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Ole Miss Schedule Notebook A trip to the Plains to face Auburn

Jared Redding
8–10 minutes

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Some thought Lane Kiffin would be the head coach at Auburn this season. Instead, it's a former Ole Miss coach in Hugh Freeze. Let's take an early look into this matchup.

If one were to look at this matchup a year ago, they'd probably see this as just another important SEC West matchup, should one of these two teams be in the running for a division crown as difficult as it would be. Fast forward to present day, and it's easy to foresee storylines at nauseam come October 21.

Contrary to popular belief last fall, Ole Miss' head coach is still Lane Kiffin. After a month-long soap opera, Kiffin and Ole Miss came to an agreement and he got a raise out of the deal, making him one of the higher paid head coaches in college football. That said, Auburn did manage to get Hugh Freeze, a coach that got Ole Miss to compete at a high level until everything came crashing down in 2016 and 2017.

Coming off a disastrous Bryan Harsin tenure, Freeze has seemingly given this program the shot in the arm it desperately needed. They've already sold out season tickets. While there will likely be some turbulence in year one (like Freeze's first year at Ole Miss), Auburn will likely be out of the SEC basement soon. However, that's all in the distant future. Let's take a look at this matchup in late October.

Despite returning a pure athlete in Robby Ashford and a promising running back in Jarquez Hunter, offensive line might be a bit of a concern. There's not a lot of starts back from an offensive line that was already struggling mightily last year, and it was partly why Auburn's offense failed to produce more often than not. While there's not a lot of production back at receiver, there's plenty of size to go around. Defensively might be a bit of a different story, with a lot of experience back and Ron Roberts as the new DC. The secondary might be the best unit on the defense with guys like Zion Puckett, D.J. James, Keionte Scott and Nehemiah Pritchett. Ole Miss transfer Austin Keys could definitely make a difference on a front seven that has other newcomers in the form of transfers.

Ole Miss has often struggled coming out of bye weeks and almost always struggled inside Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn will be coming off a brutal three game stretch with Texas A&M, LSU and Georgia prior, so they'll be battle tested. That said, Auburn will have a lot of figure out as a program. Ole Miss will likely be in a similar situation when it comes to being battle tested, as we've already established. On the surface, if Auburn stops Quinshon Judkins and the run (unlike last year), this could potentially be a low-scoring game. Expectations favor Ole Miss as does the talent in areas, but the Plains hasn't been kind to them in almost a decade. Let's let the games be played first before making any more assumptions.

The Rebels will begin its 2023 campaign inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium against Mercer. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT and can be seen on SECN+/ESPN+ or listened to on the Ole Miss Radio Network. Inside the Rebels will be on site to provide updates, notes, facts, observations and more. Kiffin and select players will be available on the final day of 2023 SEC Media Days, taking the stage Thursday, July 20 in Nashville. Inside the Rebels will be on site there as well, with David Johnson, Jared Redding and Tyler Komis providing wall-to-wall coverage.

Position Preview: Rebels' 2023 TE unit looking as exciting as ever

During the course of the 2022 season the tight end position might have been the most frustrating unit for the Ole Miss Rebels. Going into that season, head coach Lane Kiffin

During the course of the 2022 season the tight end position might have been the most frustrating unit for the Ole Miss Rebels. Going into that season, head coach Lane Kiffin gained the commitment of the No.1 transfer tight end by the industry-generated 247Sports Composite index in Michael Trigg with a package deal including then USC teammate Jaxson Dart.

It was thought to be a massive get for Ole Miss, it was and the potential remains endless, but it just didn’t show on the field last season. The main issue stemming from Trigg not seeing the field enough, especially once SEC play rolled around after four games for various reasons.

The Tampa (Fla.) native ended his first season at Ole Miss with just 17 catches for 156 yards along with three scores in just six games played. However, he can’t be the only one responsible for the position being a disappointment because the Rebels had another veteran in the position room with then junior Casey Kelly. Kelly’s 2022 campaign didn’t go as planned, recording career lows in catches (3) and receiving yards (17) along with one touchdown.

