aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 247sports.com Freshman report card How Auburns 2023 class performed in preseason camp Nathan King 15–18 minutes Auburn has some new faces capable of contributing right away in their freshman seasons Auburn roster turnover this offseason featured more than a 50 percent overhaul in terms of scholarship players, and while the Tigers' highly touted transfer class will likely make the biggest immediate impact, Hugh Freeze's first recruiting class on the Plains has some intriguing pieces, too. And those 21 players — JUCO signees included — went through their first preseason camp at Auburn this month, ending last Saturday with the team's second and final scrimmage. While the top recruits in the class made their presence felt early and often, there are plenty of other names who could also find themselves on the field this fall. Let's check in on how the 2023 class fared in camp, and assess each player's redshirt chances this season. Players are presented in ascending order of their 247Sports Composite ranking. QB HANK BROWN (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: After following Freeze and flipping from Liberty to Auburn, the 3-star wasn’t necessarily included in the team’s plans for the quarterback competition. Even going back to the summer, Freeze only named the top three QBs in terms of contenders to win the job — which isn’t a big surprise, considering Brown is not only a true freshman, but also wasn’t present for spring practice. Still, he’ll be Auburn’s No. 4 quarterback this season, and as Freeze said last week, he had to play four QBs just last season at Liberty due to injuries. What they said: “Look, Hank Brown, I love. He can make every throw. But realistically you can’t get four kids reps in camp.” — Freeze Redshirt likelihood: High NT STEPHEN JOHNSON Where he stands: A flip from Arkansas in December, Johnson certainly has the size for Auburn’s staff to mold over the next couple years, checking in at 6-foot-3 and 337 pounds. As such, he’s been positioned this preseason at nose tackle, where he’s been taking mostly fourth-team reps behind Jayson Jones, Justin Rogers and Enyce Sledge. Redshirt likelihood: High OG BRADYN JOINER Where he stands: The Auburn High School product enrolled this summer in a deep offensive line rotation. Recruited as a center, Joiner has played at all three spots along the interior O-line this preseason, and his most common placement has been at right guard, where he’s garnered consistent third-team reps. Redshirt likelihood: High S CJ JOHNSON Where he stands: Johnson is one of two true freshman safeties to enroll at Auburn this summer, and after Donovan Kaufman’s move from nickel back to safety, the path to playing time was narrowed. Johnson saw some second-team work early in camp but has more recently been the third-team option behind Jaylin Simpson and Marquise Gilbert. Interestingly enough, walk-on and Baylor transfer Griffin Speaks has received plenty of second-team reps at safety alongside Kaufman. Redshirt likelihood: High OL CLAY WEDIN (Declan Greene / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: Wedin had the benefit of enrolling in the spring this year, and allowing position coach Jake Thornton to get his hands on the 6-foot-5, 307-pound freshman as early as possible. This preseason, Wedin has been slotted at right tackle, where he looks to still be in a third-team role, even after No. 2 right tackle Izavion Miller moved up to the starting group and pushed Gunner Britton over to left guard. In the most recent practices, fifth-year senior Jalil Irvin, who’s spent his Auburn career at either guard or center, worked the second-team right tackle spot. What they said: “Clay Wedin was with us through the spring. Clay has improved tremendously from when I first saw him to how he is now. He’s another player that I see has a high ceiling and will continue to get better under Coach Thornton’s wisdom.” — left tackle Dillon Wade Redshirt likelihood: High JACK BRENTON WILLIAMS Where he stands: Auburn’s trio of transfer additions will undoubtedly be the defense’s top options at the jack linebacker spot. So the question is, who will be the team’s No. 4 pass-rusher, with a chance for some rotational playing time this season? The competition is between Williams and veteran walk-on Hayden Brice, both of whom worked with the third-team defense in camp. Redshirt likelihood: Medium OT TYLER JOHNSON Where he stands: At 6-foot-6 and 304 pounds, Johnson certainly stands out at practice, especially among the freshman class. On signing day, Freeze said Johnson, a flip from Texas Tech, has all the tools to become an NFL offensive tackle one day, but the 2023 season won’t be one where he’ll likely see the field yet. Johnson isn’t in the two-deep on the offensive line right now, and Jaden Muskrat and Dylan Senda are both above him at left tackle right now, too. What they said: “He’s got a chance to be good. He’s a young guy. Struggled like any freshman the first couple of days. But really, because the room is so strong with leadership, he;’s done a good job of learning from them and learning what it’s like to be an SEC O-lineman and growing in that way. So he’s made progress and has all the physical attributes to be a really good player.” — Thornton Redshirt likelihood: High CB JC HART Where he stands: On top of the NFL talent already at the top of the depth chart for the Tigers at cornerback, they brought in four more players in the 2023 class. And perhaps the most raw is Hart, whom the Auburn coaches toyed with the idea of playing at receiver before solidifying him at cornerback. He stands out in the crowd at 6-foot-2, and Auburn’s