can kind of connect with them on the field." P OSCAR CHAPMAN On kicker Alex McPherson: "He’s just excelled. He’s just kicking bombs and he’s consistent and he’s having fun. He’s relaxed, but he gets the job done. There’s still a little bit to improve because he’s still a freshman – a redshirt freshman – but he’s got everything for him. He’s just got to show everyone this year having a full year." *** Subscribe to Auburn Undercover for the latest news and intel, podcasts, recruiting coverage and more ***

247sports.com PMARSHONAU Auburn Freeze embark on season of uncertainty Phillip Marshall 11–13 minutes VIDEO: Highlights from 4-star Auburn QB commit Walker White's season opener Eugene Asante admits his new catchphrase — impossible not to recognize within Auburn’s walls — wasn’t his idea. But he at least put his own spin on it. Auburn’s fifth-year senior linebacker doesn’t have a ton of time to play video games, but he enjoys unwinding by watching Madden gameplay streams. One of his favorite professional gamers often hypes himself up with the words so commonly shouted by Asante this preseason: “Let’s work!” The first time Asante tested it out with his teammates was over the summer, during a workout session with first-year Auburn strength coach Dominic Studzinski. He and the Tigers’ strength staff stopped the workout and said the energy was lacking. Asante saw the opportunity. “So I just started yelling, ‘Work time! Let’s work!’” Asante said with a laugh. “And that’s while we’re doing sprints and lifting weights. And I started seeing guys be like, 'OK, we like this.' And it just went from there.” It’s now become a staple of Auburn practices. Throughout the Tigers’ first preseason camp of the Hugh Freeze era, Asante — who entered August mostly as an off-the-radar contributor for the Auburn defense — made his name known with massive strides on the practice field, rising through a linebacking corps blended with first-year transfers and returnees. A transfer himself last year, Asante may very well have played his way into a starting role when Auburn begins its 2023 campaign Saturday against UMass (2:30 p.m. CST, ESPN). And he’s also made himself known in the hallways of Auburn’s $92 million facility, where “work time” can be heard all the way from the locker room, among the clattering of helmets and equipment before and after practice. “Now every time I walk in that building, I promise you, someone greets me with, ‘Let’s work,’” Asante said in an interview with Auburn Undercover. “It gravitates to Auburn, too, so that’s why I really like it. ‘Work, hard work’ is in the creed. Auburn is built on hard-working people.” Asante rode a bike, handed out pencils and preached 'academic excellence' to students on the first day of classes (@AuburnFootball on Twitter) Asante has become such a popular character on this year’s team that he made the trek over to Auburn’s main concourse on the first day of fall semester classes two weeks ago. He suited up in his full uniform and did his best to fire up students on their way to class, asked if anyone needed a pencil, if laptops were charged and, of course, declared “work time.” Surely Asante volunteered? Nope. Who else would Auburn’s ask to energize students on the first day of class than the man behind “work time.” “They came to me, actually, and thought that would be a good idea,” Asante said with a laugh. “I guess I understand why.” *** As Asante began playing football at a young age, he didn’t need to look far to find inspiration. By the time Asante was 10 years old, his older brother, Larry Asante, was an All-Big 12 safety at Nebraska. Eugene remembers being awestruck hearing his brother’s name on TV — from the college level to the pros, where Larry was drafted in the fifth round in 2010. Retiring from the NFL in 2015, Larry Asante is now an assistant coach at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College. But Eugene’s deepest inspiration — as a player and as a man — always came from his father. After dealing with health complications throughout Asante’s life, he passed away last February. “It’s crazy you interviewed me today,” Asante said last Monday. Why was that? “Today would have been his 71st birthday,” said Asante, who credits his father’s example for the enthusiasm and passion he displays at Auburn. "The energy I play with is trying to embody the strength and resilience my dad displayed,” Asante said. “I live to honor him in all things as a person and player.” A former 4-star recruit from Alexandria, Virginia, Asante joined the Tigers last offseason with 22 games of experience in the ACC, including five starts, as Auburn looked to replace both its leading tacklers: Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooten. But just a month after Asante arrived at Auburn last year — transferring after three years at North Carolina — he missed two weeks of spring practice to be with his family. Tacking onto the already challenging task of getting up to speed with the Tigers’ defense after missing time in spring ball, Asante was also nagged by an offseason injury. He ended up appearing in only four games last year, all on special teams. “He had a tough year,” first-year linebackers coach Josh Aldridge said this preseason. “I think he's just cleared his head. … He's just really caught on. He's a joy to coach. I love coaching him. He's a fun kid.” Asante is appreciative of Freeze and Auburn’s new coaching staff for giving him and other players a clean slate to prove themselves. It took a toll, he admitted, going to practice every day and knowing there were slim chances, if any, that he’d contribute at all for Auburn’s defense last year. “When you have a new coach come in, there’s new opportunities for everybody,” Asante said. “I’m not going to speak on the past and what (Bryan) Harsin did, but certain coaches sometimes say there will be opportunities for players, then there’s not. Just truthfully, that’s me being honest. They’re going to go with who they’re going to go with. “You have to have some mental fortitude when you go out and practice every day and know that there may not be an opportunity for you, regardless of how well you practice.” Asante started his personal rebuilding process at Auburn early this offseason, attempting to absorb as much about the new defensive scheme as possible. From winter workouts, spring practice, summer workouts and preseason camp, he wanted to learn the systematic goals for both defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and Aldridge — what they want out of Auburn’s linebackers on a play-to-play basis. “The biggest thing that allowed me to grow was just getting familiarity with the system and my teammates,” Asante said. “Every day I just try to increase my learning and my thought process with the system. I’m trying to learn situations that my defensive coordinator and linebacker coach call, why they’re calling them. I’m still trying to improve; that’s an ongoing process always, just being a football player and trying to be more cerebral.” While playing catch-up most of last year, Asante admitted he was “relying on my athleticism” too much and not developing a deep enough understanding of the defensive system and playbook. But this preseason, it was Asante’s cerebral approach that elevated him not only in the linebacker room, but as one of the standout performers on Auburn’s defense overall. “I thought he did a good job of understanding the defense more,” Roberts said of Asante. “And that’s put him in a spot — right now he’s in a spot to go compete for a job, a starting job.” It’s a different feeling, Asante said, not only for him, but the entire roster. “They’re going to put whoever out there,” Asante said of the Tigers’ new coaches. “If there’s a walk-on doing well, they’ll play him if he’s doing what the coaches ask. Coach Freeze is truly a man of his word, and that’s why a lot of guys have bought in — they see that with their own two eyes.” *** Roberts declared Auburn will have a “linebacker-driven defense” in 2023. And Asante could very well be one of the Tigers put behind that steering wheel most often. “When I first got here I came in here and I got asked what are we looking for in a linebacker,” Aldridge said. “The word I used was dynamic. That’s what (Asante) brings. He’s not a one-trick pony. He can run, he’s physical, he’s smart. All those things.” Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner both return after starting the majority of last season, but Aldridge was sure to mine the portal for even more experience and pieces for what he hopes is deep rotation. Auburn brought in Austin Keys from Ole Miss, who started nine games in the SEC last season, and Larry Nixon III from North Texas, who had 105 tackles as an All-Conference USA performer. Riley said while meeting with reporters last week that most players in the room have been versatile, repping at both the middle and weakside linebacker spots this preseason. At 6-foot-5, Riley could play more snaps than anyone, Aldridge said, in a bit of a hybrid role, flexing between mike, will and jack linebacker. Keys has been out for a couple weeks with a shoulder injury but is the probable starter for Auburn at middle linebacker. Nixon can play both spots in the box. Asante’s emergence has primarily been centered around his contributions on the weak side. A couple weeks into preseason camp, he began commanding a large chunk of first-team reps. This offseason, Asante has surged from special teams contributor to potential starter at linebacker (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) “From what he’s been putting on tape — and you all have probably seen it, too — it looks like he’s played a whole season,” Riley said. Asante is fine with the linebackers being under the microscope by Roberts and Auburn’s defensive staff heading into the season. Expectations should be always high for that group, he thinks. “Playing linebacker nowadays, in my opinion, you have to be the spark plug of the defense,” Asante said. “You have to get everything going and get guys aligned, sure. But guys have to be able to look you in the eyes and know you’re ready to go to war. You’re the guy that has to rally the troops. I want other guys to be confident in their work and preparation.” And when the Tigers are on the field with Asante, that confidence is certainly infectious — just as he had hoped when he began to copy his favorite Madden streamer. Bring up Asante’s name, and any of his teammates immediately start to smile and nod. “'Let's work,’” pass-rusher Jalen McLeod jokingly yelled. “That's his saying right there. He's fast; he's sideline-to-sideline, too. He's about my size, and he's explosive. He brings that juice every time.” Does it ever get tiring? “Sometimes,” Asante chuckled. But he’s vowed to never let it show. His coaches and teammates have now grown to trust that Asante will always light that fuse, and he doesn’t want to let them down. “If I’m bringing the energy and the juice, I’ve realized it’s like a domino effect,” Asante said. “Everybody’s game is being elevated. It’s such a big thing. Asante finds that his responsibilities as an Auburn football player are now reflective of his own life. After change and heartbreak, he endured with patience and resilience, and has now risen to a prominent role — thanks to “work time” all the time. “There’s going to be times when you’re down, and when the situation you’re looking at isn’t the best for you,” Asante said. “But it’s unflinching, never waiver, never quit, that kind of energy. I just want our guys to always have that. So that means I’ve got to always have that.”