11019669.JPG?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320Michael Trigg looks a ball in during a recent Ole Miss practice. (Photo: OMA)

The position unit was simply one of the most unreliable and hampered Ole Miss’ offense down the stretch of the season. Some games there would be no tight end at all, this year’s Egg Bowl comes to mind specifically, and it certainly contributed to their offensive woes. However, this year will be different and you can pretty much bank on it.

A recap of the Rebels' noteworthy offseason transactions within their tight end room…

Subtractions

- Casey Kelly (Oregon)

- Jonathan Hess (Graduate/current recruiting assistant)

- Trace Campbell (UAB)

Additions

- Senior Caden Prieskorn (Memphis)

- Freshman Jayvontay Conner

- Freshman Wyatt Smalley

Notable returners

- Junior Michael Trigg

- Sophomore Kyirin Heath

- Sophomore Hudson Wolfe

- Junior Salathiel Hempfill

11828528.jpeg?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,offset-y0.50&width=620&height=320 Caden Prieskorn (Photo: Ole Miss Athletics )

As alluded to above, heading into the 2023 season the Rebels look much more equipped to handle almost any situation with a deeper group. One of Ole Miss’ biggest splash plays of the offseason came when they added Memphis transfer Caden Prieskorn. The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder is rated as the No.5 tight end and No.47 overall player in the 2023 transfer cycle by the 247Sports industry generated Composite Index.

Almost like the quarterback situation, Prieskorn’s presence will probably push Trigg and the rest of the group to be the best they can. Expect Trigg to have a much improved season than a year ago, and finally evolve into the consistent matchup nightmare Kiffin and the offense envisioned from him in 2022. Even though two tight ends can be on the field more traditionally than quarterbacks, Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. will likely run packages as such. I digress, Prieskorn isn’t the only notable addition to the room.

True-freshman Jayvontay Conner had his options of schools to choose from, five offers coming from the SEC, and he chose the Rebels above all else. The 6-foot-4 North Carolina native was an early enrollee this past spring and was rather impressive. He’s listed at 230 pounds on his 247Sports profile (220 on Ole Miss’ website), but he certainly looked bigger than that during the spring and summer. For what it’s worth, the Rebels will miss Kelly’s blocking a bit, but Conner looks like a player that could replicate production on that end sooner rather than later.

11846115.JPG?fit=bounds&crop=620:320,off Jayvontay Conner ready to make a catch during spring ball (Photo: Ole Miss Athletics )

Heath and Wolfe seem like they’re on the outside looking in at the moment within the group. Wolfe’s health remains a question, but he’s sticking it out so there’s always a chance so long as he’s enrolled. Heath on the other hand did see limited action on the field last season, and possesses the physical tools to get more reps, but we’ll see how these guys look this upcoming fall camp.

With the 2022 campaign put to rest with an 8-5 record, the Rebels look to turn the page for the 2023 season inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium against Mercer Sept.2. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CT and can be seen on SECN+/ESPN+ or listened to on the Ole Miss Radio Network. Inside the Rebels will be on site to provide updates, notes, facts, observations and more. Head coach Lane Kiffin and select players will be available on the final day of 2023 SEC Media Days, taking the stage Thursday, July 20 in Nashville, Tenn.

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si.com
 

An updated look at Auburn football's 2024 recruiting class following Malik Blocton's commitment

Lance Dawe
4–5 minutes

The Tigers just added four-star defensive lineman Malik Blocton to their 2024 recruiting class.

Here's an updated look at the class following his commitment:

QB Walker White

Walker White, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound signal-caller in the 2024 recruiting class,  included Clemson and Baylor in his final three schools, but eventually chose the Tigers of Auburn over them both.

White unofficially visited Auburn back on January 16th and chose to visit Clemson's junior day over Auburn's on the 28th.

Over the course of his final two seasons at Little Rock Christian Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas, White threw for almost four thousand yards and 48 touchdowns. He also added 1,324 yards and 21 touchdowns (16 in his junior season) on the ground.