staff is excited to dissect his skill set in the coming years. But this year probably won’t yield much playing time. What they said: “JC Hart, you've got to remember now, his cup is empty. He hasn't lived that DB life a lot, but with that size and speed, man, he's catching on. And when he catches on, I promise you, he's going to be a household name. You don't have many Americans with that size that can run like that. So the biggest thing I'm having to coach with that young man is just confidence. The more confident he gets, the more his skillset and talent going to show up.” — CB coach Wesley McGriff Redshirt likelihood: High CB CHAMP ANTHONY (JUCO) (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: The final addition to the Tigers’ 2023 class was Anthony, the nation’s No. 4 JUCO corner who committed in early June. While Auburn was confident in its two-deep rotation at cornerback exiting the spring, with Kayin Lee and J.D. Rhym as its backups, Anthony’s progression this preseason has given the coaches something to think about. He’s seen some second-team work and is likely in good position to contend as the fourth or fifth option on the team at his position. What they said: “One guy that's really surprised us — and we have to remember that he's really not a true freshman — is Chancellor Anthony. He's doing a good job and you go like, 'Whoa.' He's kind of far ahead of the other freshmen, and then you have to realize that 'OK, yeah, he's really not a true freshman,' being in JUCO for a year. He's probably been the biggest surprise of the young guys so far.” — McGriff DT QUIENTRAIL JAMISON-TRAVIS (JUCO) Where he stands: The latest arrival on the team this summer, “Bobby” Jamison-Travis reported to campus just a few days before camp began in early August. Rated as the No. 3 JUCO defensive lineman in the class, Jamison-Travis needed to play catch-up with his peers in terms of both the weight room and the playbook, and mostly received fourth-team reps at defensive tackle. Auburn’s coaches are excited about his future in the program, though. What they said: “He has all the talent stuff. He was not here this summer so he’s a little far behind. We’re trying to play catch-up with him on a mental standpoint, what’s going on and what he has to do. He will impact and he’ll be a big part, because he’s a talented individual. So he’s got to play himself into shape.” — DC Ron Roberts CB COLTON HOOD Where he stands: A couple weeks into camp, Hood was one of the biggest standouts among Auburn’s defensive coaches and players. In addition to his tenacity in the meeting room and picking the brains of his peers, Hood had a standout few days on the field, including two interceptions in a single practice. All indications are that he’s playing at a much more mature level than a true freshman — safeties coach Zac Etheridge called him “a young veteran” — and that could help his chances to be a rotational piece in the secondary this fall. What they said: "He's like — wow, that dude's, he's gonna be something. He is playing on the ball, man. He asks questions in meetings. He's on top of it, man. You can see the motor he has.” — LB Austin Keys Redshirt likelihood: Medium DE WILKY DENAUD Where he stands: One of the most athletically impressive freshmen on the roster, the 6-foot-3, 273-pound Denaud quickly settled into a defensive end role this preseason, where he’s worked behind Keldric Faulk, Mosiah Nasili-Kite and Zykeivous Walker. Position coach Jeremy Garrett wants a deep rotation, but it seems unlikely at this point that Denaud will be needed much more than a few snaps per game in mop-up duty. Redshirt likelihood: High OT IZAVION MILLER (JUCO) (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: Thornton has been high on Miller’s potential as an SEC offensive tackle for years, and the No. 4 JUCO offensive tackle followed him from Ole Miss to Auburn once Thornton was hired. And the 6-foot-5, 318-pound Miller has progressed masterfully through the spring and preseason, putting him in position now to start at right tackle — a surge that moved Britton to starting left guard. What they said: “Too Tall has had a phenomenal camp. Watching him progress, getting stronger, body quickness, first and second step off the ball, he is definitely making his presence known out there. He's doing a great job, he's being consistent day in and day out.” — Thornton S TERRANCE LOVE Where he stands: With rare physical tools for a defensive back at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Love obviously works at strong safety this preseason. By all accounts, Love, a 4-star prospect, had a fine camp, but there wasn’t necessarily any buzz around his name. An intriguing talent for the future of Auburn’s defense, Love will likely take a redshirt this fall. Redshirt likelihood: High S SYLVESTER SMITH Where he stands: With Kaufman’s move to safety, a competition was opened up for the No. 2 nickel spot behind Keionte Scott. The contenders: sophomore Caleb Wooden and Smith, the No. 4 highest-rated defensive signee in the 2023 class. They’ve swapped second-team reps throughout the preseason, and though Wooden has the advantage of experience, Smith’s athleticism and ball skills have certainly turned some heads already. What they said: “I bulked him up. He’s running with the 2s and sometimes he’s running with the 1s, and trying to push guys — because the biggest thing is just getting him to play the next play and know what’s going on. But very instinctive, very smart. He’ll want to know and call you at 10 o’clock at night, ‘Coach what am I supposed to do?’ Takes really good notes. So just to see his growth from Day 1 to now has been good to see.” — Etheridge Redshirt likelihood: Medium C CONNOR LEW Where he stands: Auburn’s known what it has with Lew for months now, after he was one of the standout freshmen in spring practice. The former Miami commit is undoubtedly the No. 2 center on the team, but the feeling is that he could also fill in a guard spot if needed this season. The freshman is supremely skilled, and his peers and coaches will be shocked if he’s not seeing the field as a starter as early as next season. What they said: “He knows all the calls to make. For a young guy — I remember being a young guy, that was something I struggled with was really getting the offense down. He's a great football player. He's athletic, he's strong and he can do everything we have to do. And he plays super hard. I can't say enough good things about Connor and he's got such a bright future here.” — OG Tate Johnson Redshirt likelihood: Medium RB JEREMIAH COBB (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: Auburn’s top-rated running back signee since Tank Bigsby in 2020, Cobb took a week or so to find his footing and adjust to the speed of Auburn’s defense, his position coach, Cadillac Williams, admitted. But one of the most prolific players in Alabama high school history has since been impressive, and turned in several strong runs in the scrimmage last Saturday. He has a long way to go to break into the rotation of the Tiger’s top three ball-carriers, but as a No. 4 option, Cobb is certainly a big talent who should be in position for a few touches a game. What they said: “His vision, quickness, explosiveness. He is going to be — I’m excited for this guy’s future. I honestly think he will be one of those household names.” — Williams Redshirt likelihood: Low CB TYLER SCOTT Where he stands: A top-20 player from the state of Georgia, Scott is another notch for Auburn’s secondary outlook in the future — and the unit’s young depth right away. Players like Hood and Anthony seem to be in better position to contribute at cornerback this season, though. Redshirt likelihood: High DT DARRON REED JR. Where he stands: At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Reed has all the tools to be an impact player along Auburn’s interior defensive front in the coming years. Breaking into a deep D-line rotation was going to be a difficult task, though, and Reed exited camp as the No. 4 defensive tackle behind Marcus Harris, Lawrence Johnson and Garrison Walker. What they said: “I think D.J. Reed is picking it up, he’s a physical kid. He has some twitch. Now it’s just getting the playbook down. He’s done a really good job for us.” — Garrett Redshirt likelihood: High CB KAYIN LEE Where he stands: If you’ve forgotten Lee is a freshman, you’re not the only one. Auburn’s coaches and players don’t lump him in with the summer arrivals, after Lee was a big contributor in the spring. The former Ohio State commit was able to earn No. 3 reps at cornerback due to Rhym’s injury, and it appears he’s still yet to relinquish that spot this preseason, as Rhym is still bothered by his leg issue. What they said: “K-Lee is a guy. I tell him all the time, ‘You don’t need to walk around here like a freshman because you’re going to play.’” — S Jaylin Simpson Redshirt likelihood: Low DE KELDRIC FAULK (Austin Perryman / Auburn Athletics) Where he stands: The top-rated freshman in Auburn’s 2023 class will likely be the most utilized this season, too. The former top-75 overall recruit, who was named a 247Sports preseason freshman All-American last week, looks to be an important piece not only for the Tigers’ defensive line this season, but the defense as a whole. When healthy this preseason, he’s been Auburn’s starting defensive end, and looks to be positioned to make one of the biggest impacts on defense for an Auburn freshman in recent years. What they said: "That boy's special. I ain't never seen a freshman like that. He's going to be special here, definitely going to be special. To me, it's like how he picks up on football quick and just — he's like a sponge. He picks stuff up real quick, so he's definitely going to be a special kid here." — NT Justin Rogers Redshirt likelihood: Low *** Subscribe to Auburn Undercover for the latest news and intel, podcasts, recruiting coverage and more *** *** Get Auburn news straight to your inbox with the Auburn Undercover newsletter *** 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 theplainsman.com Five Auburn Tigers represented on preseason Coaches All-SEC Football Team 6–7 minutes The 2023 Southeastern Conference’s preseason Coaches All-SEC Team was announced by the league Tuesday afternoon. Amongst the players recognized, Auburn was represented by running back Jarquez Hunter, tight end Luke Deal, offensive lineman Kam Stutts, defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett and punter Oscar Chapman. All five of Auburn’s athletes were named to the All-SEC third team. Despite all of the roster turnover in the first offseason with Hugh Freeze at the helm of the program, all five players recognized by SEC coaches are returning veterans from last year’s team. Running back Hunter is entering his third year with the program following a 675-yard and seven-touchdown campaign from a season ago. Hunter, a two-time SEC academic honor roll member, looks to expand upon his career 6.6 yards per carry in an expanded role this upcoming season. A three-year starting cornerback, Pritchett returns to the field with 93 total career tackles and 37 from last season. Pritchett, named the team’s defensive back of the year last season, has broken up 22 passes and has two interceptions during his three years on the field for Auburn. A veteran tight end, Deal, has played in every game of the