Assessing Auburn’s defensive line

[aubiefifty 17,487]

Assessing Auburn’s defensive line

By Nubyjas Wilborn | nwilborn@al.com

4-5 minutes

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Nov 27, 2021; Auburn, AL, USA; Colby Wooden (25) and Marcus Harris (50) reacts after a play during the game between Auburn and Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Taylor/AU AthleticsJacob Taylor/AU Athletics

We’re taking a look at each position group as Auburn prepares to open spring practice on March 14. The sixth part of the 11 part series features the defensive line.

Auburn defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh has a lot of work ahead of him heading into spring camp. After the Tigers’ 6-7 season, seven defensive linemen entered the transfer portal. Replacing that many departures won’t be easy. However, the Tigers did get a boost with the return of Colby Wooden, Marcus Harris, and Marquis Burks.

Last season Wooden had 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and seven quarterback hurries while playing multiple positions on the defensive line. He’s the Tigers’ best returning defensive end.

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Wooden is a leader in the locker room and a talented athlete who can play in the NFL. His return makes life easier for the entire defense.

Harris posted 27 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and recovered a fumble last season. The Kansas transfer presents matchup problems for opposing offenses. Harris and Wooden working together on another season could bode well for Auburn.

There’s always a possibility that players can get moved around before the season starts. However, let’s look at how the defensive line group looks heading into spring football.

Projected depth chart:

Defensive End

Colby Wooden, junior

Zykeivous Walker, junior

Tobechi Okoli, redshirt freshman

Defensive Tackle

Marcus Harris, junior

Jayson Jones, sophomore

Enyce Sledge, true freshman

Defensive Tackle

Marquis Burks, senior

Jeffrey M’ba, junior

Departed: Dre Butler, Junior. Daniel Foster-Allen, redshirt freshman. Lee Hunter, redshirt freshman. Caleb Johnson, senior. Ian Matthews, redshirt freshman. J.J. Pegues, junior. Marquis Robinson, junior.

Outlook: Wooden and Harris are the most experienced athletes in the group. Burks is next up in on-field tenure for Auburn, following Wooden and Harris. Burks forced two fumbles in 12 games last season. He racked up 13 tackles, including three for loss and two sacks.

Burks worked his way up the depth chart over the years and has an opportunity to finish his career at Auburn as a starter on the defensive line.

Walker possesses the versatility to play either line position. He played in nine games last year and had 1.5 tackles for loss and six tackles. He stands to benefit from several players leaving Auburn for other schools.

Okoli played in one game last season without recording a stat. A good spring could go a long way toward him leaping toward more playing time.

M’ba came to Auburn as one of America’s best junior college players last season. He’s been playing for less than four years. He makes up for his lack of experience with sheer athleticism and willingness to hone his craft as a football player. Don’t be shocked if he sees a lot of action for the Tigers.

Jones is a highly-touted transfer from Oregon. He posted 19 tackles in 13 games last season for the Ducks. Jones could wind up as a starter this season for Auburn.

Playing as a true freshman isn’t easy in the Southeastern Conference, especially on the defensive line. Sledge is 6-foot-4, 305-pounds, and has the ideal body type for a nose guard.

Auburn has talent on the defensive line, but the departures have zapped some of the depth. Head coach Bryan Harsin has some scholarships remaining. It wouldn’t be shocking if Harsin chooses to fill the room with one or two transfers as spring football ends.

Up next: Edge

[W.E.D 11,070]

Those position groupings don't really make much sense.  Two NT backing up 280# Marcus Harris. Mba behind a true DT vs being behind Wooden

[Gowebb11 9,543]

Anyone hear if Marquis Robinson might be returning from the portal? I have seen some mention of it in other threads. 

[maryland tiger 616]

Jeremiah Wright should be on the defensive live. He was projected as a starter last year, before his injury, only to move him to offense so he can be a 2nd string guard? It makes no sense. 

Edited March 7, 2022 by maryland tiger