production we lost vs gained from the portal

[TeamZero77 1,784]

I saw this thread on Reddit earlier and thought that it was interesting. I know some will say that the numbers we lost were SEC and alot of what we gained is Group of 5. I totally understand that but I just wanted to share what all this coaching staff has added with actual numbers on the field. The username who provided the thread on Reddit goes by CarnellWilliams and it's not behind a paywall. 

Defensive Line - We lost 16 total tackles. We added 417 total tackles.

Wide Receiver- We lost 260 total yards and 2 TD's. We added 4,390 total yards and 48 TD's.

Offensive Line - We lost 1,627 career snaps. We added 5,715 career snaps. 

Quarterback - We lost 57% completion percentage, 2,199 passing yards, 12 TD's and 10 INT's (those are Finley's LSU and AU stats combined). We added 61% completion pct., 6,501 passing yards, 49 TD's and 24 INT's. 

Just wanted to share this because it hits a little different when you actually see the numbers on paper. What this coaching staff has done is remarkable in my opinion. With these additions, I feel they've raised our floor as well as our ceiling. WDE

Edited May 24, 2023 by TeamZero77

[alexava 6,973]

That’s a lot of mid major production..

[TeamZero77 1,784]

8 minutes ago, alexava said:

That’s a lot of mid major production..

Yes, I noted that in the post. 

[CR 2,438]

This staff had a spring to get an up close look at our roster. They traded 20 players or so that couldnt play at SEC level for 20 or so that potentially can do so. There will be some hits and misses but thats better than all misses.

[TeamZero77 1,784]

4 hours ago, CR said:

This staff had a spring to get an up close look at our roster. They traded 20 players or so that couldnt play at SEC level for 20 or so that potentially can do so. There will be some hits and misses but thats better than all misses.

💯 

[Tigerpro2a 5,650]

I knew we upgraded at every position we brought in from portal, but that definitely puts it into a different perspective. I'm going to be honest guys, I think we are going to have a very good OL. IT may take a few games to really start gelling, but the joes are there IMO. I think we will have a roadgrading type OL for the first time really since 2013 but Ill give the 2017 line the nod they were pretty good.

 

My worries are on WR, LB and depth at S and DL albeit not nearly as worried at DL as the rest of the groups. I think we have definitely done a lot to bring up the WR room. I think Shorter will be the real deal. I am just not sold on Mardner. I honestly don't think he will start, at least not the whole season. Burton is loads of discernible potential, but at this point that is all I can all it. I think all and all better than what we had w exception of maybe Javy J and C. Brown's potential but time will tell.

As for LB, I feel 100% better than I did, but again, it's just knd of an unknown. I like the Keys addition and he will no doubt be a valuable asset for us this season. Nixon was a huge addition. I actually just remembered us picking him up last week as I was typing the previous sentence so I feel even better now! (kind of like finding a $20 bill tucked in the back of your wallet you forgot you had!)

Safety and WR are my two biggest concerns left on the board. Puckett has not lived to what I thought he would be. I think he could be a stud in a S/LB hybrid type of position. Simpson I am a huge fan of, but not sure what the pieces behind them look like. 

[TeamZero77 1,784]

5 hours ago, Tigerpro2a said:

I knew we upgraded at every position we brought in from portal, but that definitely puts it into a different perspective. I'm going to be honest guys, I think we are going to have a very good OL. IT may take a few games to really start gelling, but the joes are there IMO. I think we will have a roadgrading type OL for the first time really since 2013 but Ill give the 2017 line the nod they were pretty good.

 

My worries are on WR, LB and depth at S and DL albeit not nearly as worried at DL as the rest of the groups. I think we have definitely done a lot to bring up the WR room. I think Shorter will be the real deal. I am just not sold on Mardner. I honestly don't think he will start, at least not the whole season. Burton is loads of discernible potential, but at this point that is all I can all it. I think all and all better than what we had w exception of maybe Javy J and C. Brown's potential but time will tell.