Auburn Daily Roundtable: Freeze, breakout players, and hot takes Lance Dawe 7–8 minutes Week 0 of college football is almost upon us. The Auburn Tigers have exited fall camp and are now shifting their focus towards their season opening opponent, the UMass Minutemen. As we get closer and closer to kickoff, it feels right to discuss some final thoughts surrounding some of Auburn's most intriguing storylines. Here is the Auburn Daily staff's thoughts on Hugh Freeze, the Tigers' rushing attack, breakout players, and final record predictions for the upcoming season. Considering what he has done since landing the job, how confident are you in Hugh Freeze heading into the season opener vs UMass? Zac: I’m confident in Freeze. I’m excited to see what the gameplan is regarding personnel vs UMass. Will he key in on the guys he thinks are the starters or will he rotate more guys in to see what they look like in real action? Lance: The future for Auburn is looking bright given how well Auburn has recruited, but as for the season opener, I'm confident in Freeze's ability to put together a solid gameplan. The plays are not what interest me with Freeze and Montgomery, but rather how much they choose to play everyone. Lindsay: I'd score this an 9 out of 10 (because who'd score things on a 1-5 scale? That's dumb). Outside of in-game, he's done everything you want a modern, competitive SEC coach to do - he's recruited his butt off, brought in talented, smart coaches with good schemes, and said all the right stuff as far as philosophy, culture, and approach to the season. Joshua: Even given the injuries we have sustained throughout Spring and Fall Camps, I am about 85% confident in a solid winning performance for the season opener against UMass. Jack: I’ll give Freeze a 7/10, recruiting has been phenomenal and camp looked good. Only way to find out is every Saturday until December. Jeremy: Very confident in Freeze. Has he fixed the roster enough to be competitive this year? This is a mulligan season if not. Hugh’s a great coach and a better recruiter. We will get this turned around. Who is Auburn's second-leading rusher this season? Zac: Damari Alston. I wouldn’t be shocked if it ended up Ashford. Lance: Damari Alston is my guess here. I'm really intrigued with Brian Battie in this offense but I doubt he finishes with more yards than Alston, who gets his first legitimate opportunity to prove himself this year. Lindsay: Damari Alston. I think he'll get the lion's share of carries behind Hunter, and as high as I am on Battie, I think Alston's just too good of a player to not get the ball in his hands 10-15 times a game. He's gonna find a way to force the issue. Joshua: I believe Damari Alston will be given enough reps on the field to easily be the second leading rusher this season. Jack: Damari Alston. Battie coming off of a foot surgery won’t be as used as expected. After an explosive camp Alston easily gets the 2nd place trophy. Jeremy: Damari Alston is getting a lot of buzz in camp. Brian Battie got a lot of hype this Spring, and Jeremiah Cobb is a standout freshman. Alston looks like the best guess here. Give me a breakout offensive and defensive player for the Tigers. Zac: I’ll say Izavion Miller on offense. Kayin Lee on defense. Lance: Jay Fair has been getting a lot of love this preseason, so I'll go with him on offense. I'm torn between Keldric Faulk and Keionte Scott on defense. I think both players will have great seasons. Lindsay: On offense, Conner Lew. A lineman WILL get hurt - always happens when you (in essence) go through 75 car crashes every Saturday. He'll be one of the first men up in that situation and I think he just runs away with whatever job he steps into. On defense, Lawrence Johnson. Auburn's got some injury concerns on the defensive front and he's an experienced defender that is going to play more snaps that we were expecting him to, and has the motor and versatility to thrive in those. Joshua: I would say Rivaldo Fairweather and Austin Keys if they both can remain healthy. Jack: Jay Fair and Keldric Faulk. Jeremy: Offense: Payton Thorne Defense: Keldric Faulk. What's the most intriguing game on Auburn's schedule? Zac: Ole Miss at home. So many storylines. Lance: Ole Miss has to be in contention here. I'm not sure if the national college football scene realizes how serious that game is going to be taken by both fanbases given the hatred that has spawned following the Lane Kiffin debacle. With Freeze now at the helm, things should get spicy. Lindsay: September 30th against Georgia. I'm not calling the upset - they are the two-time National Champions - but I personally think a big test for a program is playing an uber-deep team like a Georgia or an Alabama. Do you have the talent in your 2nd team to not let them pull away in the 2nd half? Keeping this game close throughout is great proof of concept that the programs' building is working. Joshua: The Texas A&M game will be the most intriguing as we will likely see the best roster on the field to date in the 2023 season and will answer a lot of questions as to where we stand as a unit. Jack: Cal, it’s been a long time since Auburn played out west. And it’s the first P5 team for the Tigers. Jeremy: The Iron Bowl. Auburn fans are excited about Hugh’s momentum, but if he beats Saban year one… Give me a record prediction and a hot take for the season. Lance: 8-4 for Hugh Freeze and the Tigers. Auburn beats LSU on the road to make it two in a row in Death Valley. Lindsay: 8-4, and my hot take is Peyton Thorne breaks 3000 yards on the season, which would be a Top 3 performance all time for Auburn. Joshua: I believe we will go 8-4 this rebuild season but if we catch enough teams slipping we could be a lock at 10-2. DJ James wins the Bednarik award, first in Auburn's history. Jack: 8-4. Hot take: Payton Thorne outperforms both the Bama starter and Carson Beck. Jeremy: Ups and downs. This is Auburn after all. This roster has holes and it will be a roller coaster ride but lead to the highest rated recruiting class in Auburn history in 2025.