last three seasons and has carved out a role as a blocking tight end for the Tigers. Deal, one of Auburn’s three player representatives at SEC Media Days, had his career best 32-yard reception last season on the road at Ole Miss. The big 6-foot-5, 339-pound Stutts is entering his sixth fall on the Plains. Stutts, another one of Auburn’s SEC Media Day player representatives, started six games at right guard in 2022 and two at left guard. A three-year starter, Chapman, was a Ray Guy Award semifinalist last season. Chapman, ranked fourth in the SEC averaging 43.9 yards on 57 punts and is a three-time member of the SEC academic honor roll. The Tigers will start the 2023 season on Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m. CST on ESPN against the UMass Minutemen inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. The list of the entire first, second and third team is listed below. FIRST TEAMOffense QB – Jayden Daniels, LSU RB – Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss RB – Raheim Sanders, Arkansas WR – Malik Nabers, LSU WR – Antwane Wells, South Carolina* WR – Ladd McConkey, Georgia* TE – Brock Bowers, Georgia OL – JC Latham, Alabama OL – Tate Ratledge, Georgia OL – Will Campbell, LSU OL – Amarius Mims, Georgia C – Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia AP – Ainias Smith, Texas A&M Defense DL – Mekhi Wingo, LSU DL – Mykel Williams, Georgia DL – Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia DL – Maason Smith, LSU LB – Dallas Turner, Alabama LB – Harold Perkins, LSU LB – Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia DB – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama DB – Malaki Starks, Georgia DB – Javon Bullard, Georgia DB – Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas Special Teams PK – Will Reichard, Alabama P – Kai Kroeger, South Carolina RS – Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama KOS – Mitch Jeter, South Carolina LS – Wesley Schelling, Vanderbilt SECOND TEAMOffense QB – KJ Jefferson, Arkansas RB – Jase McClellan, Alabama RB – Kendall Milton, Georgia WR – Bru McCoy, Tennessee WR – Evan Stewart, Texas A&M* WR – Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt* WR – Jermaine Burton, Alabama* TE – Mayson Taylor, LSU OL – Javon Foster, Missouri OL – Brady Latham, Arkansas OL – Tyler Booker, Alabama OL – Xavier Truss, Georgia* OL – Emery Jones, LSU* C – Beaux Limmer, Arkansas AP – Tulu Griffin, Mississippi State Defense DL – McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M DL – Jaheim Oatis, Alabama DL – Deone Walker, Kentucky DL – Justin Eboigbe, Alabama LB – Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State LB – Smael Mondon, Georgia LB – JJ Weaver, Kentucky DB – Kamari Lassiter, Georgia DB – Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri DB – Malachi Moore, Alabama DB – Demani Richardson, Texas A&M Special Teams PK – Harrison Mevis, Missouri P – Nik Constantinou, Texas A&M RS – Ainias Smith, Texas A&M KOS – Nathan Dibert, LSU LS – Kneeland Hibbett, Alabama THIRD TEAMOffense QB – Will Rogers, Mississippi State RB – Trevor Etienne, Florida RB – Jarquez Hunter, Auburn WR – Luther Burden III, Missouri WR – Ainias Smith, Texas A&M* WR – Ja'Corey Brooks, Alabama* TE – Luke Deal, Auburn* TE – Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss* TE – Michael Trigg, Ole Miss* TE – Trey Knox, South Carolina* OL – Layden Robinson, Texas A&M OL – Eli Cox, Kentucky OL – Jeremy James, Ole Miss OL – Kam Stutts, Auburn* OL – Javontez Spraggins, Tennessee* OL – Micah Pettus, Ole Miss* C – Cooper Mays, Tennessee AP – Dakereon Joyner, South Carolina Defense DL – Princely Umanmiellen, Florida DL – Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina DL – Jared Ivey, Ole Miss DL – Tim Smith, Alabama* DL – Darius Robinson, Missouri* LB – Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri LB – Jett Johnson, Mississippi State LB – Chris Braswell, Alabama DB – Marcellas Dial, South Carolina DB – Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn DB – Jason Marshall, Florida DB – Greg Brooks, LSU Special Teams PK – Cam Little, Arkansas P – Oscar Chapman, Auburn* P – Matthew Hayball, Vanderbilt* RS – Tulu Griffin, Mississippi State LS – Slade Roy, LSU Do you like this story? 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aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 247sports.com Is this Cadillac Williams deepest Auburn backfield yet Nathan King 7–9 minutes Auburn has impressive personnel at running back entering 2023, sure, and it could be argued as the second-best strength of the team behind the secondary. But that strength for Cadillac Williams’ group is hoped to derive not from an individual’s performance throughout the season, but the production Auburn could receive from top to bottom — running backs one through four. Williams, now entering his fifth season coaching the position at his alma mater — under the third different head coach — is confident in the depth of talent and potential production at tailback for the Tigers this season. It’s a group that lost Tank Bigsby to the NFL, sure, but not only brings back Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston, but added 1,000-yard rusher Brian Battie, a USF transfer, and 4-star freshman Jeremiah Cobb, the highest-rated recruit for the Tigers at the position since Bigsby in 2020. Despite all their offensive issues last season, the Tigers could certainly run the ball — especially once Williams became interim head coach for the last four games. Auburn finished No. 5 in the conference in rushing yards per game against conference opponents, and No. 6 in yards per carry. But depth was not necessarily a calling card. Bigsby and Hunter were