12.9.23 Football Articles

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auburnwire.usatoday.com

 

Coastal Carolina Transfer Jared Brown set to visit Auburn next week

Brian Hauch

~2 minutes

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Coastal Carolina wide receiver Jared Brown has seemingly narrowed his list down to three teams.

The 6-foot sophomore is reportedly set to visit Auburn, Louisville, and South Carolina over the next 9 days, according to On3sports.

Brown is coming off a very solid season with the Chanticleers, racking up 58 catches for 740 yards and 4 scores.

His receptions and yardage are nearly double that of Auburn’s top pass catcher, Rivaldo Fairweather, in 2023.

Brown’s elusive nature as a ball-carrier made him a threat in the rushing attack as well. The speedy slot receiver totaled 15 carries this season for Coastal, turning them into 252 yards and a touchdown.

The sophomore out of Lilburn, GA could add a new dimension Hugh Freeze’s offensive in 2024. Auburn’s passing game was the Achilles heel all season, and Brown could instantly upgrade a receiving room that lacks big-play potential.

Despite a disappointing season for Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt, Brown was able to earn All-Sun Belt honorable mention honors. Hugh Freeze has mentioned his desire to add a wide receiver from the transfer portal, and Brown may be the perfect fit on the Plains.

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 Brian on Twitter @TheRealBHauch

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247sports.com

 

Transfer portal Auburn Nebraska lead college footballs top 10 quarterbackneedy teams

Grant Hughes

19–24 minutes

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Transfer portal: Auburn, Nebraska lead college football's top 10 quarterback-needy teams

These teams are expected to be big players for quarterbacks this offseason.

The college football transfer portal opened earlier this week, and more than 50 quarterbacks are already searching for new teams. There's a massive amount of passing talent up for grabs, and 247Sports national recruiting analyst Clint Brewster ranked the 10 teams in most need of a difference maker at quarterback this offseason.

First-year head coaches at Auburn and Nebraska used the portal to find starting quarterbacks last offseason, and the results fell short of expectations. Hugh Freeze and Matt Rhule are expected to dip back into the transfer pool this offseason and are among the nation's biggest players in the transfer quarterback market.

Other teams like Notre Dame, Miami and Kentucky faced attrition in their quarterback rooms this offseason and are a signal caller away from competing at the conference and national level. Brewster helps break down which teams are the most quarterback-needy this offseason and whether they're attractive destinations for some of the portal's biggest names.

Get the latest football and basketball transfer portal news from 247Sports.

Here are college football's top 10 quarterback-needy teams, ranked:

 

10. Mississippi State

 

(Photo: Dana Robertson, 247Sports)

Starting quarterback Will Rogers is in the transfer portal as Mississippi State overhauls the program following Zach Arnett’s firing. Rogers’ backups, Mike Wright and Chris Parson, combined for three passing touchdowns against six interceptions this season. The decommitment of 2024 quarterback commit Josh Flowers further heightens the Bulldogs’ need for a transfer quarterback this offseason. The hiring of an offensive-minded coach in Jeff Lebby makes Mississippi State a more attractive destination than it was this time last year.

 

9. Miami Hurricanes

 

(Photo: Getty)

Starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke entered the transfer portal last week, leaving sophomore Jaccuri Brown and freshman Emory Williams as the most experienced signal-callers on the Hurricanes' roster. 

"Miami lost Tyler Van Dyke to the transfer portal but has two young signal-callers with some experience on the roster in Jaccuri Brown and Emory Williams," Brewster said. "The Hurricanes and Mario Cristobal face a make-or-break season in 2024 and need a top-tier quarterback to lead them. Cam Ward, Will Howard, Dante Moore, and Kyle McCord have been mentioned by some as possibilities for the 'Canes."

 

8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

 

(Photo: Cory Fravel, 247Sports)

Sam Hartman's college career is over, and there's not much experience behind him in the Fighting Irish's quarterback room. Notre Dame sits No. 9 in the nation in scoring offense under first-year offensive coordinator Gerad Parker but has faced an exodus at wide receiver. The Irish need an elite quarterback to elevate the unit and are in a good position to add one of the portal's top names, according to Brewster.

"Notre Dame is in a position to add Riley Leonard, which looks like a perfect match coming from Duke," Brewster said. "Leonard brings a dynamic element to the offense with his athleticism and arm talent. Leonard is still an ascending passer and has the leadership qualities that coaches covet. We love Leonard's competitiveness and smarts at quarterback."

 

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys

 

(Photo: NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN-USA TODAY NETWORK, Getty)

Oklahoma State is on the cusp of a 10-win season despite shaky play from transfer quarterback Alan Bowman, who has thrown for 3,058 yards and 13 touchdowns with 12 interceptions this season. He has the option to apply for a seventh year of eligibility, but the Cowboys have a chance to be a special offense next season, especially if running back Ollie Gordon returns, and improving at quarterback through the portal would go a long way in helping the team realize its potential.