yardbarker.com Cam Riley gives an update on Auburn's linebackers Daniel Locke ~3 minutes Auburn's linebacker room saw a lot of turnover this offseason. Transfer players such as Austin Keys and Jalen McLeod are expected to make a difference, but Auburn also has some returners. Cam Riley, a junior from Evergreen, Alabama, is going into his junior season. Riley is coming off a season in which he had the second-most tackles on the team with 66. He is looking to build on that performance in 2023. Riley is stepping into a leadership role for Auburn. He elaborated on what that his been like. "It's something I've been waiting for since I first came in as a freshman," Riley said. "It drives me every day to make sure I'm on top of my game knowing I have young guys looking up to me." The leadership makes an impact both on and off the field, Riley explained. "I feel like I have to be more vocal and have to communicate louder," Riley said. "I used to always shy in the back when I was a freshman but now I feel like it's my time to open my mouth and start talking more." Auburn's defensive coordinator Ron Roberts is looking to get the Tigers back to where they used to be defensively. Riley believes that he is in a good position to help with that. "Coach Roberts has a good gameplan for the linebackers," Riley said. "I didn't really fit in a lot of places with the linebackers the last couple of years, but he gives us opportunities to rush the quarterback or make plays in the backfield." Riley expressed how excited he is to play in front of a sold-out crowd to open up the season. "Auburn fans are great," Riley said. "Last season didn't go as planned and that gives us an urge to work harder." Riley and the rest of the Tigers do not have to wait much longer to show off their improvements. Auburn opens up the 2023 against the UMass Minutemen at home inside Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 2. Kick-off is set for 2:30 p.m. CT and ESPN will have the broadcast.

yardbarker.com DJ James listed as a top 10 cornerback in college football Lance Dawe ~2 minutes DJ James is one of the best cornerbacks in the nation this season. The Oregon transfer came into Auburn last season and showed out, proving to be one of if not the most valuable piece the Tigers' had on defense. According to NFL Draft rankings, James is the No. 7 cornerback in the 2024 class. The ranking may be a little low, but there's no denying he's one of the best in the game right now. Pro Football Focus has James slotted at No. 7 in their cornerback rankings. Per PFF's breakdown of James, "he recorded an 85.7 overall coverage grade and a 73.1 single coverage grade. He also racked up 10 forced incompletions due to how often he is in receivers’ hip pockets. As you would expect from a player who ranks in just the 1st percentile in weight, he lacks some strength in his game, but he doesn’t show that in his demeanor... James also has fantastic change-of-direction ability with lightning-quick feet, fluid hips and the long speed to open up down the sideline. His favorite trait of mine is how calm and patient he is in his backpedal, hardly fooled by the hand and shoulder deception of receivers out of their releases."