both top 15 in the conference in rushing yards per game, sure, but the backfield’s No. 3 rusher, Alston, had only 85 yards. The Tigers didn’t have any other running backs take a handoff all season. That’s not expected to be the case this season, where the drop-off from each player in the room — from Hunter down to Cobb — doesn’t appear to be overly significant. “I just love the camaraderie in that room,” Williams said. “I’ve got a bunch of hard-worker guys that’s selfless, guys that’s pouring into each other. It’s going to be fun to watch those guys, man. I can honestly say probably from top to bottom, it’s probably the deepest that room has been since I’ve been here.” Of course, “deep” doesn’t mean “better.” Against all opponents, Auburn had the No. 3 rushing offense in the SEC last season. The numbers in the late stage of the season, when Williams couched the passing game for the most part, helped improve a yards-per-carry average that was hovering around No. 10 in the league most of the year, then finished No. 6. And that was with Bigsby, who was the seventh running back taken in this year’s NFL draft. Hunter has steadily improved in each of his two seasons on the Plains, but he’s yet to command a lead role in an offense. Alston has been one of the biggest risers for Auburn this preseason and could very well settle into the No. 2 role, and Battie was one of the most productive running backs in the nation last year (1,185 yards and 6.8 yards per carry). neither have produced in the SEC yet, though Auburn’s offensive line, by all accounts, appears to be improved from a group that was wildly inconsistent over the past few seasons. Is this the best running back room of Williams’ tenure? That’s a question that can’t be answered until the season. Alston has 85 yards in his career. Battie, at the end of the day, is still a Group of Five transfer who now faces a big uptick in defensive competition. Cobb’s first college practice was three weeks ago. But at least from a preseason perspective, 2023 has a strong argument to back up Williams’ “deepest” claim. Before assessing their chances, let’s run a refresher course on Williams’ four seasons coaching the position at Auburn, and how his running backs performed. 2019 1: JaTarvious Whitlow: 156 car, 763 yards, 10 TDs 2: D.J. Williams: 84 car, 400 yards, 2 TDs 3: Kam Martin: 61 car, 333 yards, 2 TDs 4: Shaun Shivers: 55 car, 286 yards, 3 TDs 2020 1: Tank Bigsby: 138 car, 834 yards, 5 TDs 2: Shaun Shivers: 62 car, 276 yards, 1 TD 3: D.J. Williams: 39 car, 199 yards, 3 TDs 4: Mark-Antony Richards: 20 car, 76 yards 2021 1: Tank Bigsby: 223 car, 1,099 yards, 10 TDs 2: Jarquez Hunter: 89 car, 593 yards, 3 TDs 3: Shaun Shivers: 14 car, 87 yards, 1 TD 4: Sean Jackson: 12 car, 60 yards, 1 TD 2022 1: Tank Bigsby: 179 car, 970 yards, 10 TDs 2: Jarquez Hunter: 104 car, 668 yards, 7 TDs 3: Damari Alston: 14 car, 85 yards 4: Sean Jackson: N/A -- In terms of how the group’s depth was utilized, it’s probably fair to say things have slowly declined each year. Again, looking at things purely from a depth perspective, the 2019 season might be the bar Auburn will be looking to clear. After surging as a redshirt freshman in 2018, Whitlow was the unquestioned No. 1 running back for Auburn the following year, with a veteran (Martin) to spell him, plus an explosive sophomore (Shivers) and a 4-star freshman (D.J. Williams). That’s all not to mention the highest-rated recruit in the room that year, Harold Joiner, was the team’s No. 5 tailback. Some of the same conversations we’re hearing this year were happening that preseason, with Auburn’s coaches hoping for a strong cast of ball-carriers to consistently rotate. Whitlow, Martin and Shivers all had at least 300 yards the previous season, too, so things were only expected to be stronger in terms of depth. And things played out about as well as Auburn could have hoped. Led by Whitlow, Auburn had four 200-yard running backs in the same season for the first time since Peyton Barber, Jovon Robinson, Roc Thomas and a true freshman Kerryon Johnson did so in 2015. It was more of a ground-and-pound run game, though. In SEC games, only Arkansas and Ole Miss ran the ball more than Auburn in 2019 (41.4 attempts per game), and the Tigers were No. 6 in the league in yards per carry. A calling card of this year’s group that could help it surpass that 2019 backfield could be its explosiveness. Auburn will have some of its best home-run hitters of the past few seasons taking handoffs this year: According to Pro Football Focus, Hunter and Battie were both top 50 nationally last season in breakaway percentage — the rate at which a player breaks off a run of 15-plus yards. Battie himself was tied for No. 12 in the country with 13 runs of 20-plus runs. Cobb has plenty of long-term talent, but even without him, Auburn has one of the SEC’s more balanced lineups at running back this season in terms of a top three. And every one of Williams’ players knows they’ll have to earn their carries. It’s something Williams is upfront about during the recruiting process, citing his Auburn playing days of sharing the backfield with standouts like Ronnie Brown, Tre Smith and Brandon Jacobs. “I've been down that path with a lot of these guys,” Williams said. “I've been through, going through, and being in a deep room and fighting for playing time and I love it man. Every guy I recruit from Brian to Jarquez to Damari, I tell him: ‘You know, to come play man, you're gonna have to be selfless.’ … When Ronnie go out there, Brandon or Tre, they do something good, I'm happy for them, I'm cheering for them, but also it lights a fire up under me so each and every day having that mindset of competing with each other each and every day and also pulling for the guy at the same time.” 