LB Joseph Phillips

The four-star totaled 82 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles at Booker T Washington. He also has played tight end for the Golden Eagles, totaling 29 receptions, 336 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.

RB J'Marion Burnette

Burnette, a four-star running back out of Andalusia, had a stellar junior season for the Bulldogs. He totaled 1,473 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. This follows a video game-like sophomore season in which he had 2,281 rushing yards to go along with 12 touchdowns.

These stats combined with stellar camp workouts have made him a hot commodity in the 2024 recruiting cycle. He has offers from many of the top SEC schools like Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

CB A'Mon Lane

Lane, a 4-star, is listed at 5-foot-11 and 180-pounds. He's currently listed as the 4th best player in the state of Alabama in the 2024 class by 247Sports and the number 16th ranked cornerback in the country. 

CB Jayden Lewis

Lewis comes in at 6'0 and a slight 175 pounds and is a rangy defensive back with insane speed. Alongside football, he also ran track during his high school career.

S Kensley Faustin

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound safety recorded 121 career tackles, 10 interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and five forced fumbles during his time at Naples high school.

DL Malik Blocton

Blocton, a four-star defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, just wrapped up an official visit to Texas, but ended up choosing the Tigers just a couple of days later.

Including Texas, Blocton held 11 offers from SEC schools, including Alabama. Other notable offers include USC, Oregon and Clemson.

Through three seasons at Pike Road, Blocton has collected 109 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 8.0 sacks. In 2022 Blocton recorded 54 tackles and 6.0 sacks.

LB D'Angelo Barber

Barber who plays in the Birmingham area for the Clay-Chalkville Cougars has had a very solid high school career so far racking up 86 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception. Barber is a prospect on the rise after showing out during the winter camp circuit and is poised to have a breakout senior season for the Cougars.

Barber, who has been offered by eight SEC schools, has most recently visited Auburn, he came in for a camp session on June 9th. 

WR Bryce Cain

Cain possesses all the skills needed to be an elite wide receiver.

He has a 40-yard dash time in the 4.4 range but also is an elite route runner and wins 50/50 balls.

The three-star receiver had some excellent reps at Auburn's camp, catching passes from quarterback commit Walker White.

TE Martavious Collins

Collins, a four-star ATH who primarily plays TE, was committed to Alabama for over six months but in early February decided to decommit.

Martavious has been very solid in his high school career and has shown that his four-star rating is not just a fluke and it is well deserved. He has totaled 597 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The most important part of his game will not show up on a stat sheet as he is one of the better blocking tight ends in the 2024 class. 

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auburnwire.usatoday.com
 

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 15 Hank Brown

JD McCarthy
4–5 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 true freshman quarterback Hank Brown. Auburn’s youngest quarterback appears headed for a redshirt.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Height: 6-4

Weight: 201

Class in 2023: True Freshman

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 40 in Tennessee / No. 71 QB

High School Stats

Year G Completion Percentage Yards TDs
2022 (Lipscomb Academy) 13 73.3% 3,264 47

Depth Chart Overview

Brown was committed to Freeze when he was at Liberty and decided to follow him to the Plains, spurning an offer by UAB and Trent Diler, who was his coach in high school.

He is behind Robby Ashford, Peyton Thorne and Holden Geriner who have all spent time in a college program. With him being fourth on the depth chart he appears headed for a redshirt.

Hank Brown’s Photo Gallery

USATSI_18942418.jpg?w=834

Syndication: The Tennessean

Aug 27, 2022; Alabaster, AL, USA; Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass over…

Aug 27, 2022; Alabaster, AL, USA; Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass over Thompson High linebacker Caleb Ballard (6) at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-Tuscaloosa News Lipscomb Academy Vs Thompson High High School

USATSI_18942413.jpg?w=932

Syndication: The Tennessean

Aug 27, 2022; Alabaster, AL, USA; Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass over…

Aug 27, 2022; Alabaster, AL, USA; Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws a pass over Thompson High linebacker Caleb Ballard (6) at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-Tuscaloosa News Lipscomb Academy Vs Thompson High High School

