12/29/22 Auburn Articles

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What is new defensive coordinator Ron Roberts bringing to Auburn football?

Richard Silva

5–6 minutes

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AUBURN — Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze is known for his ability to orchestrate offenses. Between himself and new offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, who has a long history of developing quarterbacks, putting together an offensive scheme to attack opponents shouldn't be much of an issue.

It's the defensive side of the ball where Freeze really needed to bring someone in with the ability to independently run the show, and he did that earlier this month by hiring Ron Roberts to be his defensive coordinator.

Roberts has been a DC since 2018, but more importantly, he has 11 years of head coaching experience split between Division II Delta State (2007-11) and FCS Southeastern Lousiana (2012-17). He compiled a combined 89-45 record across his time with both programs.

LEFT TO DO:3 pressing items remain on Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze's to-do list

RECRUITING:Unpacking Auburn football's 2023 recruiting class, Hugh Freeze's big flips, rankings rise

He's an experienced coach that should be able to step in and take control of the defense, allowing Freeze to do what he does best and focus on working with Montgomery to perfect the offense.

Here's a breakdown of Roberts' career history, and what it could potentially mean for Auburn moving forward.

Baylor's defense in 2021, NFL draft picks under Roberts

When his hire was first announced by the university, Roberts had a chance to give Auburn fans a glimpse into what they should expect from him and the defenses he's in charge of.

"Historically, Auburn has been known for tough, hard-nosed defenses and we want to create that mindset with our defense unit," he said in a statement. "We want to be aggressive, put pressure on opposing offenses and fly to the football."

None of that is unique. Every defensive coordinator wants to do something similar, but the difference is Roberts has proven he's capable of accomplishing what he described; look no further than Baylor's defense in 2021, that won the Big 12 title.

The Bears' 19 interceptions led the conference that season and was second in run defense, scoring defense, pass efficiency defense and sacks. The pass rush got to opposing quarterbacks 44 times and the unit allowed just 18.3 points per game, both marks behind only Oklahoma State.

One of the biggest contributors to Baylor's success that season was safety Jalen Pitre, who was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 37th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Pitre played five seasons at Baylor, only two with Roberts running the defense. He totaled 31 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, forced four fumbles and pulled in four interceptions from 2020-21. Roberts coached in Waco, Texas under Dave Aranda for three seasons from 2020-22.

Before Baylor, Roberts was the defensive coordinator at Louisiana for two seasons (2018-19) and held the same position at Texas State (2003), Tusculum (1998-02) and Greensboro College (1997) prior to that. Throughout his 25 years in the collegiate ranks, Roberts coached nine players who were drafted into the NFL, with seven being defensive backs.

Aside from Pitre, JT Woods (Baylor), Kalon Barnes (Baylor), Percy Butler (Lousiana), Harlan Miller (Southeastern Louisiana), Robert Alford (Southeastern Louisiana) and Ricardo Colclough (Tusculum) are all defensive backs who played at least one season under Roberts and later became NFL draft picks.

OTHER COACHES:Hugh Freeze says Josh Aldridge is Auburn football's new linebackers coach

TRANSFER NEWS:Elijah McAllister, transfer edge from Vanderbilt, commits to Auburn football

Colclough, who overlapped with Roberts at Tusculum in 2002, is the only player drafted in the program's history. Miller and Alford became the first defensive players selected out of Southeastern Louisiana in over 30 years.

With the success Roberts has had with cornerbacks, and particularly safeties, throughout his career, players like Jaylin Simpson and Donovan Kaufman, among others on Auburn's roster, could be primed for breakout seasons.

There's also the potential for D.J. James to return to the Plains, although it's currently unclear whether he will declare for the NFL draft. James, who transferred to Auburn last offseason after spending three seasons at Oregon, was the Tigers' best cornerback in 2022. His return would be huge for Auburn, and he'd almost surely become yet another player in the secondary who worked with Roberts before getting drafted.

Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on Twitter @rich_silva18.

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Auburn signees and potential transfer portal targets heading into new year

ByJason Caldwell Dec 28, 9:06 AM

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AUBURN, Alabama–With another portal visit window coming up January 4-8 and the Auburn Tigers still needing to shore some spots up on both sides of the football before heading into year one under new coach Hugh Freeze, it could be a busy few weeks on the Plains to try to reload the roster in time for spring practice.

Taking the job knowing there are issues with the roster on both sides of the ball, Freeze and the new staff continued to add to the momentum built under interim coach Cadillac Williams and had a solid finish to the early signing period.