As for LB, I feel 100% better than I did, but again, it's just knd of an unknown. I like the Keys addition and he will no doubt be a valuable asset for us this season. Nixon was a huge addition. I actually just remembered us picking him up last week as I was typing the previous sentence so I feel even better now! (kind of like finding a $20 bill tucked in the back of your wallet you forgot you had!)

Safety and WR are my two biggest concerns left on the board. Puckett has not lived to what I thought he would be. I think he could be a stud in a S/LB hybrid type of position. Simpson I am a huge fan of, but not sure what the pieces behind them look like. 

Don't forget we also picked up Shane Hooks, the WR transfer from Jackson State. He was the leading WR for Deion's JSU team last season. He committed to Ole Miss as a transfer in April but decommited after 8 days and came to us sunday. He had offers from Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Utah, Ole Miss, Colorado, Liberty, Cincinnati, UCF and Auburn. He's 6'4" 205 lbs with 1 year of eligibility left. Last season he had 66 receptions for 775 yards and 10 TD's. All 3 categories led the team.

If you haven't already watched his highlight reel over in the recruiting thread, it's some really good stuff. He's tall, can really jump to get some 50/50 balls and Coach Montgomery said he has the biggest hands of anyone he has ever coached. There's a one handed catch that's on that thread and it is a video by itself. Goes way up over 2 defenders to grab a 1 handed catch. 

I think he can definitely be a deep threat for us. I feel the same as you about Mardner. According to the A-Day game analysts, Hugh Freeze told them that Mardner isn't consistent enough. I hope he can break through for some playing time because at 6'6", he is our tallest WR and that could help us this season. 

I really like our O-Line as well. I'm very confident with our TE room, RB room (if Jarquez stays), QB we have a proven passer in Thorne and a huge threat with his legs in Ashford. I like the McLeod pickup on defense. A few depth issues on defense but all in all I think our coaches hit a homerun with the portal. Ranked 2nd nationally in portal recruiting and we lead the nation in 4 star additions from the portal with 11. WDE

[AURex 1,992]

???

Comparing apples to oranges. Productivity in the minor leagues ain't equivalent to productivity in the majors.

I HOPE that our new recruits will perform well. But the assessment in the OP doesn't really tell us anything.

 

[TeamZero77 1,784]

1 hour ago, AURex said:

???

Comparing apples to oranges. Productivity in the minor leagues ain't equivalent to productivity in the majors.

I HOPE that our new recruits will perform well. But the assessment in the OP doesn't really tell us anything.

 

I see you've done your daily complaining and whining on the political forum so now you've come here to try to rain on everyone's parade. Even I know how you are and I've never even posted anything in the political forums. Not surprising from you though.

I said that in the 2nd sentence of the post some will see it as losing SEC players and adding Group of 5 players. It was also a post I was sharing from a fan on Reddit. Kill the messenger much?

It just feels good to alot of us fans to actually have hope again. 

I know alot of us like to look at things as the glass half full but others, like yourself, look at 95% of things glass 3/4 empty. If this program depresses you as much as your posts come across, why even put yourself through it? War Eagle anyway

Edited May 25, 2023 by TeamZero77

[TeamZero77 1,784]

1 hour ago, AURex said:

???

Comparing apples to oranges. Productivity in the minor leagues ain't equivalent to productivity in the majors.

I HOPE that our new recruits will perform well. But the assessment in the OP doesn't really tell us anything.

 

You must really get pissed at high school recruiting too. They're even lower than Group of 5 at that point so no need to even give a damn about it either, right? If Group of 5 is minor leagues, then high school is single A? Farm league? 

You know what? Don't even answer back. Please block me and I will do the same. With nearly everyone of your posts complaining about everything and trying to kill any kind of positive vibes on this forum, I can do without it. 