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 al.com 5 Auburn players receive All-SEC honors from coaches Updated: Aug. 22, 2023, 3:08 p.m.|Published: Aug. 22, 2023, 2:51 p.m. 5–6 minutes Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter (27) stretches during practice Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 in Auburn, Ala. (AL.com Photo/Stew Milne)Stew Milne Five Auburn players were selected to the All-SEC teams as per the votes of the conference’s coaches, the SEC announced Tuesday. All five were listed on the All-SEC third team. Those five players were running back Jarquez Hunter, tight end Luke Deal, guard Kam Stutts, cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett and punter Oscar Chapman. Pritchett, Hunter and Chapman were all named to the All-SEC third team by media members at SEC Media Days in July. All five are returning players for Auburn and with the exception of Deal, all appear in line to start for Auburn this fall. Hunter will be Auburn’s top running back coming off a season where he was third on the team in rushing and appears in line for a starring role in 2023. He’s also coming off a tumultuous offseason where he allegedly was shown in a leaked sex tape. He did not participate in Auburn’s opening practice of fall camp. Pritchett is an experienced cornerback for Auburn who could have gone to the NFL draft last season, but came back for another year. He’ll start opposite D.J. James, who received third-team honors in the media poll. Chapman is entering his fourth year as Auburn’s punter and Stutts — now in his sixth year — will finally have a full-time job as the likely starter at right guard. Deal appears in line to be the backup tight end to Rivaldo Fairweather, but has been a leader for Auburn as shown by the team bringing him to SEC Media Days in July. COACHES 2023 PRESEASON ALL-SEC TEAM First Team OFFENSE QB Jayden Daniels LSU RB Quinshon Judkins Ole Miss RB Raheim Sanders Arkansas WR Malik Nabers LSU WR Antwane Wells* South Carolina WR Ladd McConkey* Georgia TE Brock Bowers Georgia OL JC Latham Alabama OL Tate Ratledge Georgia OL Will Campbell LSU OL Amarius Mims Georgia C Sedrick Van Pran Georgia AP Ainias Smith Texas A&M DEFENSE DL Mekhi Wingo LSU DL Mykel Williams Georgia DL Nazir Stackhouse Georgia DL Maason Smith LSU LB Dallas Turner Alabama LB Harold Perkins LSU LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson Georgia DB Kool-Aid McKinstry Alabama DB Malaki Starks Georgia DB Javon Bullard Georgia DB Dwight McGlothern Arkansas SPECIAL TEAMS PK Will Reichard Alabama P Kai Kroeger South Carolina RS Kool-Aid McKinstry Alabama KOS Mitch Jeter South Carolina LS Wesley Schelling Vanderbilt Second Team Second Team OFFENSE OFFENSE QB KJ Jefferson Arkansas RB Jase McClellan Alabama RB Kendall Milton Georgia WR Bru McCoy Tennessee WR Evan Stewart* Texas A&M WR Will Sheppard* Vanderbilt WR Jermaine Burton* Alabama TE Mason Taylor LSU OL Javon Foster Missouri OL Brady Latham Arkansas OL Tyler Booker Alabama OL Xavier Truss* Georgia OL Emery Jones* LSU C Beaux Limmer Arkansas AP Tulu Griffin Mississippi State DEFENSE DL McKinnley Jackson Texas A&M DL Jaheim Oatis Alabama DL Deone Walker Kentucky DL Justin Eboigbe Alabama LB Nathaniel Watson Mississippi State LB Smael Mondon Georgia LB JJ Weaver Kentucky DB Kamari Lassiter Georgia DB Kris Abrams-Draine Missouri DB Malachi Moore Alabama DB Demani Richardson Texas A&M SPECIAL TEAMS PK Harrison Mevis Missouri P Nik Constantinou Texas A&M RS Ainias Smith Texas A&M KOS Nathan Dibert LSU LS Kneeland Hibbett Alabama Third Team OFFENSE QB Will Rogers Mississippi State RB Trevor Etienne Florida RB Jarquez Hunter Auburn WR Luther Burden III Missouri WR Ainias Smith* Texas A&M WR Ja'Corey Brooks* Alabama TE Luke Deal* Auburn TE Caden Prieskorn* Ole Miss TE Michael Trigg* Ole Miss TE Trey Knox* South Carolina OL Layden Robinson Texas A&M OL Eli Cox Kentucky OL Jeremy James Ole Miss OL Kam Stutts* Auburn OL Javontez Spraggins* Tennessee OL Micah Pettus* Ole Miss C Cooper Mays Tennessee AP Dakereon Joyner South Carolina DEFENSE DL Princely Umanmiellen Florida DL Tonka Hemingway South Carolina DL Jared Ivey Ole Miss DL Tim Smith* Alabama DL Darius Robinson* Missouri LB Ty'Ron Hopper Missouri LB Jett Johnson Mississippi State LB Chris Braswell Alabama DB Marcellas Dial South Carolina DB Nehemiah Pritchett Auburn DB Jason Marshall Florida DB Greg Brooks LSU SPECIAL TEAMS PK Cam Little Arkansas P Oscar Chapman* Auburn P Matthew Hayball* Vanderbilt RS Tulu Griffin Mississippi State LS Slade Roy LSU *denotes tie in votes, ties are not broken. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 auburnwire.usatoday.com How well does 247Sports expect Auburn to perform this season? Taylor Jones ~2 minutes The Auburn Tigers missed out on a bowl appearance last season, so an increase in last season’s win total will be a welcomed sight. Brad Crawford of 247Sports recently submitted his predictions for each SEC program ahead of the 2023 season and expects Auburn to do just enough to earn a bowl bid. Crawford predicts a 6-6 finish for Auburn and a 9th overall finish in the conference. Buy Tigers Tickets A .500 record will not be enough to earn a spot at the SEC Championship Game in December, but Crawford says that fellow SEC squads should not take Auburn lightly. Auburn might be a chaos-causer in the SEC race, but it will not mean the Tigers are a factor in the top-tier of the league standings. Hugh Freeze transformed this roster ahead of his first year enough to where bowl eligibility should be the floor. A .500 finish is obviously not what Freeze wants, but it’s a step. There’s a four-game stretch during the first half of the campaign that will be season-defining and they all come against preseason top-25 teams. Here’s a look at how 247Sports expects Auburn’s season to play out: Wins Losses UMass Texas A&M California Georgia Samford LSU Ole Miss Vanderbilt Mississippi State Arkansas New Mexico State Alabama Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 al.com Auburn TE Rivaldo Fairweather primed for big first season on The Plains Updated: Aug. 22, 2023, 12:02 p.m.