 

6. Baylor Bears

 

(Photo: Icon Sportswire, Getty)

Baylor fired offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes on Nov. 26, and starting quarterback Blake Shapen entered the transfer portal a week later. New OC Jake Spavital could recruit Shapen back to campus, but if that doesn't end up the case, the Bears will be hurting for a quarterback. Backup Sawyer Robertson didn't show much in limited action this season, and the Bears' recent quarterback recruiting doesn't inspire much confidence. Former NC State quarterback MJ Morris lists Baylor as a team that's made early contact.

 

5. Arkansas Razorbacks

 

(Photo: Nelson Chenault, USA TODAY Sports)

KJ Jefferson is expected to enter the transfer portal, but has yet to make it official. Is he talking things over with new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino? Maybe. Either way, the Razorbacks have to improve at quarterback this offseason, especially in what could be a make-or-break year for head coach Sam Pittman. Arkansas has yet to offer a quarterback in the portal but is receiving interest from several prospects. Boise State transfer Taylen Green will be in Fayetteville this weekend for an official visit.

 

4. Vanderbilt Commodores

 

(Photo: © Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK, USA TODAY Sports)

The Commodores had three quarterbacks see game action this season in Ken Seals, AJ Swann and Walter Taylor. All three have entered the transfer portal this offseason. The team needs to add experience to the room in the portal but needs to hire an offensive coordinator first after firing Joe Lynch. Vanderbilt has some NIL money to play with, and an exciting hire at OC could give the Commodores faithful some reason for hope after a 2-10 finish.

 

3. Michigan State Spartans

 

(Photo: Dale Young, USA TODAY Sports)

The Spartans endured brutal quarterback play this season and are too proud of a program to suffer a third-straight losing season next fall, especially after hiring Jonathan Smith from Oregon State. The good news is that Michigan State is among the favorites for Beavers transfer Aidan Chiles, the No. 2 overall player and top-ranked quarterback in the 247Sports Transfer Portal Rankings. Chiles is set to visit East Lansing this weekend, and his former head coach will likely pull out all the stops in hopes of a reunion.

 

T1. Nebraska Cornhuskers

 

(Photo: Getty)

Nebraska swung and missed with Jeff Sims in the portal last offseason and has already reached out to several transfer quarterbacks this cycle, according to Brewster.

"Nebraska needs a big-time quarterback in the worst way," Brewster said. "Between Heinrich Haarberg, Chubba Purdy, and Jeff Sims, the quarterbacks together only threw for a total of 1,631 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year with 16 interceptions. This QB addition will be a critical factor in Matt Rhule's tenure at Nebraska to help right the ship. Nebraska has reportedly already met with Sam Leavitt and Will Howard thus far."

 

T1. Auburn Tigers

 

(Photo: Getty)

Hugh Freeze's debut season at Auburn is a success, though it's easy to wonder how much better it could have been with stable quarterback play. The Tigers are expected to return starter Payton Thorne but need to add someone with a higher ceiling, according to Brewster. 

"Auburn has been linked to several of the top quarterbacks in the portal," Brewster said. "They need to bring in an elite signal-caller with the instability they had in the QB room in 2023. The Tigers have a lot to offer to an elite QB, and I think it would be an attractive place for one with High Freeze and his QB knowledge."

What you need to know ahead of college basketball's jam-packed weekend, including Bronny James' Sunday debut

Twenty-one of 25 ranked teams play Saturday. The winner of these battles will tilt the national scales.

College basketball’s jam-packed Saturday slate has one familiar theme: Hate.

Xavier and Cincinnati do not like each other one bit. BYU and Utah renew The Holy War. There is no love lost between Kansas and Missouri. It rocks.

The whole schedule is fabulous. Twenty-one of the 25 ranked teams in the country play, and there are a host of elite non-conference battles that will shape resumes in serious ways.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the biggest games, let's get some rapid-fire thoughts out on some of the best showdowns:

• Colorado State-Saint Mary's should be a war. Isaiah Stevens is playing like one of the three best point guards in the country this season, and Aidan Mahaney is always so dangerous. Saint Mary's is flat-out desperate for a signature win.
• BYU shoots so many 3-pointers and makes a ton of 'em. Utah has given up 3s left and right. Houston's LJ Cryer and St. John's Jordan Dingle are top-of-the-scouting-report guys and they still both hit four 3-pointers apiece against Utah. If the Utes can't guard the stripe better, they are in trouble against this BYU freight train.
• Missouri blocks so many shots, but Kansas owns an elite rim offense. What gives? Also, can Dajuan Harris please start making layups again? He's been off to a dreadful 6-for-21 start on layups, but Harris always plays well against his hometown Tigers.
• Xavier's beat-up frontline against Cincinnati's deep, loaded unit. Whew, boy. On paper, Cincinnati has a significant edge inside. That rivalry ain't played on paper, though.