[AuCivilEng1 10,995]

Those wide receiver numbers are shocking. I can't wait to see what this offense can accomplish with decent oline play and a competent accurate QB.  And half the teams we got players from would have probably beat our a**es last year, so I don't wanna hear the whole "he was a mid major" argument.

[AUpreacherman22 3,884]

20 hours ago, AURex said:

???

Comparing apples to oranges. Productivity in the minor leagues ain't equivalent to productivity in the majors.

I HOPE that our new recruits will perform well. But the assessment in the OP doesn't really tell us anything.

 

It’s true that we shouldn’t expect the same level of production as they step up to the SEC West.   However, to dismiss what these kids have done so far in their career is much more irresponsible!

A.  These kids have been successful at previous stops in their career.   While this is certainly no guarantee of future success, it’s a strong indicator.  
B.  These kids are filling spots where we didn’t have any previous production (or very little).   Production at any level is better than no production.  So there is absolutely no doubt we’re far better off.  
C.  CHF has stated several times that hitting the portal this hard is not what he  wants to do.  But the previous employee did zero recruiting and left us in a terrible spot!   The fact that we even have a full roster is impressive.   But we went way above and beyond by significantly improving the roster in a short period of time is amazing!!!

[toddc 13,194]

Newcomers impact depth chart

AUBURN | With eight more transfers in the spring and 10 more signees reporting, Auburn’s projected depth chart has already changed since the end of spring practice April 8.

Below, we’ve put together a potential depth chart and how it could look after preseason drills and going into the opening game against UMass Sept. 2.

This is not an official depth chart as there’s plenty of competition ahead for all of these players…

Thorne was Auburn's biggest addition from the transfer portal. (Nick King/Lansing State Journal)

QUARTERBACK

1. Peyton Thorne, Sr. (2 years)

2. Robby Ashford, So.

3. Holden Geriner, RFr.

4. Hank Brown, TFr.

Hugh Freeze wants to always have four quarterbacks for the start of fall drills and he’ll have that for his first season at Auburn. Thorne is the heavy favorite to win the starting job based on his experience and knowledge of the RPO offense. Ashford came out of spring as the first-team quarterback but would need to take a couple of steps forward to challenge Thorne. Geriner and Brown will get a chance to take positive steps in their development and compete against each other.

RUNNING BACK

1. Jarquez Hunter, Jr.

2. Damari Alston, So.

3. Brian Battie, Jr. (2 years)

4. Jeremiah Cobb, TFr. - OR-

4. Sean Jackson, So.

This is one of Auburn’s most talented and deepest positions led by Hunter, who could top the 1,000-yard mark this fall. Alston was one of AU’s most improved players this spring and Battie brings AU a talented and proven change-of-pace back who can also excel on special teams. Cobb is too talented to sit the bench and should be a part of the rotation at running back and on special teams.

WIDE RECEIVER

WR1

1. Shane Hooks, Sr. (1 year)

2. Camden Brown, So.

3. Nick Mardner, Sr. (1 year)

WR2

1. Ja’Varrius Johnson, Sr.

2. Caleb Burton, RFr. (4 years)

3. Jay Fair, So.

4. J.C. Hart, TFr.

WR3

1. Jyaire Shorter, Sr. (1 year)

2. Koy Moore, Jr.

3. Malcolm Johnson, Jr. 

4. Omari Kelly, So.

Four transfers and at least one true freshman have added some much needed talent, experience and depth to the receiver corps. Hooks and Shorter are my picks to win starting positions along with Ja’Varrius, but this position is pretty open going into fall and there should be plenty of competition. Brown and Johnson were both slowed by injuries this spring so this will be a very important fall for both. Hart originally signed as a cornerback but is expected to get a first look at wide receiver this fall.