flywareagle.com Auburn transfer predicted to be outshined by incumbent backup Andrew Hughes 2–3 minutes A notable Auburn football skill position transfer was predicted to be outshined by an incumbent second-year Tigers backup (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) Incoming Auburn football running back transfer Brian Battie has been deemed a game-breaking type, but that game-breaking may have to come via special teams or in segments as the third option in the RB room; with incumbent backup Damari Alston predicted to be the team’s primary producer out of the backfield behind Jarquez Hunter by the entire Auburn Daily staff. Zac Blackerby picked Alston, though he “wouldn’t be shocked if it ended up Ashford.” Lindsay Crosby believes Alston’s “just too good of a player to not get the ball in his hands 10-15 times a game.” Jack Singley believes Battie’s offseason surgery will keep him behind. “Battie coming off of a foot surgery won’t be as used as expected,” Singley prefaced before saying, “After an explosive camp Alston easily gets the 2nd place trophy.” Damari Alston has taken a recruiting leadership role for Auburn football On August 14, Alston spoke out on how Auburn football getting top recruits will depend on getting an extra recruiting boost from players like himself. “Ever since I was a recruit it’s just the way I live,” Alston said. “In order for us to get where we want to be which is winning SEC championships, winning National Championships, we have to get the top recruits in the nation. We’re in a good spot right now so we just got to keep it going.” It all starts at the top though, and Alston acknowledged that star running back recruiter and Tigers RB coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams sets the tone. “I feel like we all connect in different ways,” Alston prefaced before saying, “It starts with Coach ‘Lac (Cadillac Williams) though. Coach Lac is a funny dude in the meetings. He makes it fun. Everybody gets comfortable with him.” Sounds like that ever-elusive Plains alignment has been achieved in the RB room at the very least. Published on 08/26/2023 at 9:38 AM EDT Last updated on 08/26/2023 at 9:38 AM EDT

Auburn briefing: It's officially game week for the Tigers Lance Dawe 2–3 minutes It's game week for the Auburn Tigers. College football is officially back this Saturday and the Tigers, now led by Hugh Freeze, are amped to start their season. Auburn opens 2023 against the UMass Minutemen, who are coming off of a big upset win against New Mexico State in week zero. The Tigers are 39-point favorites over the Minutemen as it stands the Sunday before the game. It's an exciting time to be an Auburn Tiger. They said it: Auburn DL commit Dimitry Nicolas explained why he picked Auburn after leading Norland to a 48-34 win over Lakeland. “Just the camaraderie, the coaching staff, everybody over there," He said. "They treated me more like family than a player. I like that. I want to be with that for the next three to four years of my career.” He also appreciated that the staff was upfront with how they plan to use him at the next level. “They were pushing more towards me," Nicolas said "They told me what they wanted me to do, what they wanted me to play. They kept it real with me more than the other colleges.” We wrote it: Former Auburn defensive lineman Colby Wooden was drafted in the fourth round by the Green Bay Packers. So far, during his time up in Wisconsin, Wooden has really impressed the coaching staff during his short time in the league. Read about how he's performing with the Packers here.

BRAIN DRAIN HIGHLIGHT: J-Head on recruiting Jay G. Tate • AuburnSports Publisher @JayGTate Esteemed recruiting and team analyst J-HEAD calls into the Brain Drain to discuss the Tigers' Class of 2024 haul so far, which of those 17 players has caught his eye the most and what he's expecting from the varsity team this season.

flywareagle.com Analyst ponders Week 1 Auburn opponent’s gameplan Andrew Hughes 2–3 minutes The War Rapport's Mike Gittens openly pondered what the possible Auburn football gameplan could be for their Week 1 opponent Mandatory Credit: Las Cruces Sun-News The War Rapport’s Mike Gittens openly pondered what the gameplan would be for Week 1 Auburn football opponent UMass against the Tigers after Minutemen quarterback Taisun Phommachanh went for 192 passing yards — but none of which were at least 20 air yards. “Passing chart for Taisun Phommachanh from last night’s game vs New Mexico State,” Gittens wrote with Phommachanh’s passing chart included in the post. “He went 10-17 for 192 yards. Only 1 pass beyond 20+ yards. It will be interesting to see if there is more of an effort to push the ball down the field against AU.” Phommachanh helped lead UMass to a shocking 41-30 upset over New Mexico State as a touchdown underdog. If he can continue to damage with screen passes and slants, laying 40 on the Tigers is going to be tough to justify. Analyst believes UMass can catch Auburn football sleeping in Week 1 matchup The Daily Hampshire Gazette’s Garrett Cote believes UMass can catch Auburn football sleeping in Week 1 — though he also acknowledged that the Minutemen don’t stand much of a chance to actually win. “UMass isn’t expected to keep this one close, let alone win it,” Cote prefaced before saying, “However, the Minutemen have given SEC schools a run for their money over the last near-decade, and they won’t be going into Jordan-Hare Stadium playing scared. Being huge underdogs, UMass has nothing to lose. With veterans in the Minutemen’s secondary and lots of defensive talent returning, they could certainly catch Thorne and the Auburn offense sleeping in what is the Tigers’ first game of the season.” Ron Roberts claimed in the offseason that his Tigers will make more substantial plays in games; as in force turnovers at a much higher rate than the last several seasons. Phommachanh and the seemingly hot but antithesis-of-air-raid UMass offense is a fair first test for a unit with mass turnover in the trenches. Published on 08/27/2023 at 5:49 PM EDT Last updated on 08/27/2023 at 5:49 PM EDT

I took this from an sec recruiting list so this is not a complete article. 15. Walker White, QB — Auburn (No. 37) (Photo: Jason Caldwell, 247Sports) 247Sports ranking: No. 9 QB, No. 100 overall (four stars) One of the biggest moves for any coach early in his tenure is to land a quarterback of the future. And in White, Hugh Freeze could have a quarterback worth building around at Auburn. “Fast forward to the present day and Walker looks like a young Tim Tebow,” Ivins wrote. “He's got the work ethic of Tebow, too. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback deadlifts 500 pounds, bench presses 295 pounds, and hang cleans 265 pounds. He’s also got an electronic 4.22-second short shuttle time. “White claims that he was too young to ever remember Tebow playing, but he does try to model his game after another burly passer in Josh Allen,” Ivins wrote. “Over the past two seasons at Little Rock (Ark.) Christian Academy, White has thrown for 4,103 yards and run for 1,381 more yards while accounting for 70 total touchdowns.” ‌