Needing extensive help on both lines of scrimmage, Auburn signed four high school offensive linemen, one from the junior college ranks and another from the transfer portal. The same is true on the defensive line where the Tigers added five high school signees, one from junior college and another from Vanderbilt.

Even with all those additions, help is still needed on the line of scrimmage for Auburn with the Tigers needing at least one additional experienced offensive lineman and probably two more. The same is true on defense with a need for another experienced pass rusher or two in order to provide more immediate depth in Ron Roberts’ defense.

Check out some of Auburn’s transfer portal additions and potential targets as we head towards what could be a busy few weeks with more players from around the country expected to test the waters of the portal as bowl games wrap up in the next week.

Rivaldo Fairweather—A transfer from Florida International who signed with Auburn in the early period before Chistmas, the 6-5, 245 junior has two seasons of eligibility remaining and enters the 2023 campaign with 54 catches for 838 yards and five touchdowns. With a history of using the tight end in his offenses as a true weapon, Freeze wanted a difference maker at the position and got that in Fairweather.

Elijah McAllister—There may not be a more important early addition for Auburn than that of McAllister. A graduate transfer and a team captain at Vanderbilt, the 6-6, 260-pounder has experience playing in the Southeastern Conference and is at a huge position of need for the Tigers. With Dylan Brooks the only scholarship player on the roster at the edge/jack position, McAllister’s addition is massive as Auburn looks to add even more experience there before next season.

Dillon Wade—Another very important addition is Wade from Tulsa. Playing for new Auburn offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery at Tulsa, Wade is a player who could probably play all five positions on the offensive line, but projects as a tackle for the Tigers. With most of the top programs in the country coming after Wade, Auburn landing him was a big coup for Freeze and company because of the need on the offensive line.

Tauskie Dove—A graduate transfer wide receiver who played the last five years at Missouri, the 6-2, 197 Dove is the type of physical, experienced player that Auburn is looking for at the position. With 86 career receptions for 1,164 yards and three touchdowns, he has shown the ability to be a playmaker with his best season coming in 2021 when he caught 38 passes for 576 yards for the Tigers.

Jaques Evans—With two seasons of eligibility remaining, the 6-2, 250 Evans could be just what the doctor ordered for Auburn with a need at linebacker heading into year one under Roberts. The top defensive player for Western Kentucky last season, leading the team with 106 tackles and nine sacks, Evans has 150 career tackles and 11 sacks in two years with the Hilltoppers and could be a guy to keep an eye on.

Dillon Johnson—While Auburn is in good shape at running back with the return of Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alston and Sean Jackson and the commitment of Jeremiah Cobb, adding a bigger back with experience would be a feather in the cap for Freeze and Montgomery heading into the 2023 season. Johnson could be that guy, but there’s also a good chance he could decide to return to Mississippi State. This one could come down to the wire.

Keydrell Lewis—A two-year starter at ULM after transferring from San Jose State, the 6-6, 316 Lewis played his senior year of high school at Mallard Creek in North Carolina, but is originally from Hampton, Georgia. A solid prospect, who has continued to get bigger and stronger on the collegiate level, Lewis is another offensive lineman to keep an eye on if the Tigers decide to make a run.

Walter Rouse—A Stanford transfer after starting the last four years for the Cardinal, the 6-6, 318 Rouse had a good official visit to Auburn before Christmas and could visit additional schools early in January. Still deciding if he will enroll somewhere this spring, Rouse would be a home run if the Tigers could bring in someone with his experience and talent level for the 2023 season.

Spencer Sanders—There is no question that Freeze is intrigued by Robby Ashford and his potential in the Auburn offense after getting some valuable experience this past season, but creating competition is the key to success and that is what the Tigers are after in a potential transfer quarterback. A veteran with plenty of starts under his belt at Oklahoma State, Sanders would definitely create some competition in a room that has redshirt freshman Holden Geriner on board with T.J. Finley’s future still in question.

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Ethan White—A second-team All-SEC selection this past season after starting all 13 games at Florida, the 6-4, 331 White is another player that could add some serious competition to an Auburn offensive line that needs experience in the worst way. An interior lineman, who has started at guard for the Gators, White has the potential to play multiple positions. That makes him an important guy for some fortunate team when he arrives on their campus.

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Meet the coaches: Hugh Freeze's inaugural Auburn staff

Hugh Freeze's inaugural Auburn staff is finally complete, and it features an intriguing blend of coaching types on both sides of the ball.

