2.22.24 Football Articles

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

yahoo.com

 

Storylines that will define Hugh Freeze's second spring practice with Auburn football

Taylor JonesWed, February 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM CST·2 min read5Link Copied

4–5 minutes

---

AUBURN — Auburn football came up short in 2023.

That's not really up for debate. The Tigers impressed on the recruiting front — the incoming freshman class is ranked by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 10 haul in the country — but consistently struggled between the white lines on Saturdays.

Coach Hugh Freeze even admitted it after Auburn fell in embarrassing fashion to Maryland in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30: "I don't think I did a very good job in a lot of areas this year," Freeze said. "... We can all say we need to improve our roster — and we've said that and we're working on that and we're going to do that — but even with the roster we had, I felt like we could've gotten more out of it I had done a better job."

Luckily for Freeze, the 2023 season is now history. He and the Tigers have a chance to redeem themselves in 2024, starting with spring practice from Feb. 27 to April 6.

Here are three storylines surrounding the program that will dominant airtime through A-Day.

MEANINGFUL: Why these 5 Auburn players have most to prove in spring practice

HOOPS: Bruce Pearl's concern level after Kentucky vs. Auburn basketball: 'Do I look demoralized?'

Quarterbacks, of course

Let's get the easy one out of the way: Will Payton Thorne be Auburn's starting quarterback for another season?

Freeze said in the same Music City Bowl news conference that the QB position was "wide open," and he added it would be "an interesting one" in spring practice. The competition between Thorne, redshirt sophomore Hank Brown, redshirt sophomore Holden Geriner and four-star freshman Walker White will likely bleed into the fall, though Freeze would like to have someone step up sooner than that in a perfect world.

 

Sep 2, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks with quarterback Payton Thorne (1) during the second quarter against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

 

So, who's calling plays?

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, as he usually does, did a bit of trolling when Freeze hired Derrick Nix to be his offensive coordinator/running backs coach at Auburn. Nix, who had spent the previous 16 seasons with the Rebels and was Kiffin's associate head coach/wide receivers coach, had a clause in his contract that stipulated he would owe Ole Miss a buyout if he took a college football job without "primary play-calling duties."

"Acknowledging the opportunity to become a first-time playcaller with full-time playcalling duties as offensive coordinator at Auburn University, we extend our sincere well-wishes to the Nix family in his new endeavor," Kiffin said in a statement. The issue, however, is ESPN's Chris Low reported in January that Freeze would be calling his own plays.

With all the confusion, Freeze didn't do much to clear it up at the Reese's Senior Bowl: “I think it’s too early (to tell)," he said when asked who will be calling plays.

New defensive staff, new system?

Staff changes weren't limited to the offensive side of the ball. Freeze hired DJ Durkin to replace Ron Roberts as his defensive coordinator, and he also added Charles Kelly to be a co-DC/safeties coach. Players such as senior linebacker Eugene Asante excelled and had career years under Roberts. Will Durkin's scheme change that? Will he mold his scheme around his personnel to prevent that from happening?

And how involved will Kelly be? An ace recruiter who's had a hand in landing dozens of blue-chip prospects throughout his career, Kelly should be an asset on the trail. Will he, as a former defensive back, have much of a say on how things are run in the secondary?

That seems to be the case, or at least that's the plan: “To know DJ’s speciality is the front, and Charles Kelly’s speciality is the backend, I feel really comfortable with those two guys," Freeze said Jan. 31.

Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on Twitter @rich_silva18.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Auburn football storylines to watch in upcoming spring practice

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

247sports.com

 

Auburn spring preview How the freshmen fit in

Nathan King

11–14 minutes

---

All but four freshmen have been on campus for a couple months already for winter workouts

This time next week, football will be back on the Plains.

Spring practice gets rolling for Hugh Freeze and his second offseason at Auburn next Tuesday. The Tigers practice for a couple days before a week off for spring break, then reconvening for four straight weeks of work, culminating with the A-Day spring game April 6.

For the second straight spring under Freeze, installing the playbook on both sides of the ball will be the primary focus, as Auburn’s has two new coordinators for the fourth straight season: Derrick Nix running the offense, and D.J. Durkin overseeing the defense.

Over the next week, Auburn Undercover will preview a different facet of Auburn's upcoming spring practices until things get rolling on Tuesday — from new players to freshman fits to position battles to depth charts.