RELATED: What we've learned about each Pac-12 team in the first month

OK, onto the rest of this gorgeous slate. Here are the matchups to watch in seven of the critical, heavyweight bouts. You want numbers? I got numbers.

Let's dive in.

 

Can Illinois' defensive recipe hold serve against Tennessee?

 

(Photo: Getty)

Creighton is the only defense that forces more long 2s than Illinois so far this season. Illinois isn’t trying to rip away a bunch of turnovers, but it feels like it wins every defensive possession that ends with something other than a foul, a layup or 3-pointer.

Illinois relies on its cavalry of big wings to level off driving lanes and the defensive brilliance of 5-man Coleman Hawkins to make opponents take the shots Illinois wants, not vice versa.

Tennessee star wing Dalton Knecht looks like a pro, but he’s struggled at off-the-dribble 2s this season (3-for-12). That doesn’t mean he isn’t capable, but it hasn’t been a strength. Fellow newcomer Jordan Gainey is also very aggressive in getting to his midrange jumper, but it hasn’t gone in enough (4-for-16). Veteran wing Josiah-Jordan James might be Tennessee’s best midrange assassin, but Illinois’ 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward Quincy Guerrier has the frame, physicality and toughness to match up with James almost flawlessly. The winner of that James-Guerrier matchup is sneaky big.

But it all comes back to Knecht. He’s a dangerous, huge shooter who can rise over anyone, but Knecht's drives keep Tennessee’s offense cooking. Knecht can put so much pressure even on the best defenses because of his fearless, terrifying drives. Ty Rodgers is a phenomenal defender who might get the first turn, but if things start going poorly or Rodgers gets in foul trouble, do not be surprised if Terrence Shannon Jr. takes the assignment. Both will be tested by Tennessee’s do-it-all stud. Knecht can make those tough shots Illinois wants him to take, but if he gets to his spots ... good luck.

 

Is Zakai Zeigler up for the challenge?

 

(Photo: Getty)

Illinois’ size is going to put Tennessee in conflict. Marcus Domask showed Tuesday against FAU what he can do when he gets a matchup he likes. Domask backed down FAU's smaller guards into the paint and eviscerated the Owls for 33 points. Illinois is certainly going to try and get Domask (6-foot-6, 215 pounds) cross-matched onto Zakai Zeigler. The Tennessee point guard isn’t scared of anybody and will fight like crazy but he’s 5-foot-9. Wisconsin used Chucky Hepburn to post up Zeigler twice, and he should’ve gotten two buckets off it.

Zeigler will certainly try to pester Ty Rodgers with vicious ball pressure, but Rodgers can turn around and use his size to post up Zeigler as well. Will Tennessee bring timely double-teams and force Illinois to make decisions under conflict? Is it a big Jahmai Mashack game instead of Zeigler? It’s a fascinating chess match.

No. 20 Illinois at No. 17 Tennessee: 12 p.m. ET, CBS

 

Clemson's iffy transition defense vs. TCU's elite transition offense

 

(Photo: Getty)

Clemson's transition defense hasn't been a major strength this year. UAB (15) and Alabama (17) were able to get easy buckets before Clemson's defense could get set.

TCU is going to try and do the same thing to Clemson.

Albeit against lesser competition, TCU has scored more than 40 points in transition twice (!) this season. It was one of the best transition offenses in the country last year, and the Frogs are doing similar things in 2023-24. Emanuel Miller, Jameer Nelson Jr., Jakobe Coles, Micah Peavy and Avery Anderson III have been very aggressive in transition all season long. Clemson has to get back and get matched up in a hurry.

No. 24 Clemson at TCU: 4 p.m. ET, FS1 

 

Which Alabama guard does Lance Jones defend the most?

 

(Photo: Getty)

Purdue had no answer for Northwestern’s lightning-quick star guard Boo Buie in the Big Ten opener. Lance Jones has been Purdue’s best perimeter defender this year, but Buie converted some tough shots on him and eventually fouled Jones out of the game. Camden Heide and Ethan Morton both took turns on Buie, but he eviscerated those rangy wings.

Purdue will be challenged by two more elite guards on Saturday when it faces off against Alabama. Mark Sears and Aaron Estrada take turns as Alabama’s alpha. Both can really shred the net from downtown. Sears uses his speed to get into the teeth of the defense and the foul line. Estrada takes a few more midrange jumpers than Nate Oats would probably want, but he makes just enough of them to make it worthwhile. Those shots will be there against Purdue. If Estrada can be efficient like Buie was, Alabama can give Purdue some issues, especially when he can get to his silky post-up. Who does Jones guard? Does he flip-flop back and forth between Estrada and Sears? Can the other Alabama guard take advantage?