With the hire of receivers coach Marcus Davis, Freeze's on-field assistant staff is now wrapped up, plus the role of special teams coordinator and head strength coach. The 10 on-field assistants feature three Auburn lettermen, three former Liberty assistants, an up-and-coming offensive line coach with SEC experience, a veteran defensive coach now on his third Auburn stint, and two of the most experienced coordinators in the SEC.

Let's meet Freeze's 2023 staff.

 

(Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports)

OC Philip Montgomery

Previous stop: Tulsa head coach (2015-22)

Experience: Tulsa HC (2015-22); Baylor OC (2012-14); Baylor QBs (2008-11); Houston QBs (2003-07)

Top players coached: Robert Griffin III, Bryce Petty, Case Keenum, Kevin Kolb, Dane Evans

Hugh Freeze: "Philip is one of the brightest offensive minds in college football and has had experience developing and coaching some great quarterbacks in the last 20 years, including a Heisman Trophy winner in Robert Griffin III. He does a tremendous job schematically and has had success being multifaceted in both the running and passing games. I've known Philip for a long time and am excited to finally work with him."

 

(Greg McWilliams, 247Sports)

RBs coach Cadillac Williams

Previous stop: Auburn RBs (2019-22); interim HC (2022)

Experience: Auburn RBs (2019-22)

Top players coached: Tank Bigsby, JaTarvious Whitlow

Hugh Freeze: "Being in this profession, I know how hard it is to finish seasons even when you're doing well — much less finishing a season playing with enthusiasm and passion and desire and excitement and having fun like what I witnessed when I turned on the Auburn football games. To me, it was a direct reflection of Cadillac and his leadership and how he led the staff and those young men. I thought it was a brilliant job. I knew my first priority was to have to have Cadillac along my side to help me drive the culture of Auburn football." 

(Hawaii Athletics)

WRs coach Marcus Davis

Previous stop: Georgia Southern WRs (2022)

Experience: Hawaii WRs (2021); Georgia Southern WRs (2022)

Top players coached: Nick Mardner, Calvin Turner, Khaleb Hood, Derwin Burgess Jr.

 

(Williams Paul, Getty)

TEs coach Ben Aigamaua

Previous stop: Liberty TEs (2019-22)

Experience: Liberty TEs (2019-22)

Top players coached: Johnny Huntley

Hugh Freeze: "Ben played for me at Lambuth and has worked on our staff in various capacities over the past decade. He is a tireless worker and has developed into an excellent coach, teacher and recruiter.  Ben has a unique ability to connect with people and will be a great mentor and coach for the tight ends room."

 

(Todd Van Emst / Auburn Athletics)

OL coach Jake Thornton

Previous stop: Ole Miss OL (2021-22)

Experience: Ole Miss OL (2021-22); Gardner Webb OL (2020); Tennessee Tech OL (2018-19)

Top players coached: Nick Broeker, Mason Brooks, Ben Brown

Hugh Freeze: "Jake Thornton is a rising star in our profession and has established himself as one of the best young offensive line coaches in the country. He helped lead one of the top offenses in the Southeastern Conference over the last two seasons and is a great addition to the Auburn program. He will be a difference maker for our offense." 

 

(John Rivera, Getty)

DC Ron Roberts

Previous stop: Baylor DC (2020-22)

Experience: Baylor DC (2020-22); Louisiana DC (2018-19); Southeastern Louisiana HC (2012-17); Delta State HC (2007-11); Delta State DC (2005-06); Texas State DC (2003)

Top players coached: Jalen Pitre, Terrel Bernard, JT Woods, James Lynch, Harlan Miller

Hugh Freeze: "Ron has been a very successful defensive coach spanning three decades and multiple stops. His defenses have always been aggressive and put a lot of pressure on opposing offenses. Ron is a great fit for what we are wanting to do on both sides of the ball, and we are excited to have his experience and expertise leading our defensive unit."

(Liberty Athletics)

DL coach Jeremy Garrett

Previous stop: Liberty DL (2022)

Experience: Liberty DL (2022); Cleveland Browns asst. DL (2020-21)

Top players coached: Durrell Johnson, Dennis Osagiede

Hugh Freeze: "I've known Jeremy since I was an assistant coach and he was a player at Ole Miss. He is a tremendous coach who has been involved in every level of the game from the high school ranks to the National Football League. Jeremy can teach and develop players, is a very good recruiter and is an outstanding individual who we're excited to have join our staff."