USATSI_18862715.jpg?w=877

Syndication: The Tennessean

Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws as he is hit by Father Ryan defensive back…

Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) throws as he is hit by Father Ryan defensive back Mason Bryant (29) during a scrimmage game on Friday, August 12, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Nas Lispcomb Academy Vs Father Ryan Football Scrimmage 003

USATSI_18697586.jpg?w=1000

Syndication: The Tennessean

Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown passes against Summit during an high school 7-on-7 football tournament game,…

Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown passes against Summit during an high school 7-on-7 football tournament game, Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Nas 7 On 7 Football 013

USATSI_19538506.jpg?w=1000

Syndication: The Tennessean

Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) and offensive lineman George Austin (56) celebrate with the championship…

Lipscomb Academy quarterback Hank Brown (9) and offensive lineman George Austin (56) celebrate with the championship trophy after defeating CPA 42 to 0 winning the 2022 Division II Class AA State Football Championship at Finley Stadium Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Nas Cpa Lipscomb 028

USATSI_19569211.jpg?w=1000

Syndication: The Tennessean

Lipscomb Academy's Hank Brown (9) passes the ball during the BlueCross Bowl Division II-AA Championship game…

Lipscomb Academy's Hank Brown (9) passes the ball during the BlueCross Bowl Division II-AA Championship game CPA at Finley Stadium, in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. 28 Lipscomb Academy Vs Cpa Football

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Podcast ranks Payton Thorne No. 12 among SEC quarterbacks

Lance Dawe
2–3 minutes

Where should Payton Thorne rank heading into the fall?

The assessment of Michigan State transfer quarterback Payton Thorne varies from outlet to outlet.

Michael Bratton of That SEC Podcast recently released his 2023 SEC quarterback rankings, with Thorne near the bottom of the list at No. 12.

Bratton doesn't think Thorne is a bad quarterback - but he's uncertain about how the Tigers' coaching staff is going to utilize him in a new offense.

"It’s just so hard for me to peg what Auburn’s going to be with a new coaching staff, with essentially a new starting entire offense with all the transfers," Bratton said. "So I think he could be a really good player. I’m not saying you can’t win with Payton Thorne, I think you can."

Bratton went on to say that Thorne reminds him of former SEC quarterback Bo Wallace, who beat Alabama under Hugh Freeze back in 2014.

Thorne ranks 12th only above Vanderbilt's AJ Swann and Florida's Graham Mertz.

Thorne finished an accomplished quarterback at Michigan State, setting single-season records for total yards, total touchdowns and passing touchdowns. He ranks fifth in career total touchdowns, fifth in career total yards, fourth in career passing touchdowns and third in single-season passing yards.

He's not a dazzling arm talent but was excellent attacking downfield in his two seasons with the Spartans. He's a great system fit for Freeze and Montgomery.


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Auburn lands commitment from 4star DL Malik Blocton

Christian Clemente
3–4 minutes

PIKE ROAD, Alabama — Auburn has always been there for Malik Blocton, and now he's there on Auburn's commit list.

Ranked in the industry-generated 247Sports Composite as the No. 424 player, No. 44 defensive lineman and No. 24 player from Alabama, Blocton chose the Tigers over Texas, Florida, Alabama and Troy on Saturday.

"I mean, it’s just the fanbase and how I can go in early and play at Auburn," Blocton told Auburn Undercover. "Because Auburn’s got a bunch of guys leaving so I feel like Auburn just fit well for me. It’s not too far away from my house, so I feel like my whole family can come to my games. I feel like that’s what made me decide Auburn."

First offered by Auburn back as a ninth grader, Blocton has been a consistent presence on Auburn's campus over the years. His interest in Auburn only grew when Hugh Freeze was hired and brought on Jeremy Garrett as his defensive line coach.

Blocton was offered by Liberty and even visited a couple of years ago, and the relationship grew quickly and even stronger when they got to Auburn.