Alabama at No. 4 Purdue: 1:30 p.m. ET, FOX

 

Can Arizona keep Wisconsin off the offensive glass and vice versa?

 

(Photo: Getty)

Arizona did not allow a single offensive rebound in its win over Colgate. That is absurd. It’s been one of the best rebounding teams in the country this season, but Wisconsin has made the offensive glass a huge point of emphasis this season. The Badgers are rebounding nearly 37% of their misses which ranks No. 24-best nationally, per KenPom. Steven Crowl and Tyler Wahl are both a huge piece of that, but freshman John Blackwell has multiple offensive rebounds in three games this season.

It's the exact same dilemma on the other end. Arizona is an elite offensive-rebounding team in its own right. Wisconsin has limited second-chance opportunities very well this season. It's strength-on-strength on both sides.

No. 23 Wisconsin at No. 1 Arizona: 3:15 p.m ET, ESPN

 

Villanova allows a lot of 3s; UCLA doesn't shoot 'em. What gives?

 

(Photo: Getty)

Villanova’s defense gives up so many 3-pointers. Over 44% of shots against Villanova come from downtown which ranks 339th nationally. Villanova’s inability to contain the basketball has been jarring. Lead ball-handlers have been way too comfortable breaking down the defense and creating open 3s.

But UCLA doesn’t shoot many 3s. The Bruins attempt just 12.3 3-pointers per game which ranks third-to-last nationally. Lazar Stefanovic, Dylan Andrews and Will McClendon are the lone Bruins with double-digit attempts from beyond the arc this season.

Stefanovic is the one to watch here. The Utah transfer is more than capable of getting loose, and the opportunities will be there for him to put his stamp on the game in a real way.

UCLA at Villanova: 7 p.m. ET, FOX

 

Auburn's elite rim protection vs. Indiana's formidable frontline

 

(Photo: Getty)

Auburn opponents shoot a meager 49.1% at the rim against the Tigers because Bruce Pearl has a deep, talented backline. Johni Broome is an intimidating shot blocker who is super physical. Backup center Dylan Cardwell is an even better rim protector. Jaylin Williams helps out with Auburn’s elite rim defense as well.

It will be tested against an Indiana offense that lives in the paint. Over 43% of Indiana’s shots this season come at the rim, and the Hoosiers are shooting nearly 65% at the rim. Malik Reneau and Kel’el Ware are big pieces of that, but Trey Galloway has made a concerted effort to drive the ball as much as possible. If Auburn’s elite rim protection turns IU’s water off, the Hoosiers might not be able to make enough jumpers to survive.

Auburn at Indiana: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN2

 

Can Arkansas force Javian McCollum to guard big wings?

 

(Photo: Getty)

Arkansas wants to play isolation basketball. Eric Musselman believes he can find the weak spot in the defense and empower his best player to go after it.

The best bet for Arkansas on Saturday against undefeated Oklahoma might be targeting Javian McCollum defensively.

The Siena transfer has been fantastic offensively with a barrage of pick-and-roll brilliance, but he’s 6-foot-2 and 160 pounds. Arkansas’ best two isolation scorers (Khalif Battle and Tramon Mark) are so much bigger than McCollum. Can Arkansas get McCollum switched off El Ellis, Devo Davis or Layden Blocker and onto Battle and Mark? If so, Arkansas could be cooking with gas. Mark is a solid 3-point shooter, but he’s at his best at the rim and from the midrange. Battle rises and fires a ton from downtown, but he also attacks the rim trying to get to the free throw line.

If Arkansas can put McCollum in a bunch of actions and potentially get him in foul trouble, the equation tilts toward the Hogs in a big way.

Arkansas at No. 19 Oklahoma: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN

 

Sunday Bonus: Bronny James' debut?!?

 

(Photo: Connor Morrissette | USCfootball.com, 247Sports)

USC freshman Bronny James, the oldest son of Lakers star LeBron James, is expected to play in his first game Sunday, Trojans coach Andy Enfield told reporters Thursday after he participated in a full-contact practice after going into cardiac arrest during a preseason workout July 24.

James was a limited participant during USC's earlier practice this week  and could get full clearance Friday to play in USC's next game.

"All indications are he feels great, and he looks good," Enfield said Thursday, via CBS Sports. 

Here's our editor and pinch-hit-writer Xavier Hamilton earlier this week on the impact Bronny, the No. 28 prospect in the 2023 class, will have on the Trojans. 