(Liberty Athletics)

LBs coach Josh Aldridge

Previous stop: Liberty LBs (2019-22)

Experience: Liberty LBs (2022); Liberty DL (2019-21); Lenoir-Rhyne DC (2018); West Georgia DL (2014-17)

Top players coached: Jessie Lemonier, Durrell Johnson, Ralfs Rusins, Mike Smith Jr.

Hugh Freeze: "I’m very comfortable with, because I’ve see the work they’ve done, and I think they do it at a very, very high level. Their kids love them and they play really hard for them."

(Greg McWilliams, 247Sports)

DBs coach Zac Etheridge

Previous stop: Auburn DBs (2021-22)

Experience: Auburn DBs (2022); Auburn CBs (2021); Houston CBs (2019-20); Louisiana CBs (2018); Western Carolina CBs (2016-17)

Top players coached: D.J. James, Roger McCreary, Marcus Jones, Damarion Williams

Hugh Freeze: "I don’t think I can say it with anymore emphasis: I don’t think we sign the class we have today without Zac’s efforts, and Cadillac also. I thought those two just played huge roles. Zac was in on most of the current committed guys and then was very vital in turning some from other schools. He was very vital."

(Jody Demling, 247Sports)

DBs coach Wesley McGriff

Previous stop: Louisville DBs (2022)

Experience: Louisville DBs (2022); Florida DBs (2021); Auburn DBs (2019-20); Ole Miss DC (2016-18); Auburn DBs (2016); New Orleans Saints DBs (2013-15); Ole Miss CBs (2012); Vanderbilt DBs (2011); Miami DBs (2007-10); Baylor DBs (2003-06); Kentucky DBs (2001-02); Eastern Kentucky DBs (2000); Kentucky State DC (1995-99); Savannah State DC (1990-94)

Top players coached: Kei'Trel Clark, Noah Igbinoghene, Carlton Davis, Kaiir Elam, Kenny Phillips, Maurice Lane

Hugh Freeze: "Wesley is no stranger to Auburn and the SEC and will bring a veteran presence to our staff. He has established himself over the last two decades as one of the top recruiters in our conference and brings great energy and enthusiasm to the table."

 

(Liberty Athletics)

Strength coach Dominic Studzinski (off field)

Previous stop: Liberty S&C (2019-22)

Experience: Liberty S&C (2019-22); Ole Miss asst. S&C (2012-17); Southern Miss asst. S&C (2011)

(Liberty Athletics)

Special teams coordinator Tanner Burns (off field)

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Previous stop: Liberty OLBs/ST coordinator (2021-22)

Experience: Liberty OLBs (2021-22); Liberty ST coordinator (2019-20); Arkansas asst. ST (2014-18); Oakland Raiders asst. ST (2013)

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Transfer Portal 2023: Breaking down the state of the transfer QB market

Chris Hummer

7–9 minutes

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The transfer portal dominos are falling fast as the calendar charges toward the new year with 40 of the top 50 transfers in the 247Sports transfer rankings currently committed. But the quarterback market isn’t moving quite as quickly. While several high-profile quarterbacks like Devin Leary (Kentucky), Hudson Card (Purdue) and DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State) have come off the board, there are still some significant names – and teams – in search of a starting signal caller.

With the spring semester set to begin nationwide in the coming weeks, here’s a look at some QB-needy teams in the portal and where they could turn.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has quietly been the top dog in the quarterback market all offseason. With some long-term questions about Tyler Buchner – both health and production – and Drew Pyne headed to Arizona State, the Irish need to add another arm to their room. They’re likely to do so with Sam Hartman in the coming days.  

Hartman, a graduate transfer by way of Wake Forest, has been speculated as a potential transfer for weeks now, and the Irish have always been at the forefront of that conversation when talking to industry sources. There will be other schools who pursue Hartman, the leading passer in Wake Forest history, but Notre Dame is the favorite to land him. Hartman has a transfer rating of 94 per 247Sports and is the No. 1 quarterback transfer per our rankings. 

Oklahoma State Cowboys

There’s a quarterback question in Stillwater for the first time since 2018 during Spencer Sanders’ true freshman season. While Sanders didn’t win the job that year, he’s held it down every campaign since – until now. Sanders opted to enter the transfer portal on Dec. 5, and the Cowboys need to bolster a QB room that only includes second-year passer Garret Rangel and Gunnar Gundy, a former walk-on QB who’s also the head coach’s son.

Brennan Armstrong is the Cowboys’ main target. The former Virginia QB, who ranks as the No. 37 overall player in 247Sports’ transfer rankings, took an official visit to Stillwater ahead of the dead period. Armstrong could step in right away and help OSU contend in the Big 12 next year. The Cowboys are competing with Wisconsin and NC State for Armstrong.