TIGHT END

1. Rivaldo Fairweather, Jr. (2 years)

2. Luke Deal, Sr. -OR-

2. Tyler Fromm, Sr.

4. Brandon Frazier, Sr. -OR-

4. Micah Riley-Ducker, RFr.

This is one of Auburn’s most talented and deepest positions and at least four of the five should play pretty regularly. Fairweather will be a key part of the passing attack. Look for AU to use a lot of 12 personnel this fall, which means two tight ends will be on the field together most of the time. This group has a lot of flexibility too. Fairweather can work out wide or in the slot as a receiver. Deal and Fromm can play as an H-back or attached tight end.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Left tackle

1. Dillon Wade, Jr. (3 years)

2. Garner Langlo, So.

3. Tyler Johnson, TFr.

Left guard

1. Jeremiah Wright, Jr.

2. Jaden Muskrat, Jr. (3 years)

3. Connor Lew, TFr.

4. Bradyn Joiner, TFr.

Center

1. Avery Jones, Sr. (1 year)

2. Connor Lew, TFr.

3. Jalil Irvin, Sr.

Right guard

1. Tate Johnson, Jr.

2. Kameron Stutts, Sr.

3. E.J. Harris, RFr.

Right tackle

1. Gunner Britton, Sr. (2 years)

2. Izavion Miller, Jr.

3. Clay Wedin, TFr.

I feel pretty good about Wade and Britton starting at the tackles and Jones at center. The guard positions are wide open with five players all capable of winning the two starting positions: Wright, Johnson, Stutts, Muskrat and Lew. While I’m picking Wright and Johnson, it should be one of the best competitions on the team. I could see Lew redshirting this fall and being AU’s starting center starting in 2024. Miller is another wild card that could even move to guard and make it a six-man competition.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Defensive end

1. Marcus Harris, Sr.

2. Lawrence Johnson, Sr. (1 year)

3. Wilky Denaud, TFr.

4. Darron Reed, TFr.

Noseguard

1. Justin Rogers, Jr. (2 years)

2. Jayson Jones, Jr.

3. Stephen Johnson, TFr.

Defensive tackle

1. Mosiah Nasili-Kite, Sr. (1 year)

2. Zeke Walker, Jr.

3. Enyce Sledge, RFr.

There are several interchangeable parts here depending on the formation and offense they’re facing. Harris is the top playmaker and could start at d-tackle or end. Jones worked as the starting nose and Rogers as the starting d-tackle several times during spring. Nasili-Kite was a highlight of the spring and should start or be a big part of the playing rotation. One or two of the true freshman may need to play due to depth.

JACK LINEBACKER

1. Jalen McLeod, Sr. (2 years)

2. Keldric Faulk, TFr. -OR-

2. Elijah McAllister, Sr. (1 year)

4. Stephen Sings, Sr. (2 years)

5. Brenton Williams, TFr.

McLeod was an important pickup from the portal and should bring some more speed off the edge. Faulk had an outstanding spring and looks like a future star at either Jack or possibly defensive end. McAllister is a solid, get-the-job-done guy, Sings provides depth and Williams has a pretty good upside. All five Jacks are newcomers.

LINEBACKER

Mike linebacker

1. Austin Keys, Jr. (3 years)

2. Cam Riley, Jr.

3. Robert Woodyard, RFr.

Will linebacker

1. Larry Nixon III, Sr. (1 year)

2. Cam Riley, Jr.

3. Wesley Steiner, Sr.

4. Eugene Asante, Jr. -OR-

4. DeMario Tolan, So. (3 years)

Keys had a strong spring and is the probable starter at Mike. Nixon was an important spring addition and could win the starting job at Will. Riley can start or backup either position, and could also provide help at Jack. Steiner and Woodyard showed improvement this spring. Asante and Tolan can help out in different packages and special teams.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Cornerback