Without James, USC is sitting at a record of 5-3. Senior Boogie Ellis is leading the way with 22.4 points per game but it's been another coveted freshman, Isaiah Collier, who has been the Trojan's biggest surprise.

Collier is second on the team in scoring with 17.3 points per game. He's also adding in 3 rebounds a game and 4.5 assists while shooting 52.2% from the field and 40% from three. Still, his decision-making leaves a lot to be desired as he is averaging close to 5 turnovers a game.

This is where Bronny's introduction into the rotation comes into play.

Although it's expected that James will need to knock off some rust, the 4-star recruit and No. 28 player in the 2023 class earned his reputation because of his basketball IQ. While James is an impressive athlete, he leans more on his feel for the game and always seems to make the right basketball play. This style of play could result in James becoming a great complimentary ball-handler to Ellis and Collier off the bench.

If he comes back true to form, then Bronny's knack for making the right play will take some of the pressure off of the starting guards. That impact on the came could be reflected in an increase Collier's efficiency.

Also, Bronny isn't shy on defense. Playing the passing lanes to create fast break opportunities as well as his reliable shooting stroke should generate some easy buckets for James as he looks to work himself into the Trojan's rotation.

USC's game against Long Beach State will tip-off at 4 PM ET on Sunday. And if this is Bronny's college debut, don't be surprised to see an abundance of stars in attendance at Galen Center.

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al.com

 

Poking around the portal: Who has Auburn offered from the transfer portal so far?

Published: Dec. 08, 2023, 7:00 a.m.

7–9 minutes

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If the transfer portal had physical constraints, it surely would’ve needed to upsize after this week.

According to On3 Sports, as of Thursday afternoon, 1,426 FBS football players had entered the transfer portal, which opened on Dec. 4 and will remain that way for 30 days, closing on Jan. 2.

Needless to say, college football coaches have been left with a lot to sift through as they look to add to their 85-man rosters.

Last season, Auburn first-year head coach Hugh Freeze went to the portal and plucked out more than 20 players to add to the Tigers’ depleted roster. And while Freeze won’t need to do quite the overhaul he did last offseason this offseason, he and Auburn’s coaching staff have still been doing their fair share of poking around in the portal.

RELATED: Keep track of all of Auburn’s moves in the transfer portal here

As of Thursday night, more than 20 transfers reported having received an offer from Auburn.

Before we take a look at them, however, here’s a quick preface: The following offers are only what have been made public via players’ social media. Not every player in the portal announces their offers — this is especially true of some of the bigger names in the portal. That said, this is not an exhaustive list.

Wide receivers

Freeze hasn’t been shy about Auburn’s need for pass catchers. When asked in October what he was planning to prioritize when it came to recruiting, Freeze was quick to respond.

“We’ve gotta get some guys in the receiver room – some depth there that can separate and win some 1-on-1s,” Freeze said on Oct. 2.

And Auburn’s emphasis on loading up the wide receiver room has been evident on the high school recruiting trail as Freeze has landed the commitments of a pair of 5-star wide receivers in Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson.

But Freeze isn’t stopping there.

Since the transfer portal opened Monday, Auburn has reportedly extended offers to at least six wide receivers. Here’s a look at them, their stats from 2023 and whether or not they’ve reportedly scheduled a visit to Auburn.

Jared Brown, redshirt sophomore, Coastal Carolina: 6-foot, 190 pounds, 58 receptions, 740 yards, four touchdowns in 2023; plans to visit Auburn

Deion Burks, redshirt sophomore, Purdue: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, 47 receptions, 629 yards, seven touchdowns in 2023

Caullin Lacy, junior, South Alabama: 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, 91 receptions, 1,316 yards, seven touchdowns in 2023

Robert Lewis, redshirt junior, Georgia State: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, 70 receptions, 877 yards, seven touchdowns in 2023; plans to visit Auburn on Dec. 8-10

Will Sheppard, senior, Vanderbilt: 6-foot-3, 198 pounds, 47 receptions, 684 yards, eight touchdowns in 2023

Zavion Thomas, sophomore, Mississippi State: 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, 40 receptions, 503 yards, one touchdown in 2023

Offensive linemen

In the first days of this year’s portal madness, the offensive front is another area Freeze has hit hard.

With Gunner Britton, Avery Jones and Kam Stutts — three starting offensive linemen from 2023 — departing due to being out of eligibility, the Tigers will certainly need to add to their offensive line room.

And the portal is where they hope to do a lot of that.

As of Thursday evening, Auburn has reportedly extended offers to at least six transfer offensive linemen. Here’s a look at them and whether or not they’ve reported plans to visit Auburn.