si.com Alabama beat writer takes shot at Auburn, Hugh Freeze for hosting UMass Lance Dawe 3–4 minutes The Tigers will be paying UMass a pretty penny to come to Jordan-Hare on Saturday. Auburn is going to pay UMass a lot of money to come play in Jordan-Hare on Saturday. Tuscaloosa News columnist Chase Goodbread recently released his SEC power rankings heading into week one of the college football season. Goodbread placed the Tigers at No. 12, and proceeded to take a shot at Auburn for paying a team to make sure the season starts off well. "So what do the Minutemen charge per minute for 60 of them at Jordan-Hare Stadium? Try $32,500," Goodbread wrote. "That's what Auburn will pay UMass for every minute of game clock — a school-record haul of $1.95 million for the visitors — just to make sure Hugh Freeze's career starts with a feel-good Saturday." The 2023 UMass game was added to the schedule when Gus Malzahn was still coaching the Tigers. It's hard to believe that Auburn could have projected four years into the future and scheduled this contest (and agreed to a payout) just to make sure Hugh Freeze has an easy first game on The Plains. It's also worth noting that the Tigers have made an attempt to pay the Minutemen upwards of $1.9 million before - Auburn was originally scheduled to play UMass on November 14th, 2020 - but the schedule was obviously later rearranged due to COVID. Auburn clearly doesn't have a hard time paying schools to come play "cupcake" matches. It's definitely a lot of money, and as Goodbread noted it's a school-record for the Minutemen. Goodbread also pokes fun at a few other SEC schools in his rankings, all of which is assumed to be in good fun overall. But, if we're playing along here... It should be noted that Alabama plays Middle Tennessee State to open the 2023 season. The Crimson Tide will be paying the university $1.6 million to come to Bryant-Denny Stadium. That's $26,667 for every minute of game time MTSU plays. Even Miami didn't pay that much to lose 45-31 to lose to the Blue Raiders last season. All just to make sure Alabama can have an feel-good time finding a quarterback that can actually throw the football before they play Texas, right? We kid.

auburnwire.usatoday.com Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 79 Tyler Johnson JD McCarthy 1–2 minutes Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster. Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Hugh Freeze in his first season on the Plains. Buy Tigers Tickets Up next is freshman offensive lineman Tyler Johnson. The offensive tackle is an impressive player who will need some time to develop. Preseason Player Profile Hometown: Natchitoches, Louisiana Height: 6-6 Weight: 304 Class in 2023: True Freshman 247Sports Composite Ranking Three-Star / No. 25 in Louisiana / No. 39 OT Depth Chart Overview Johnson has the ideal size to play offensive tackle in the SEC and thanks to Auburn’s improved depth will be given plenty of time to develop. He is unlikely to see the field in 2023 and is a prime candidate for a redshirt as he gets stronger and adjusts to the college game. He will be a player to watch moving forward due to his measurable and could become a steal for Auburn’s coaching staff.

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si.com Dimitry Nicolas shares why he picked Auburn after his first game of the season Zac Blackerby ~2 minutes Auburn football's newest commitment shared why he picked Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers. The Auburn Tigers added more size to the defensive line on Friday after Dimirty Nicolas committed to the program. Nicolas explained why he picked Auburn after leading Norland to a 48-34 win over Lakeland. “Just the camaraderie, the coaching staff, everybody over there," He said. "They treated me more like family than a player. I like that. I want to be with that for the next three to four years of my career.” He also appreciated that the staff was upfront with how they plan to use him at the next level. “They were pushing more towards me," Nicolas said "They told me what they wanted me to do, what they wanted me to play. They kept it real with me more than the other colleges.” The 6-foot-3, 295-pound interior defensive lineman picked Auburn over the Florida Gators and the Miami Hurricanes on Friday. He will be playing under defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett next season on the Plains. According to Nicolas, the two of them already have a great relationship. “He’s just a humble guy, a good guy at heart," Nicolas said of Garrett. "He’s my guy. We talk every day, after a game, after I eat, after practice.” As far as another trip to Auburn, Nicolas said, “It’s not decided yet but I would love to take an official visit up there.” Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!

Chapman leads strong Auburn kicking game heading into 2023 season Auburn's kicking game should be a team strength this season. Jason Caldwell114 mins AUBURN, Alabama—With an injury last season giving true freshman Alex McPherson some valuable experience in Auburn’s last four games a year ago, coach Hugh Freeze and special teams coach Tanner Burns head into the 2023 season with a confidence in the kicking game because of the return of McPherson along with Austrailian punter Oscar Chapman. Throw in All-American kick returner Brian Battie, who transferred from South Florida, and you have a special teams group that should be a team strength for Auburn this fall. The strength may be the leg of Chapman. Growing up playing rugby before transitioning to American football prior to coming to Auburn, he averaged 43.75 yards on 57 punts and had 18 kicks finish inside the 20-yard line with only two touchbacks. He accomplished that exclusively using the rugby punt, which meant he was rolling out and kicking the ball end over end. That helps with accuracy and consistency, but costs some yards as compared to the traditional punting method. Now more familiar with the game and punting, Chapman said he could do things a little differently this fall. “Before I got over here, that’s all I did,” Chapman said of his background learning punting in Australia. “I thought that’s what I was gonna be doing. I trained that a lot and once I got here, they were like ‘Oh. We just like the scheme and everything with the rugby style.’ So it was alright, I’ll just do whatever you guys want. I’ve done pretty well in doing that and so I think with the new coaches, they’re like ‘Let’s just do a bit of traditional and see what happens.’” McPherson is looking to continue his strong finish to last season as he prepares for his second season on the Plains. Going 6-7 on field goals with a long of 51 yards, McPherson has made kicks from outside 60 yards in the preseason and comes into the season with plenty of confidence. But that makes Chapman a leader of the group as one of the older guys on the team. He said it’s something he’s excited about. “This is my first without Anders, who was like our leader basically,” he said. “We really gelled together. Especially Alex kinda coming through and having his first full camp being the guy. He was looking really good. Just positives coming out so far.” In the return game, Battle could prove to be a huge addition for the Tigers. Last season at USF, the 5-7 running back had 650 return yards and three touchdowns for the Bulls. In 31 career games he had more than 1,400 kick return yards. He could be joined by junior Jarquez Hunter as the kick returner for the Tigers. In two seasons he has returned 24 kicks for 497 yards, averaging 20.7 yards per attempt. Other players that could get a look back deep on kickoffs include Damari Alston, Jay Fair and Jeremiah Cobb. Fair is one of the guys that could get a look as Auburn’s punt returner, but returning starter Keionte Scott is expected to be the first guy up for the Tigers in that role. He could also get into the mix as a kickoff return man. Last season he averaged 9.57 yards per punt return on 14 attempts. In addition to Fair, Ja’Varrius Johnson and Ohio State transfer Caleb Burton could also get a look early in the year. Auburn opens the season on Saturday against UMass at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN.

