Pappoe, McClain, the ‘heart’ of the defense

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Owen Pappoe, Zakoby McClain, the ‘heart’ of the defense

By Giana Han

4 minutes

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Auburn linebackers Owen Pappoe (left) and Zakoby McClain (right) celebrate an interception against South Carolina on Oct. 17 in Columbia, S.C. The two have been Auburn's leading tacklers throughout the season while rarely missing a snap. (Travis Bell Photography)

When asked who could be the next Auburn linebacker to blow up at the NFL Combine, All-SEC linebacker K.J. Britt didn’t even have to think.

“Owen Pappoe and Zakoby McClain,” Britt replied right away.

The two linebackers are well-known among the Auburn community after the 2020 season. Between Chandler Wooten’s opt out and Britt’s injury, the two younger players had to step up. Pappoe, a sophomore, and McClain, a junior, played almost every snap, directing a defense that had a ton of youth in front of them and a ton of youth behind them.

Together, they led the defense in tackles. McClain finished with 113 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Pappoe finished with 93 tackles with six for loss. Pappoe’s four sacks also tied for most on the team while McClain’s three sacks tied for third most.

To add to that, Pappoe had an interception while McClain had a forced fumble, and both had quarterback hurries and pass breakups.

Despite all of that, neither one was recognized by the SEC in the postseason. McClain finished as the SEC’s leader in tackles, and Pappoe finished with the eighth most, but neither made the first, second or third All-SEC team. They weren’t given any weekly awards through the season, either.

“Yeah, it hurt a little they didn’t give me any award last year,” McClain said. “But it just gives me more motivation. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder to just keep going harder and harder.”

To Britt, Pappoe and McClain already have the film to prove they’re NFL talent. They don’t have many faults, he said, and they’re the type of linebackers and players anyone would want.

“They’re different, different types of animals, different types of beasts,” Britt said. “Both can run, both can fly to the football.”

Both players are returning for the 2021 season, so they have at least one more season each to prove they’re All-SEC players. Since 2020 didn’t count towards their eligibility, McClain could even have two more seasons, and Pappoe could have three.

This coming season, they’ll be able to play with more energy since they’ll have more backup. Wooten is returning to bring back his experience in the main linebacker rotation. Rising sophomores Cam Riley, Wesley Steiner and Desmond Tisdol played in some games as true freshmen and will come back better adjusted to the college level.

On top of returning with much more experience, Pappoe spoke highly of the strength and conditioning program and said their gains in the weight room will transition to the field. As a group, they’re ready to play a big role in helping the Auburn defense adjust to a new staff and ready for another competitive year of SEC football.

“We’re taking the approach that we’re the heart of the defense,” Pappoe said. “As we go, the whole defense is gonna go. Every day, we’re gonna try to come with the energy and just rally the guys.”