Matthew Bedford, redshirt senior, Indiana: 6-foot-6, 305 pounds; visited Auburn Dec. 6

Fernando Carmona Jr., sophomore, San Jose State: 6-foot-5, 314 pounds

Alan Herron, sophomore, Shorter: 6-foot-6, 310 pounds

Easton Kilty, junior, North Dakota: 6-foot-5, 305 pounds

Makylan Pounders, redshirt sophomore, Memphis: 6-foot-5, 290 pounds

Gerquan Scott, redshirt junior, Southern Miss: 6-foot-4, 330 pounds; plans to visit Auburn Dec. 8-10

Defensive backs

Auburn is staring down a lot of turnover in the defensive backfield as DJ James, Nehemiah Pritchett and Jaylin Simpson are all turning their attention to the NFL after the 2023 season ends.

Fortunately for the Tigers, they’ve already got a nice foundation of defensive backs set to return to The Plains in 2024. The downside? Many of them are young and inexperienced. Of the 14 defensive backs set to return next fall, nine were sophomores or younger this season.

So Freeze has set out to the transfer portal to find more seasoned defensive backs.

As of Thursday evening, Auburn has reportedly offered at least five transfer defensive backs. Here’s a look at each of them.

Akili Arnold, junior, Oregon State: 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, 62 total tackles, two INTs, fumble recovery in 2023

Syeed Gibbs, freshman, Rhode Island: 6-foot, 180 pounds, 38 total tackles, three INTs in 2023

Will Lee III, sophomore, Kansas State: 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, 42 total tackles, two INTs, fumble recovery in 2023

Jermod McCoy, freshman, Oregon State: 6-foot, 180 pounds, 31 total tackles, two INTs, fumble recovery in 2023

Ethan Robinson, junior, Bucknell: 6-foot, 175 pounds, 50 total tackles, three INTs, fumble recovery in 2023

Defensive linemen

The defensive line is an area Freeze griped about not having enough depth a time or two.

Often, Freeze would mention that Marcus Harris, who has yet to announce if he will return for his final year of eligibility or turn pro, was having to play too many snaps in one game.

And while the Tigers are set to bring in a trio of defensive linemen in 4-star commit TJ Lindsey and 3-star commits Malik Blocton and Dimitry Nicolas, Auburn is looking to add more to its defensive front via the transfer portal.

As of Thursday evening, the Tigers had reportedly extended offers to at least three transfer defensive linemen. Here’s a look at each of them.

Nate Clifton, senior, Vanderbilt: 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, 30 total tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, one interceptions in 2023

Derrick Harmon, redshirt sophomore, Michigan State: 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, 40 total tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble in 2023; plans to visit Auburn Dec. 8-10

Chris McClellan, sophomore, Florida: 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, 23 total tackles, 1 TFL

Linebackers

Auburn isn’t necessarily hurting at the linebacker spot.

So far, Larry Nixon III is the only confirmed outgoing linebacker, meaning — barring no changes — the Tigers could return veterans Cam Riley, Wesley Steiner, Eugene Asante and Austin Keys, along with three other linebackers.

Freeze also has a pair of notable high school linebacker commits coming in 4-stars Demarcus Riddick and D’Angelo Barber.

But sometimes, talent hits the portal and you’ve just gotta give it a shot.

As of Thursday night, Auburn had reportedly offered at least one transfer linebacker. Here’s a look.

Chris Paul Jr., sophomore, Arkansas: 6-foot-1, 233 pounds, 74 total tackles, 6.5 TFLs, two sacks in 2023

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247sports.com

 

Auburn LB commit DJ Barber talks gamesaving tackle winning state title

Jason Caldwell

9–12 minutes

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Barber and Clay-Chalkville took down Saraland 31-28.

 

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama--It all came down to one play. Years of hard work, sweat, blood and tears came down to one play and just a few yards of torn up grass at Bryant-Denny Stadium. That’s all that stood between either Clay-Chalkville or Saraland and the 6A state title.

Auburn linebacker commitment DJ Barber was determined to defend his goal line at all costs.

Leading Saraland 31-28 with just five seconds left, Clay-Chalkville had to defend against playmakers Ryan Williams, KJ Lacey and the dominant Saraland one final time. Passing up the field goal, Saraland went for the touchdown on fourth and five from the 10-yard line. Dropping back, Lacey broke up the middle and had a seam to get to the goal line, but Barber had other ideas. Tracking down the quarterback, Barber spun him around with teammate Carlos Ivy helping to finish him off just two yards away from paydirt.

“That whole drive I was saying to myself, please throw it my way,” Barber told Auburnundercover. “Please run it my way. I know the defense we have and we just trust each other every single day. We work out hard. We practice hard. We always make sure we give it 110 percent because we know our brothers beside us are going to do the same thing.