1. D.J. James, Sr.

2. J.D. Rhym, So.

3. Colton Hood, TFr.

Cornerback

1. Nehemiah Pritchett, Sr.

2. Kayin Lee, TFr.

3. Tyler Scott, TFr.

Nickel

1. Keionte Scott, Jr.

2. Donovan Kaufman, Jr.

3. Caleb Wooden, So.

Safety

1. Zion Puckett, Sr.

2. Cayden Bridges, So. -OR-

2. Austin Ausberry, RFr.

4. Terrance Love, TFr.

Safety

1. Jaylin Simpson, Sr.

2. Marquise Gilbert, Jr.

3. Sylvester Smith, TFr. -OR-

3. C.J. Johnson, TFr.

Cornerback is thin and all three freshman will probably play this fall. Lee had an outstanding spring and looks like a future star. Rhym missed spring with an injury but is expected back at full speed this summer. Scott is a standout at nickel and should be the starter there with Kaufman able to provide key reps at both nickel and safety. Same for Wooden who got a lot of work at nickel this spring. Gilbert was probably AU’s most improved safety this spring. Love could potentially grow into a linebacker.

***NOTE: Two 2023 signees, JUCO DL Quientrail Jamison-Travis and WR Daquayvious Sorey, are working to get qualified in time to report later this summer or fall.

[W.E.D 11,070]

35 minutes ago, toddc said:

Left tackle

1. Dillon Wade, Jr. (3 years)

Right tackle

1. Gunner Britton, Sr. (2 years)

I thought Britton only had 1 year left, so pretty pleased about that.  Was this from Rivals?

Just questioning it....

https://wkusports.com/sports/football/roster/gunner-britton/4290

2018 - RS (0)
2019 - RS FR (1)
2020 - RS Soph (didn't count COVID) (2)
2021 - RS Soph Repeat (2)
2022 - RS Jr (3) 
2023 - RS Sr (Super Sr) (4)

[JerryAU 1,657]

The SEC elite level competition our new guys will face will be unlike anything they've ever experienced.  This rebuild is going to take time and patience. 

[Mims44 1,867]

On 5/24/2023 at 7:03 AM, TeamZero77 said:

I saw this thread on Reddit earlier and thought that it was interesting. I know some will say that the numbers we lost were SEC and alot of what we gained is Group of 5. I totally understand that but I just wanted to share what all this coaching staff has added with actual numbers on the field. The username who provided the thread on Reddit goes by CarnellWilliams and it's not behind a paywall. 

Defensive Line - We lost 16 total tackles. We added 417 total tackles.

Wide Receiver- We lost 260 total yards and 2 TD's. We added 4,390 total yards and 48 TD's.

Offensive Line - We lost 1,627 career snaps. We added 5,715 career snaps. 

Quarterback - We lost 57% completion percentage, 2,199 passing yards, 12 TD's and 10 INT's (those are Finley's LSU and AU stats combined). We added 61% completion pct., 6,501 passing yards, 49 TD's and 24 INT's. 

Just wanted to share this because it hits a little different when you actually see the numbers on paper. What this coaching staff has done is remarkable in my opinion. With these additions, I feel they've raised our floor as well as our ceiling. WDE

13 hours ago, JerryAU said:

The SEC elite level competition our new guys will face will be unlike anything they've ever experienced.  This rebuild is going to take time and patience. 

I've wondered about that too. But haven't dug deep to see where it might show the most. But I don't expect WRs to be surprised going into first SEC game, as we have good SEC quality corners. Same with LBs getting a feel for size, speed, ability of SEC quality backs.

Where I do wonder is on the line itself, how many of those guys are new to SEC practicing/scrimmaging against other people new to the conference?

[W.E.D 11,070]

14 hours ago, JerryAU said:

The SEC elite level competition our new guys will face will be unlike anything they've ever experienced.  This rebuild is going to take time and patience. 

Right.  We had a great portal class, but what guys are SEC elite players?  Guys who will get drafted on day 1 or day2....even at all?  Wade maybe the best, not bad considering he's a LT.  McLeod being a pass rush specialist could put him in mid rounds.  Also not bad considering the importance.  Rogers might be a mid round guy.

I think we've gotten our team talent to an average SEC team.  Not sure what elite talent we have, that's most likely going to come from HS recruiting and hopefully some elite single portal pieces down the road.