"It’s been very beneficial because when Coach (Bryan) Harsin was at Auburn I never had a sitdown meeting with him. Coach Freeze made it a priority that he sat down and talked to me," Blocton said. "Me and Coach Garrett, we’ve been locked in and been knowing each other. I feel like he’s one of the best coaches in the country. He’s not one of those crazy coaches that’ll get all in your face do all that ra-ra stuff, he’s more of a laidback coach that’ll teach you the game and he really knows what he’s talking about."

He had another connection to Auburn, too. The younger brother of Marcus Harris, he's spent the last two years watching him from the stands. Now he'll get the chance to take over for him in 2024.

"Some people are going to think I’m making this decision based off him — it’s not based off him," Blocton said. "Because he’s going to be leaving, this is his last year, me and him will never play together. It’s just Auburn fits for me."

The idea of carrying the torch is something that sticks out to Blocton, though.

"That is kind of cool — he’s leaving and I’m coming in," Blocton said.

Listed at a little over 6-foot-2 and 268 pounds, Blocton is expected to come in and play a versatile role all across the defensive line. He will take his Auburn official visit during the Iron Bowl for Harris' Senior Day.

Becoming commitment No. 10, Blocton's message to the Auburn fans was clear:

"Y’all are going to get all that I have," Blocton said. "Every day, every Saturday night, I’m going to give y’all everything because I know that y’all are going to do the same in return. Y’all going to be in the stands cheering for me, so I’m going to pay it back to you."

 

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al.com
 

Pike Road DL Malik Blocton commits to Auburn over Texas, others

Updated: Jul. 08, 2023, 4:13 p.m.|Published: Jul. 08, 2023, 3:21 p.m.
3–4 minutes

Malik Blocton

Pike Road DL Malik Blocton, here with coach Granger Shook, committed to Auburn on Saturday. (Contributed)

Coach Hugh Freeze and Auburn boosted their defensive line for future years on Saturday afternoon with a commitment from Pike Road senior Malik Blocton.

The 6-foot-3, 275-pound lineman said he committed to the Tigers over Alabama, Troy, Texas and Florida.

“It feels great,” Blocton told AL.com. “I’m excited to have a chance to play in the SEC. That is what I’ve been wanting to do all my life.”

Blocton is the No. 24 senior recruit in the state according to the 247 composite rankings. He’s No. 25 in the On3 Industry rankings.

With his commitment, the Tigers now have pledges from seven of the top 30 seniors in the 247 Class of 2024 rankings. Blocton joins Booker T. Washington LB Joseph Phillips (No. 8), Andalusia RB J’Marion Burnette (14), Moody DB A’Mon Lane (16), Anniston DB Jayden Lewis (18), Clay-Chalkville LB DJ Barber (25) and Baker WR Bryce Cain (27).

“I think he can be a starter pretty quickly in the SEC,” Pike Road coach Granger Shook said. “He can be a rotational guy very early. What separates the SEC from everyone else is depth up front. Malik is going to add to that for Auburn. Auburn always has had an elite defensive line, and Malik will fit nicely into that. I’m excited for he and his family. It’s a great opportunity.”

The 3-star recruit has nearly 40 offers from across the country. As a junior for Pike Road, he had 54 tackles and 12 sacks. He helped the team to a state title as a sophomore.

Blocton said the plan at Auburn is for him to start his college career on the edge before possibly moving inside later.

“I really don’t care where I play as long as I’m in position to make plays for my team,” he said.

This year, as a senior in high school, Blocton will be a weapon for Shook in his first year as the team’s coach.

“He can play any position in 6A football up front,” he said. “We will move him around defensively because we know a lot of our opponents will call plays predicated on where he is lined up. He has great hands. His hands are as smooth and natural as I’ve seen. He will be able to make a quick impact at Auburn. I firmly believe that.”

Blocton also could see some time on offense in his final year with the Patriots.

“There is a chance he may play some tight end, especially in specific packages,” Shook said. “He’s too good of a player and too smart not to be on the field when we need a play.”

Shook said Blocton also is a leader off the field.