“It was a great play, but I couldn’t have done it if I didn’t have the defense behind me. I had my safeties over the top making sure I’m covered on the pass. I’ve got my partner in crime, Carlos Ivy beside me. He’s got the tunnel in case the quarterback scrambles, just like he did. We went and made the play and sealed the deal on the game.”

Auburn commitment DJ Barber and teammate Carlos Ivy make the game-saving stop. (Photo: Jason Caldwell, 247Sports)

Finishing the game with seven tackles, Barber played outstanding football with his future coaches looking on. Linebackers coach Josh Aldridge was in attendance for the second consecutive game while Hugh Freeze also took in the game to see Barber play. That only added to a special night for the linebacker, he said.

“It made it tremendous for me,” Barber said. “It’s a blessing for them to be able to come watch me and for them to bless me with the opportunity to play at a prestigious university like Auburn. I’m going to give the university everything I have to make sure it’s in better hands when I leave there.”

That starts with bringing a winning tradition with him to Auburn. Friday night was the second state title for the linebacker after the Cougars beat Hueytown to win the title in 2021. He said he’s ready to bring that with him to the Plains.

“I’m bringing a winning mindset and a winning attitude,” Barber said. “I’m bringing hard work and dedication that you can’t really build over time. You just have to come with it. I’m just focused on taking my last exams and getting down there and getting to work immediately.”

That work starts in just over a week when Barber and several of Auburn’s current commitments arrive on campus to take part in bowl practices with the Tigers. Getting a head start on the spring and his career is something that Barber can’t wait to get going.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” Barber said. “Just mixing it up with the guys and receiving the playbook from coach Aldridge. I want to go over the defensive scheme and learn it to a tee so when the springtime rolls around all I have to do is go execute.”

The 2-4-7: Auburn vs. Indiana

The Tigers hope to have a home environment in State Farm Arena

Cam Coleman talks winning state title flipping to Auburn">

Auburn is not only looking to bounce back from a rough loss at App State, but it can also do so by adding a win against a quality nonconference opponent. Bruce Pearl called Indiana the second-best team Auburn has faced thus far, only behind Baylor, and the Tigers (5-2) will welcome the Hoosiers (7-1, 2-0 Big Ten) to this year's Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta — Auburn's third straight appearance in the event. Here’s the 2-4-7 preview of Auburn's matchup with the Hoosiers, with two matchups two watch, four quotes of note and seven stats to study ahead of what will be the first of two straight neutral-site games for the Tigers in five days.

Location: State Farm Arena (Atlanta, Georgia)

Tipoff: 1 p.m. CST (ESPN2)

Auburn's chance to win: 74.6% (ESPN BPI)

Series history: Indiana 1-0 (last meeting: 1987)

Coaching matchup: Bruce Pearl 0-0 vs. Mike Woodson

 

2 MATCHUPS TO WATCH

 

'The best frontcourt we play all year'

Auburn hoped one of its pillars this season would be the veteran frontcourt duo of Johni Broome and Jaylin Williams, and now they'll be tested in a huge way — literally and figuratively. Broome's matchup with Indiana center Kel'el Ware — a former 5-star recruit and Oregon transfer — will likely be a big key to both teams' success. Broome has 51 points over his past two games, both double-doubles, while Ware is averaging 17.1 points per game 9.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 64 percent from the floor, making him the most efficient offensive player in the Big Ten. Forward Malik Reneau is also above 60 percent this season and will be a tough guard for Williams at 14.8 points per game. Regardless of whether the Hoosiers end up as the toughest frontcourt matchup for Auburn this season, the Tigers certainly can't ask for a much better stage to test their own strengths on the interior, both offensively and defensively. If Auburn is able to contain Indiana inside, the Tiges will be comfortable letting the Hoosiers attempt to make up ground with their outside shooting. Only one team in all of college basketball averages less 3-point attempts per game.

Pressure the point guard

Indiana starting point guard Xavier Johnson's status is still unclear, Woodson said this week. Johnson has missed the past two games with an ankle injury. Auburn's signature defensive pressure could be key in the backcourt, looking to complicate the Hoosiers' offensive sets and keep Indiana from simply throwing the ball in to Ware every play and feeding off his gravity. So it could be a freshman matchup between Aden Holloway and Gabe Cupps at point guard. Cupps, a top-150 overall recruit in the 2023 class, has started the past two games in Johnson's absence, only attempting three shots and dishing two assists. Clearly, Indiana is comfortable not running its offense through Cupps often, and Auburn will look to take advantage by ramping up the defensive intensity in the halfcourt. Per KenPom, Auburn is the best defensive team Indiana has faced this year — a couple spots ahead of UConn, which serves as the Hoosiers' only loss.

