Top Auburn Players Nos. 30-26

[aubiefifty 18,231]

Nos. 30-26

JD McCarthy

4-5 minutes

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Ahead of 2021, Auburn Wire is ranking the top 50 players on Auburn’s roster

This list attempts to include past production and their assumed production in 2021. It is not a ranking of the 50 best players in order. If a freshman or newcomer is higher than a returning player his ranking is based more on the projection of his abilities and importance to that position group. 

The next group is players 30-26.

Check out the previous parts of the rankings.

50-46

45-41

40-36

35-31

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

 Capers was one of the players to watch in spring practice as he recovered from surgery on his left foot. Auburn’s staff was understandably cautious with him, holding him out of scrimmages or full practices. 

Capers looked best playing split end but he has experience at big slot, providing several options when he is on the field. 

He is expected to be a full go in fall camp as he will attempt to become Auburn’s top receiver as just a sophomore, after he was the No. 4 option as a true freshman. Given his limited success, athleticism and talent he is a solid chance to become the leading receiver.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Troxell lost the battle for the starting left tackle job to Alec Jackson last season, and he is looking to change that ahead of the 2021 campaign. He started the final four games of last season after Jackson suffered an injury against Tennessee and showed he can hold his own against SEC opponents, he is one of the most experienced players on the line with 21 games played.

Troxell is an imposing player at 6-feet-7 and 305-pounds and showed development and the ability to stay healthy last season, something that has plagued him even before he played at Auburn. He will be looking to use the fall camp to show that he belongs in the starting lineup to try and improve a group that needs to take a step forward. 

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Leota was the first player to commit under Bryan Harsin and will look to make an immediate impact rushing the passer. The junior transfer was named third-team all-Big Ten last season after leading Northwestern in sacks. Listed at “edge” on the roster he joins a group that has plenty of talent with him, Derrick Hall, T.D. Moultry and freshman Dylan Brooks. Hall is the leader of the group and the best pure pass-rusher on the roster, but Leota has a chance to immediatley become the Tiger’s second-best pass-rusher. 

He has an edge on Brooks due to his experience and has been more consistently productive than Moultry. Due to his proven ability to disrupt the passer, it is hard to imagine him not becoming a major factor in the defensive line rotation.

Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

Canion showed his potential in the Citrus Bowl against Northwestern, catching three passes for 80 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown reception. 

The departure of Seth Williams has opened the door for the 6-foot-4 Canion to become the big-bodied receiver Auburn needs. Canion is more than just a big body, he is a solid route runner and had a stellar A-Day game, hauling in six catches for 51-yards and another impressive touchdown. 

Canion may have been Auburn’s lowest rated wide receiver in 2020 but he has already proven he belongs and looks like he will be an important part of the offence for years to come. 

Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

Jackson came to Auburn as a defensive tackle prospect but made the change to offense heading into the 2019 season and the change has paid off. He played in 13 games in 2019 and in 2020 won the starting left tackle job. 

Unfortunately, a hand injury suffered against Tennessee caused him to have surgery and a limited role in the final four games of the season. He appeared to be the Tigers top left tackle in spring but was absent on A-Day and was replaced by Austin Troxell, who is attempting to win the starting job. 

With both players fully healthy and seeming to have progressed Jackson will have to win the job for the second straight season.