Illinois Fighting Illini

With Tommy DeVito officially moving on, the Illini need an impact starting quarterback. Illinois made a strong run at Card before he picked Purdue, so they’re very much in the market. The name to watch here is former Ole Miss quarterback Luke Altmyer. The No. 196 overall player in the 2021 class, Altmyer brings an intriguing amount of upside wherever he ends up. Altmyer visited Illinois ahead of the dead period, and I think the Illini are in good shape with him. Others in the mix include Baylor and NC State. 

Altmyer ranks as the No. 10 overall QB in the 247Sports transfer rankings and is a four-star prospect.

Auburn Tigers

One of the teams at the forefront of the quarterback carrousel this offseason, the Tigers made notable runs at Devin Leary and Grayson McCall. Leary picked Kentucky and the Tigers ultimately moved off McCall. So, who’s next? I reported last week the Tigers have had exploratory conversations with Sanders, the former Oklahoma State quarterback.

Sanders is considered a good system fit for the offense of new Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze. Even if it isn’t Sanders, expect Auburn to add someone this offseason. The Tigers want more competition in their quarterback room alongside Robby Ashford, a former transfer himself. 

Louisville Cardinals

Malik Cunningham is gone, which creates a question we haven’t seen at Louisville in a long time: Who will play quarterback? Brock Domann was the program’s backup in 2022, and while he handled himself reasonably well in relief of Cunningham in multiple outings, he still completed 54.9% of his passes. There’s room to upgrade and you better believe new coach Jeff Brohm will be looking to do so. 

The obvious name to watch here is Jack Plummer. A 12-game starter for the Cal Bears this season, Plummer threw for 3,095 yards and 21 touchdowns this season while completing 62.5% of his passes after transferring in from Purdue. Plummer started 12 games for Brohm across three seasons in West Lafayette, so it’d be a natural reunion at Louisville. Plummer would be an ideal bridge QB for a season.

Cal Golden Bears

Speaking of Plummer, the Bears have several openings in their quarterback room after losing both Plummer and his backup, Kai Millner, to the transfer portal. A name to watch with the Bears is Louisiana-Monroe quarterback transfer Chandler Rogers. An under-the-radar name for most CFB fans, Rogers had the seventh-highest adjusted completion percentage in the FBS this year, per PFF.

Other Schools To Watch For Transfer QBs:

Wisconsin: The Badgers already added former Oklahoma QB Nick Evers via the transfer portal, but they’d like to bring in a more experienced arm as well. They’re in the thick of it for Armstrong.

NC State: The Wolfpack have what many people think to be their QB of the future on campus (MJ Morris), but they are exploring options in the portal. Armstrong is particularly interesting given that NC State's new OC, Robert Anae, served as Armstrong's play-caller at Virginia in 2021 when Armstrong led the Power Five in passing yards.

Ole Miss: The Rebels have an established starting quarterback with Jaxson Dart, but sources indicate they want to add another QB to the room to bolster depth and create competition. Sanders is a name to watch in Oxford.

Baylor: The Bears have a starting quarterback (Blake Shapen) and ... that's it. Baylor lost 2021 four-star Kyron Drones to the transfer portal and saw high-profile 2023 recruit Austin Novosad flip to Oregon on the first day of the Early Signing Period, which leaves Shapen as the lone wolf in the QB room. The Bears have to add someone to the mix via the portal. 

Stanford: The Cardinal are in a new, more aggressive era with the transfer portal under head coach Troy Taylor, which could mean a portal addition at QB with Tanner McKee off to the NFL.

Missouri: The Tigers appear to be set at quarterback with 2022 starter Brady Cook eligible to return and 2022 four-star Sam Horn on campus. But they’re still a team to keep an eye on with lots of offensive changes happening on the coaching staff.

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A Quick Note On Grayson McCall

I’d be remiss not to mention McCall in this piece. Arguably the top quarterback in the transfer portal – 247Sports ranks him third behind Hartman and Leary – McCall would be an instant additive offensively wherever he ends up. But his status is a bit more complicated than just a football fit. Auburn had to cancel his transfer visit initially, per a source, due to some academic concerns, and those questions aren’t exclusive to Auburn. McCall would be a huge add for any QB-needy team. It’s just a question of whether a school and McCall can make it work. McCall played in Coastal Carolina's bowl game Tuesday evening, suffering an apparent head injury. 

">247Sports

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