|Published: Aug. 22, 2023, 10:45 a.m. 4–5 minutes When first-year coach Hugh Freeze arrived to The Plains in November of 2022, there were a number of on-field positions he and his coaching staff wanted to prioritize immediately. Auburn’s offensive line was perhaps No. 1 on the list after the unit struggled mightily in the 2022 season. Next on the list was beefing up the Tigers’ receiving corps. And while that obviously meant plucking wide receivers out of the transfer portal – which Auburn did adding four receivers from the portal – Freeze first went and picked up an unsuspecting tight end out of Florida International University. Junior Rivaldo Fairweather announced his intentions to transfer from FIU on Nov. 29, 2022, with his name first appearing in the portal on Dec. 5. That same day, Freeze and the Auburn Tigers offered the athletic, 6-foot-4 tight end. But so did countless other programs like Maryland and UConn. But Freeze was serious about landing Fairweather, a guy he got to see play with his own two eyes when Freeze’s Liberty team welcomed FIU in 2020. Fairweather caught just one pass that game, but it was a 22-yarder late in the fourth quarter that set up a scoring drive to help the Panthers come within two points of the Flames. Liberty went on to win the game 36-34. But Freeze remembered Fairweather. “I do remember game planning and then watching them and thinking, ‘Dang, that dude’s good.’,” Freeze said of Fairweather at SEC Media Days in July. “So when he did go in the portal and we came here, we were on it in a hurry, because I think he’s a really talented kid.” And it’s a good thing Freeze and the Tigers acted with urgency, going as far as to send tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua to Fairweather’s home on Dec. 6 to recruit him to The Plains. When all was said and done, Fairweather, who ranked as a 4-star transfer prospect, committed to the Tigers on Dec. 18 in a tweet from his younger brother’s Twitter account. Fairweather joined a tight end room that featured veterans Luke Deal, Brandon Frazier and Tyler Fromm, as well as redshirt freshman Micah Riley. Together, the five tight ends all hover around the 6-foot-5 mark, making them a mismatch nightmare for opposing defensive backs, assuming they have a pass-catching role in Auburn’s new-look offense. And by the sounds of it, they do. “We are kind of putting more on his plate as far as the pass game and the RPO world,” Aigamaua said when asked of Fairweather specifically. “This spring, every day, he’s doing something out there spectacular with the catches, taking the ball off the DB’s head, whatever it is. He’s been really, really impressive during camp with the work he’s doing in the passing game.” In Auburn’s 11th practice of fall camp on Aug. 17, Fairweather was seen adjusting to a short pass during one-on-one drills and making a spinning, one-handed catch in the deep corner of the end zone for a touchdown. It was the type of play you might see on SportsCenter the next morning. It was also the type of play you might expect out of a wide receiver – not necessarily a big-bodied tight end like Fairweather. Given Fairweather’s size and athleticism, he’s got quite the role on Auburn’s offense, Aigamaua says. “His role means a lot because we can do a lot of different things when he is in the game and when Luke’s in the game or with (Brandon) and Tyler,” Aigamaua said. But when things will get real testy for opposing defenses is when the Tigers run more than one tight end out on the field. “Defenses, they’ve got to figure how they want to play a two tight end system. We’ll even throw three out there and they’ve got to figure out how to do it,” Aigamaua said. “It’s very valuable to have guys like (Fairweather) out on the field. That’s a big body that can jump and run and be able to do the things that we ask them to do. It’s huge.” If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. By browsing this site, we may share your information with our social media partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 yahoo.com A look at Jarquez Hunter’s top 10 performances ahead of 2023 season Taylor JonesTue, August 22, 2023 at 12:00 PM CDT·4 min read0Link Copied 4–5 minutes As the 2023 season draws closer, all eyes are set upon junior running back Jarquez Hunter. Hunter is set to take on the role of premier back in Auburn’s offense after spending two seasons in the shadows of Tank Bigsby, who held the role since 2020. Hunter learned plenty while living in the shadows of Bigsby over the last two seasons. He rushed for 1,261 yards on 193 attempts with 10 touchdowns in two seasons on the Plains. He has made an early impression on head coach Hugh Freeze, who has called Hunter “probably the best running back I’ve ever coached.” As Hunter looks to become Freeze’s first-ever 1,000-yard back, here’s a rewind of Hunter’s top performances of the last two seasons based on grades from Pro Football Focus. Sept. 4, 2021 vs. Akron AP Photo/Butch Dill PFF grade: 91.4 Hunter introduced himself to Auburn fans by eclipsing the century mark in his first collegiate game. His college debut ended with a 110-yard performance on nine carries and was capped by