 

4 QUOTES OF NOTE

 

"The question is if we're gonna shoot it better. You know, I liked the shots we got at App State. Some of them were contested, some of them were open. I've got confidence in our guys to knock them down. We just, obviously, need to shoot the ball better. Part of it is — let's just say, in the last two games where we haven't shot it very well — Virginia Tech and App State are both good basketball teams and good defensive teams. You may not have quite as much time and space as you would against other opponents, where you're wide open instead of just open. Nobody is guarding us at the foul line, so we've got to do a better job of making more than nine and missing 10 in a close game." — Bruce Pearl on Auburn's recent shooting struggles

"When I'm coaching my players, I know what they're really good at. So let's just say the first time the world saw Aden in a college basketball game was against Baylor. He shot it really well. So we did some things in that Baylor game that you're like 'Wow. He can really shoot it.' Well, the opponents have seen that, too, now. And so they're doing some things defensively to not try to let him shoot it as easily. And then as a result, we have to work harder to get him those shots, and or then he's got to do other things to take advantage of how the defenses are guarding him." — Bruce Pearl on Aden Holloway's recent offensive struggles

"I can say we're hitting on the right spots. We come ready to play every game — no matter what. If our shot's falling, no matter the outcome. We come ready to play every game. These guys want to play basketball, they're in the gym, we're together all the time. So we've got the chemistry and some of the stuff on the court together. We put some screws in there and fix it all up, we'll be good." — SG K.D. Johnson on the team's recent trajectory

"I would just say try to play more physical. Because I feel like the past opponents, you have to be physical when they crash. Offensively, they don’t try to do much. SO I would just say try to be more physical than them, get them off-balance with their game and then just see where it goes from there." — PF Jaylin Williams on the game plan for Indiana's frontcourt

 

7 STATS TO STUDY

 

* Between Saturday's trip to Atlanta and next Wednesday's game in Huntsville against UNC Asheville, Auburn will play back-to-back games at different neutral sites for the first time in the regular season under Pearl

* Auburn is 3-1 against the Big Ten under Pearl, including three straight victories

* Broome is one of only six players in college basketball so far this season averaging at least 18 points and nine rebounds per game

* Only two teams on Auburn's schedule have a better shooting percentage than Indiana's current 50.4 percent: Baylor and Kentucky

* As strong as Indiana has been on the interior this season, it's only No. 180 nationally in rebounding rate. The Hoosiers are especially weak on the offensive glass, and Auburn will have to take advantage by limiting second-chance points

* Speaking of which, Indiana averages -1.5 extra possessions per game, which ranks No. 232 in college basketball

[aubiefifty 16,888]

 

si.com

 

Coen Echols: 'My recruitment is 100% open'

Andrew Stefaniak

~2 minutes

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Auburn offensive line target Coen Echols opens back up his recruitment.

Texas A&M fired head coach Jimbo Fisher a few weeks ago, which has led to the Aggies losing a bunch of 2024 recruits. 

Today, four-star interior offensive lineman Coen Echols announced that his recruitment is 100% back open. 

It has since been announced on various platforms that Echols has backed off his pledge to Texas A&M. 

Now Auburn seems to be the favorite to land, as Steve Wiltfong just put in a crystal ball for the Tigers to land Echols with a confidence of six. 

This is a great example of why Coach Freeze never stops recruiting a player even when they are committed to another school. 

This worked with Perry Thompson and Cam Coleman, and now has a shot to work with a talented interior offensive lineman from the Lone Star State. 

Echols is ranked as the 285th best player in the 2024 class according to 247Sports composite rankings. 

He is a guy who has shot up the rankings over the past few months and has a really good shot at being a dominant offensive lineman at the next level.

 If Auburn offensive line coach Jake Thornton can get Echols in this 2024 recruiting class, it will have the interior of the Tigers line set for a very long time, as you already have DeAndre Carter committed. 

Carter and Echols manning the interior of Auburn's offensive line is a really exciting thought to toss around. 

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Recruiting Pages to Bookmark

[aubiefifty 16,888]

 

si.com

 

Auburn offers former Memphis OL Mak Pounders

Daniel Locke

~2 minutes

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Auburn continues its efforts to bolster its offensive line through the transfer portal.

Auburn has offered former Memphis offensive lineman Mak Pounders.

Pounders is a 6-foot-5, 290-pound sophomore from Byhalia, Mississippi. He played offensive tackle for the Tigers this season.

Out of high school, Pounders was a 3-star recruit in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports. He had a 0.8556 composite rating and was the No. 1,030 player nationally, the No. 66 interior offensive lineman and the No. 15 player in the state of Mississippi. 

Pounders held offers from multiple major programs coming out of high school including Arkansas, Florida State, LSU, Mississippi S

Pounders is the No. 63 ranked offensive lineman in the transfer portal currently according to 247Sports. Apart from Auburn, has been offered by Pitt, South Carolina and Texas Tech so far.

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