2022 Auburn football preview: Safety

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2022 Auburn football preview: Safety

JD McCarthy

3-4 minutes

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Auburn will be without a former leader in Smoke Monday at safety but Zion Puckett is ready for his turn to be the leader of the group.

He was Auburn’s No. 2 safety last season and is the undisputed top dog this year. While the second starting spot is up for grabs, the secondary coach Zach Etheridge has several interesting options in Cayden Bridges and newcomers Marquise Gilbert and Craig McDonald, who both have plenty of experience.

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Another key player is Donovan Kaufman, who will spend time at both nickel and safety and is once again looking to create disruptive plays, something he excelled at doing last season.

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• Smoke Monday (graduation)
• Bydarrius Knighten (graduation)
• Ahmari Harvey (transfer)
• Eric Reed (transfer)
• Ladrius Tennison (transfer)

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Free Safety: Zion Puckett

With the departure of Monday, Puckett is the veteran of this group and the new leader. He has plenty of experience and it is his turn to be the top safety entering his senior season.

Strong Safety: Cayden Bridges

While Puckett has his starting spot locked down, this one is up for grabs and Craig McDonald and Bridges appear to be the top contenders. I am going with Bridges due to his experience in the system and the fact that he could be one of the best athletes on the team. That is enough for me to make him the starter here but this battle is far from settled.

Nickel: Donovan Kaufman

Kauffman was a productive player last year, he recorded 33 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, one interception, forced three fumbles, and broke up two passes. His time will be spent between safety and nickel but he should have an important role.

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Puckett, Bridges, and Kaufman are Auburn’s only returning players at safety.

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Craig McDonald: A transfer from Iowa State, he played in 13 games last season and brings some experience to a room that lost a lot of depth. He has been limited due to an injury but should play a key role when he is healthy.

Caleb Wooden: Just a true freshman, Wooden made waves during spring camp and is trying to earn a starting spot. I’m not sure that will happen but he looks like a diamond in the rough and should see the field this season. He will be a player to watch moving forward.

Marquise Gilbert: A member of Auburn’s prized JUCO class, he brings experience and should make an immediate impact even if he does not start.

(Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Free Safety

Zion Puckett, senior

Marquise Gilbert, sophomore

Strong Safety

Cayden Bridges, redshirt freshman

Craig McDonald, sophomore

Nickel

Donovan Kaufman, sophomore

Keionte Scott, sophomore