“He was voted on our leadership council by his peers,” he said. “Week 1, that is something I wanted to do to get a temperature of the team. In the season, we will meet weekly. In the offseason, we meet every two weeks or so to gauge the team and where we are. His peers definitely respect him and view him as a leader on our team for sure.”

Blocton and the Patriots will open the 2023 season Aug. 25 at Marist High School outside of Atlanta.

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al.com
 

What does Lindy's Sports think of the Auburn Tigers as the 2023 football season approaches?

Updated: Jul. 08, 2023, 3:42 p.m.|Published: Jul. 08, 2023, 10:11 a.m.
4–5 minutes

After looking at what Phil Steele predicted for Auburn heading into the 2023 college football season and how Lindy’s Sports sees the season shaking out for the Tigers, there seems to be common themes.

Steele and Lindy share the belief that Auburn’s first-year head coach Hugh Freeze will start righting the ship that was wronged by former head coach Bryan Harsin in less than two seasons.

However, both publications are also on the same page in the fact that the rebuild on The Plains is a big one and all the wrinkles likely won’t be ironed out in just one season.

Here’s everything Lindy’s Sports said about the Tigers, who were ranked No. 42 in the publication’s preseason rankings.

Offensive outlook

From the coaching standpoint, Lindy is high on what the Tigers have cooking on offense.

At the helm is Freeze, who has built a reputation for fielding creative offenses and developing quarterbacks. First-year offensive coordinator and former Tulsa head coach Phillip Montgomery is sure to assist in the development of Auburn’s signal callers.

Meanwhile, Cadillac Williams, who is set to double as associate head coach and running backs coach, will not only lead the Tigers’ deep and dynamic running back room, but also the buy-in around the program.

In terms of on-field talent, however, Lindy has questions.

With Robby Ashford returning after starting the back half of the 2022 season under center and the addition of Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne, Lindy emphasizes the importance of naming a starting quarterback sooner rather than later. Lindy goes on to predict Ashford as the Tigers’ starter.

Lindy likes the look of the Tigers’ running back room, which loses Tank Bigsby, but returns Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alston and Sean Jackson, while adding USF transfer Brian Battie and freshman Jeremiah Cobb.

One area Lindy isn’t impressed with Auburn, however, is at receiver.

While the return of Ja’Varrius Johnson is good for the Tigers, as well as the addition of Ohio State transfer Caleb Burton, Cincinnati transfer Nick Mardner and North Texas transfer Jyaire Shorter, Lindy predicts that Auburn will need more deep threats in 2023.

Defensive outlook

The Auburn defense left a lot to be desired in 2022. The Tigers ranked 77th in total defense, 96th in rushing defense, 104th in third down conversion defense and 121st in turnover margin.

When Lindy looks at the Tigers’ defense he believes improvements must start in the trenches. Fortunately, Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts were able to hit the portal hard, hauling in Kentucky transfer Justin Rogers, Purdue transfer Lawrence Johnson and Maryland transfer Mosiah Nasili-Kite. The trio of defensive line transfers will pair nicely with the defensive line’s returners, Marcus Harris and Jayson Jones.

The story was much of the same for the linebacker room, which sees just one starter from 2022 return in Cam Riley. Thanks to the transfer portal, the Tigers have added Austin Keys (Ole Miss), Elijah McAllister (Vanderbilt), DeMario Tolan (LSU), Larry Nixon III (North Texas) and Jalen McLeod (Appalachian State).

Finally, the back end of Auburn’s defense is likely to be its strength as the unit is a veteran one, returning seniors Nehemiah Pritchett, Zion Puckett, Jaylin Simpson and DJ James.

Lindy’s SEC Picks

Like Steele, Lindy predicts the Tigers will finish sixth in the SEC West, while Alabama takes the top spot.

According to Lindy, the good news for Auburn is that Freeze should “breathe life into the offense” and calls Hunter a “future star” at running back. The bad news, however, is that “QB remains an issue, although the transfer portal might fix that”.

In all, Lindy returns to the notion that the Tigers are bound to improve in 2023, but the program’s rebuild will take time.

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