AUBURN Auburn is looking to start fresh in 2023 with Hugh Freeze leading the charge after consecutive seven-loss seasons under Bryan Harsin. Tank Bigsby was a one-man-show for the inept Tigers’ offense in 2022 as they struggled to move the ball due to poor quarterback and offensive line play. Freeze has attacked the transfer portal and brought in a total of 21 transfers. Improving the trenches has been an early focal point under Freeze as the Tigers added five offensive linemen and five defensive linemen. Sophomore quarterback Robby Ashford struggled with accuracy, completing less than 50% of his passes, but flashed dynamic athleticism while running for more than 700 yards in 2022. He’ll compete with Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne for the starting role who has started 25 games over the last two seasons. Notable Additions: QB Payton Thorne (Michigan State), OL Gunner Britton (Western Kentucky), OL Dillon Wade (Tulsa), OL Jaden Muskrat (Tulsa), DL Justin Rogers (Kentucky) Notable Losses: RB Tank Bigsby (NFL), Owen Pappoe (NFL), QB TJ Finley (Texas State), QB Zach Calzada (Incarnate Word). from the arkie gazette. it had all the sec teams and i just posted the Auburn take. i you guys want the whole articles when they do this please let me know.

247sports.com PMARSHONAU Auburn Freeze embark on season of uncertainty Phillip Marshall 18–23 minutes How could anyone be certain of anything about the coming season? It’s game week at last. Next Saturday afternoon, Hugh Freeze will lead his first Auburn football team out of the tunnel and onto Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium. I don’t believe at any time in half a century I have been less certain about what I will see in the games to come. I could see this team being really good and writing a happy chapter in Auburn football history. I could see this team being good but not quite good enough against the challenges that aait. With more than 40 players – transfers and freshmen – wearing Auburn uniforms for the first time, how could anyone be certain of anything? You won’t find any predictions here today. They would be meaningless. Here are some thoughts: The Tigers face a really challenging road. Not many teams would want to swap places. Their first three SEC games are at No. 23 Texas A&M, at home against No. 1 Georgia and at No. 5 LSU. This team could be good and getting better and not win any of those games. And then, of course, there will be the Iron Bowl against No. 4 Alabama at Jordan-Hare. To have a great season, the Tigers would have to win their share of the aforementioned games. Can that happen who knows? As daunting as those games are, there are no SEC cupcakes. Auburn also faces a cross-country trip to California and home SEC games against Mississippi State and No. 22 Ole Miss. It goes on the road to play Vanderbilt and Arkansas. Those five games, maybe even including Vanderbilt, look akin to tossups to me. Auburn could win any of them or all of them, but it could also lose any of them. Those five games could be the tell the story of the coming season. *** I enjoyed watching the first day of college football Saturday. With all the craziness going on, the game is still the game. Forget that business of UMass being the worst team in the FBS, which was predictable in the second season under a good coach and is the reason all those kinds of lists in the preseason are ridiculous. The Minutemen actually looked good in whacking New Mexico State 41-30 on the road. Should they be a big problem for Auburn? They shouldn’t be, but they could be. How? Go with me back to 2017. The Tigers had to score late to secure a 24-10 win over Mercer, a bad team. That happened because Auburn lost fumbles at the Mercer 24, at its own 27, at the Mercer 9 and at their own 49. They threw an interception at the Mercer 24 and missed a 26-yard field goal try. Do all those things, and just about anybody can beat you and will at least make it a fourth-quarter game. *** What a terrific win for Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks, playing at home in their first game as an FBS program, beat UTEP 17-14. But what a strange finish it was. With 1:21 left, the Miners faced third-and-one at the Jacksonville State 24. A pass in the end zone fell incomplete. On fourth-and-1, a pass was intercepted. UTEP had averaged five yards per rush in the second half. Go figure. *** In beating San Jose State 56-28, USC looked a lot like last season to me: dominant on offense, shaky on defense. So it has been and probably always will be for head coach Lincoln Riley. *** Maybe I know one reason tight end Rivaldo Fairweather transferred from Florida International to Auburn. In a 22-17 loss to Louisiana Tech on Saturday, FIU passed for all of 4 yards. 4 yards. *** Notre Dame and transfer quarterback Sam Hartman looked great in crushing Navy 42-3. But Navy was really bad last season and seems to be just as bad this season. Until next time … Freshman report card: How Auburn's 2023 class performed in preseason camp Auburn has some new faces capable of contributing right away in their freshman seasons VIDEO: Highlights of Auburn commit Jakaleb ""JJ" Faulk from Highland Home's jamboree game Auburn roster turnover this offseason featured more than a 50 percent overhaul in terms of scholarship players, and while the Tigers' highly touted transfer class will likely make the biggest immediate impact, Hugh Freeze's first recruiting class on the Plains has some intriguing pieces, too. And those 21 players — JUCO signees included — went through their first preseason camp at Auburn this month, ending last Saturday with the team's second and final scrimmage. While the top recruits in the class made their presence felt early and often, there are plenty of other names who could also find themselves on the field this fall. Let's check in on how the 2023 class fared in camp, and assess each player's redshirt chances this season. Players are presented in ascending order of their 247Sports Composite ranking. QB HANK BROWN (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: After following Freeze and flipping from Liberty to Auburn, the 3-star wasn’t necessarily included in the team’s plans for the quarterback competition. Even going back to the summer, Freeze only named the top three QBs in terms of contenders to win the job — which isn’t a big surprise, considering Brown is not only a true freshman, but also wasn’t present for spring practice. Still, he’ll be Auburn’s No. 4 quarterback this season, and as Freeze said last week, he had to play four QBs just last season at Liberty due to injuries. What they said: “Look, Hank Brown, I love. He can make every throw. But realistically you can’t get four kids reps in camp.” — Freeze Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ NT STEPHEN JOHNSON Where he stands: A flip from Arkansas in December, Johnson certainly has the size for Auburn’s staff to mold over the next couple years, checking in at 6-foot-3 and 337 pounds. As such, he’s been positioned this preseason at nose tackle, where he’s been taking mostly fourth-team reps behind Jayson Jones, Justin Rogers and Enyce Sledge. Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ OG BRADYN JOINER Where he stands: The Auburn High School product enrolled this summer in a deep offensive line rotation. Recruited as a center, Joiner has played at all three spots along the interior O-line this preseason, and his most common placement has been at right guard, where he’s garnered consistent third-team reps. Redshirt likelihood: High S CJ JOHNSON Where he stands: Johnson is one of two true freshman safeties to enroll at Auburn this summer, and after Donovan Kaufman’s move from nickel back to safety, the path to playing time was narrowed. Johnson saw some second-team work early in camp but has more recently been the third-team option behind Jaylin Simpson and Marquise Gilbert. Interestingly enough, walk-on and Baylor transfer Griffin Speaks has received plenty of second-team reps at safety alongside Kaufman. Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ OL CLAY WEDIN (Declan Greene / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: Wedin had the benefit of enrolling in the spring this year, and allowing position coach Jake Thornton to get his hands on the 6-foot-5, 307-pound freshman as early as possible. This preseason, Wedin has been slotted at right tackle, where he looks to still be in a third-team role, even after No. 2 right tackle Izavion Miller moved up to the starting group and pushed Gunner Britton over to left guard. In the most recent practices, fifth-year senior Jalil Irvin, who’s spent his Auburn career at either guard or center, worked the second-team right tackle spot. What they said: “Clay Wedin was with us through the spring. Clay has improved tremendously from when I first saw him to how he is now. He’s another player that I see has a high ceiling and will continue to get better under Coach Thornton’s wisdom.” — left tackle Dillon Wade Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ JACK BRENTON WILLIAMS Where he stands: Auburn’s trio of transfer additions will undoubtedly be the defense’s top options at the jack linebacker spot. So the question is, who will be the team’s No. 4 pass-rusher, with a chance for some rotational playing time this season? The competition is between Williams and veteran walk-on Hayden Brice, both of whom worked with the third-team defense in camp. Redshirt likelihood: Medium ‌ OT TYLER JOHNSON Where he stands: At 6-foot-6 and 304 pounds, Johnson certainly stands out at practice, especially among the freshman class. On signing day, Freeze said Johnson, a flip from Texas Tech, has all the tools to become an NFL offensive tackle one day, but the 2023 season won’t be one where he’ll likely see the field yet. Johnson isn’t in the two-deep on the offensive line right now, and Jaden Muskrat and Dylan Senda are both above him at left tackle right now, too. What they said: “He’s got a chance to be good. He’s a young guy. Struggled like any freshman the first couple of days. But really, because the room is so strong with leadership, he;’s done a good job of learning from them and learning what it’s like to be an SEC O-lineman and growing in that way. So he’s made progress and has all the physical attributes to be a really good player.” — Thornton Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ CB JC HART Where he stands: On top of the NFL talent already at the top of the depth chart for the Tigers at cornerback, they brought in four more players in the 2023 class. And perhaps the most raw is Hart, whom the Auburn coaches toyed with the idea of playing at receiver before solidifying him at cornerback. He stands out in the crowd at 6-foot-2, and Auburn’s staff is excited to dissect his skill set in the coming years. But this year probably won’t yield much playing time. What they said: “JC Hart, you've got to remember now, his cup is empty. He hasn't lived that DB life a lot, but with that size and speed, man, he's catching on. And when he catches on, I promise you, he's going to be a household name. You don't have many Americans with that size that can run like that. So the biggest thing I'm having to coach with that young man is just confidence. The more confident he gets, the more his skillset and talent going to show up.” — CB coach Wesley McGriff Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ CB CHAMP ANTHONY (JUCO) (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: The final addition to the Tigers’ 2023 class was Anthony, the nation’s No. 4 JUCO corner who committed in early June. While Auburn was confident in its two-deep rotation at cornerback exiting the spring, with Kayin Lee and J.D. Rhym as its backups, Anthony’s progression this preseason has given the coaches something to think about. He’s seen some second-team work and is likely in good position to contend as the fourth or fifth option on the team at his position. What they said: “One guy that's really surprised us — and we have to remember that he's really not a true freshman — is Chancellor Anthony. He's doing a good job and you go like, 'Whoa.' He's kind of far ahead of the other freshmen, and then you have to realize that 'OK, yeah, he's really not a true freshman,' being in JUCO for a year. He's probably been the biggest surprise of the young guys so far.” — McGriff ‌ DT QUIENTRAIL JAMISON-TRAVIS (JUCO) Where he stands: The latest arrival on the team this summer, “Bobby” Jamison-Travis reported to campus just a few days before camp began in early August. Rated as the No. 3 JUCO defensive lineman in the class, Jamison-Travis needed to play catch-up with his peers in terms of both the weight room and the playbook, and mostly received fourth-team reps at defensive tackle. Auburn’s coaches are excited about his future in the program, though. What they said: “He has all the talent stuff. He was not here this summer so he’s a little far behind. We’re trying to play catch-up with him on a mental standpoint, what’s going on and what he has to do. He will impact and he’ll be a big part, because he’s a talented individual. So he’s got to play himself into shape.” — DC Ron Roberts ‌ CB COLTON HOOD Where he stands: A couple weeks into camp, Hood was one of the biggest standouts among Auburn’s defensive coaches and players. In addition to his tenacity in the meeting room and picking the brains of his peers, Hood had a standout few days on the field, including two interceptions in a single practice. All indications are that he’s playing at a much more mature level than a true freshman — safeties coach Zac Etheridge called him “a young veteran” — and that could help his chances to be a rotational piece in the secondary this fall. What they said: "He's like — wow, that dude's, he's gonna be something. He is playing on the ball, man. He asks questions in meetings. He's on top of it, man. You can see the motor he has.” — LB Austin Keys Redshirt likelihood: Medium ‌ DE WILKY DENAUD Where he stands: One of the most athletically impressive freshmen on the roster, the 6-foot-3, 273-pound Denaud quickly settled into a defensive end role this preseason, where he’s worked behind Keldric Faulk, Mosiah Nasili-Kite and Zykeivous Walker. Position coach Jeremy Garrett wants a deep rotation, but it seems unlikely at this point that Denaud will be needed much more than a few snaps per game in mop-up duty. Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ OT IZAVION MILLER (JUCO) (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: Thornton has been high on Miller’s potential as an SEC offensive tackle for years, and the No. 4 JUCO offensive tackle followed him from Ole Miss to Auburn once Thornton was hired. And the 6-foot-5, 318-pound Miller has progressed masterfully through the spring and preseason, putting him in position now to start at right tackle — a surge that moved Britton to starting left guard. What they said: “Too Tall has had a phenomenal camp. Watching him progress, getting stronger, body quickness, first and second step off the ball, he is definitely making his presence known out there. He's doing a great job, he's being consistent day in and day out.” — Thornton ‌ S TERRANCE LOVE Where he stands: With rare physical tools for a defensive back at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Love obviously works at strong safety this preseason. By all accounts, Love, a 4-star prospect, had a fine camp, but there wasn’t necessarily any buzz around his name. An intriguing talent for the future of Auburn’s defense, Love will likely take a redshirt this fall. Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ S SYLVESTER SMITH Where he stands: With Kaufman’s move to safety, a competition was opened up for the No. 2 nickel spot behind Keionte Scott. The contenders: sophomore Caleb Wooden and Smith, the No. 4 highest-rated defensive signee in the 2023 class. They’ve swapped second-team reps throughout the preseason, and though Wooden has the advantage of experience, Smith’s athleticism and ball skills have certainly turned some heads already. What they said: “I bulked him up. He’s running with the 2s and sometimes he’s running with the 1s, and trying to push guys — because the biggest thing is just getting him to play the next play and know what’s going on. But very instinctive, very smart. He’ll want to know and call you at 10 o’clock at night, ‘Coach what am I supposed to do?’ Takes really good notes. So just to see his growth from Day 1 to now has been good to see.” — Etheridge Redshirt likelihood: Medium ‌ C CONNOR LEW Where he stands: Auburn’s known what it has with Lew for months now, after he was one of the standout freshmen in spring practice. The former Miami commit is undoubtedly the No. 2 center on the team, but the feeling is that he could also fill in a guard spot if needed this season. The freshman is supremely skilled, and his peers and coaches will be shocked if he’s not seeing the field as a starter as early as next season. What they said: “He knows all the calls to make. For a young guy — I remember being a young guy, that was something I struggled with was really getting the offense down. He's a great football player. He's athletic, he's strong and he can do everything we have to do. And he plays super hard. I can't say enough good things about Connor and he's got such a bright future here.” — OG Tate Johnson Redshirt likelihood: Medium ‌ RB JEREMIAH COBB (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: Auburn’s top-rated running back signee since Tank Bigsby in 2020, Cobb took a week or so to find his footing and adjust to the speed of Auburn’s defense, his position coach, Cadillac Williams, admitted. But one of the most prolific players in Alabama high school history has since been impressive, and turned in several strong runs in the scrimmage last Saturday. He has a long way to go to break into the rotation of the Tiger’s top three ball-carriers, but as a No. 4 option, Cobb is certainly a big talent who should be in position for a few touches a game. What they said: “His vision, quickness, explosiveness. He is going to be — I’m excited for this guy’s future. I honestly think he will be one of those household names.” — Williams Redshirt likelihood: Low ‌ CB TYLER SCOTT Where he stands: A top-20 player from the state of Georgia, Scott is another notch for Auburn’s secondary outlook in the future — and the unit’s young depth right away. Players like Hood and Anthony seem to be in better position to contribute at cornerback this season, though. Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ DT DARRON REED JR. Where he stands: At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Reed has all the tools to be an impact player along Auburn’s interior defensive front in the coming years. Breaking into a deep D-line rotation was going to be a difficult task, though, and Reed exited camp as the No. 4 defensive tackle behind Marcus Harris, Lawrence Johnson and Garrison Walker. What they said: “I think D.J. Reed is picking it up, he’s a physical kid. He has some twitch. Now it’s just getting the playbook down. He’s done a really good job for us.” — Garrett Redshirt likelihood: High ‌ CB KAYIN LEE Where he stands: If you’ve forgotten Lee is a freshman, you’re not the only one. Auburn’s coaches and players don’t lump him in with the summer arrivals, after Lee was a big contributor in the spring. The former Ohio State commit was able to earn No. 3 reps at cornerback due to Rhym’s injury, and it appears he’s still yet to relinquish that spot this preseason, as Rhym is still bothered by his leg issue. What they said: “K-Lee is a guy. I tell him all the time, ‘You don’t need to walk around here like a freshman because you’re going to play.’” — S Jaylin Simpson Redshirt likelihood: Low ‌ DE KELDRIC FAULK (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: The top-rated freshman in Auburn’s 2023 class will likely be the most utilized this season, too. The former top-75 overall recruit, who was named a 247Sports preseason freshman All-American last week, looks to be an important piece not only for the Tigers’ defensive line this season, but the defense as a whole. When healthy this preseason, he’s been Auburn’s starting defensive end, and looks to be positioned to make one of the biggest impacts on defense for an Auburn freshman in recent years. What they said: "That boy's special. I ain't never seen a freshman like that. He's going to be special here, definitely going to be special. To me, it's like how he picks up on football quick and just — he's like a sponge. He picks stuff up real quick, so he's definitely going to be a special kid here." — NT Justin Rogers Redshirt likelihood: Low *** Subscribe to Auburn Undercover for the latest news and intel, podcasts, recruiting coverage and more ***

pain.misey.suffering...............for the bad guys of course