a nine-yard touchdown rush with 0:24 remaining in Auburn’s 60-10 win. Hunter had four carries of over 10 yards and recorded 32 yards after contact. Nov. 19, 2022 vs. Western Kentucky Michael Chang/Getty Images PFF grade: 90.8 As was the case with Tank Bigsby, most of Hunter’s rushing yards were gained after contact. Hunter took his share of licks in Auburn’s 41-17 win over Western Kentucky in 2022, as 89 of his 109 yards were after the first touch. He ended the game one-yard shy of Bigsby for the team lead in rushing. Sept. 11, 2021 vs. Alabama State John Reed-USA TODAY Sports PFF grade: 82.0 Hunter reached his career-high in rushing yards in Auburn’s 62-0 win over Alabama State in 2021. He rushed for 147 yards on eight carries and scored a late third-quarter touchdown on a 94-yard scamper to put the Tigers ahead, 55-0. He forced five missed tackles in the contest, which was a season-high. Sept. 18, 2021 at Penn State AP Photo/Barry Reeger PFF grade: 80.2 Hunter passed his first big test as an Auburn Tiger by rushing for 63 yards on nine carries, with 40 of those yards coming after contact. He managed to force four missed tackles, and his longest rush was for 24 yards in Auburn’s 28-20 loss to Penn State. Nov. 12, 2022 vs. Texas A&M Michael Chang/Getty Images PFF grade: 79.2 In what was the most noteworthy game of the 2022 season, Hunter reached a then-season-high in rushing yards by gaining 121 yards on 13 carries in Auburn’s 13-10 win over Texas A&M, the first victory for interim head coach Cadillac Williams. He and Tank Bigsby both rushed for 121 yards. Hunter broke open five runs of 10+ yards while Bigsby had four. Oct. 2, 2021 vs. LSU AP Photo/Matthew Hinton PFF grade: 76.0 The 2021 LSU game featured more of a pass-happy attack by Auburn, but Hunter still found a way to contribute. He rushed for 65 yards on six carries and would score the game-winning touchdown with 3:11 remaining to give Auburn the 24-19 win, their first in Death Valley since 1999. Sept. 3, 2022 vs. Mercer AP Photo/Butch Dill PFF Grade: 75.6 Hunter did not match his 2021 season-opening stats in the 2022 opener against Mercer, but he did manage to break a personal record. He touched the ball eight times and scored three touchdowns. He recorded 28 of his 34 yards after contact in Auburn’s 42-16 win over Mercer. Sept. 10, 2022 vs. San Jose State John Reed-USA TODAY Sports PFF grade: 73.3 The 2022 San Jose State game featured a rather quiet performance from Hunter, as he gained just 41 yards on eight carries. However, he forced five missed tackles to gain 36 additional yards and had two carries of more than 10 yards. Oct. 9, 2021 vs. Georgia AP Photo/Butch Dill PFF grade: 72.8 There was not much happening for the Auburn rushing attack in this game, as the unit managed to gain just 93 yards against the Georgia defense. Hunter managed to get just five carries in the game, but was effective by gaining 3.6 yards per touch, and hand a long of nine yards. Oct. 15, 2022 at Ole Miss Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports PFF grade: 72.7 Hunter rushed for 80 yards in Auburn’s 48-34 loss to Ole Miss last season and managed to break off several great runs, including one of 49 yards. He broke six tackles in the game and had 46 yards after contact. Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyTiger 7,980 Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 3 hours ago, aubiefifty said: Here’s a look at how 247Sports expects Auburn’s season to play out: Wins Losses UMass Texas A&M California Georgia Samford LSU Ole Miss Vanderbilt Mississippi State Arkansas New Mexico State Alabama 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyTiger 7,980 Posted August 23, 2023 Share Posted August 23, 2023 Good stuff again Fiddy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 23, 2023 Author Share Posted August 23, 2023 yahoo.com Fourteen Tigers named to Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list JD McCarthyWed, August 23, 2023 at 3:30 PM CDT·1 min read0Link Copied 1–2 minutes Auburn has struggled to produce draft picks over the past few NFL drafts but that could be changing soon. The Reese’s Senior Bowl revealed its annual watch list on Wednesday and the Tigers are well represented with 14 players making the list. The group includes six offensive players and eight defensive players. The offensive group consists of quarterback Payton Thorne, left tackle Dillon Wade, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather and wide receivers Jyaire Shorter, Ja'Varrius Johnson and Shane Hooks. Auburn’s secondary is full of players to monitor with cornerbacks DJ James, Nehemiah Pritchett, Keionte Scott and safety Jaylin Simpson making the list. They are joined by defensive linemen Justin Rogers and Elijah McAllister as well as linebackers Larry Nixon III and Jalen McLeod. The 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl will be played on Feb. 3, 2024, and will be shown on the NFL Network. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15. Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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Tigerpro2a 5,650 Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 The fact we have an AU QB named Jackson Barkley and it has gone unnoticed by me until this thread is saddening lol. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aubiefifty 17,301 Posted August 24, 2023 Author Share Posted August 24, 2023 7 hours ago, Tigerpro2a said: The fact we have an AU QB named Jackson Barkley and it has gone unnoticed by me until this thread is saddening lol. me as well........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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