Next up is a breakdown of each of Auburn’s early enrollees from its No. 7-ranked class. All but four freshmen — wide receivers Perry Thompson and Malcolm Simmons, offensive lineman Deandre Carter and cornerback A'Mon Lane-Ganus — have been on campus for a couple months already for winter workouts. This group also includes the Tigers’ pair of JUCO signees.

 

QB WALKER WHITE

 

247Sports ranking: No. 5 QB

What to watch: Freeze claimed after the offensive faceplant of a bowl game that the quarterback competition would be “wide open” this offseason. Can that start in the spring with a true freshman? White is Auburn’s highest-rated signee at QB since Bo Nix, and at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he’s got plenty of physical tools that could expedite his learning process at the college level. Of course, Auburn won’t be putting that pressure on White right away, as this spring will be geared towards settling into the playbook and developing a rapport with his teammates.

 

WR CAM COLEMAN

 

247Sports ranking: No. 2 WR

What to watch: The No. 2 recruit in program history has arrived. Coleman, the crown jewel of the Tigers’ 2024 class after flipping from Texas A&M, is hoped by Auburn’s staff to be an NFL talent at receiver who can help turn around the program’s recent woes in the passing game. How quickly can Coleman make an impact on campus? Wide receiver is certainly a position that can translate to the college level quicker than most, and in terms of elite outside talent, Auburn is lacking right now in the receiving corps. There’s no reason to believe Coleman can’t come in and be a starter as a true freshman this season, but this spring will be focused on developing his body and learning the offense.

 

WR BRYCE CAIN

 

247Sports ranking: No. 30 WR

What to watch: Speaking of receiving talent, a true freshman might already be a contender to be Auburn’s fastest player on the roster. Cain, nicknamed “Roadrunner” by White, has the advantage of being on campus early, as compared to Auburn’s two receiver signees who will arrive in the summer. At 5-foot-10 and 153 pounds, Cain certainly had some work to do in the conditioning program this winter, and how he’ll attempt to match his on-field speed with the game speed of SEC practices this spring. The Mobile, Alabama, native also practiced a few times with the Tigers during bowl preparations.

 

OL FAVOUR EDWIN

 

247Sports ranking: No. 52 OT

What to watch: A late-night addition to Auburn’s 2024 class on signing day, Edwin was thought to be a lean to Alabama before he became Auburn’s second high-school signee of the class on the offensive line. With size to spare at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Edwin is a player Jake Thornton thinks highly of as a future starter for the Tigers. There will be a tackle spot up for the taking on the left side, which Auburn seems to have addressed with Mississippi State transfer Percy Lewis. Auburn had a freshman come in and start just last season on the offensive line, though, with center Connor Lew, whose surge began with his consistent play going back to spring practice. Edwin will be looking to make similar impressions on his new coaches and teammates.

 

OT SETH WILFRED (JUCO)

 

247Sports ranking: No. 5 OT (JUCO)

What to watch: Speaking of offensive line starters, there’s no reason Wilfred can’t contend for a spot this spring. In fact, Auburn expects the highly rated JUCO prospect to do so, potentially giving incumbent starter Izavion Miller a push at right tackle. Wilfred is still young, with three years of eligibility remaining, but his season of experience at the JUCO level could give him a leg up over the Tigers’ incoming freshmen at the position. With Wilfred standing at 6-foot-5 and 312 pounds, Auburn believes he can be an SEC-caliber lineman, potentially as early as this season. His development with the group and with his skill set in the spring will obviously be key.

 

DT MALIK BLOCTON

 

247Sports ranking: No. 45 DL

What to watch: The younger brother of 2023 first team All-SEC defensive lineman Marcus Harris, who is now off to the NFL, Blocton was part of a handful of freshmen who joined the team early for bowl practices. He had some nice flashes and helped Auburn offset some thinned-out depth along the interior D-line. The Tigers’ staff has since shored things up there with a couple transfer additions, and players like Darron Reed Jr. from last year’s class will be looking to improve in his second year with the program.

 

DE AMARIS WILLIAMS

 

247Sports ranking: No. 5 EDGE

What to watch: The top-rated defensive player in Auburn’s, there’s a lot to like about Williams and how he could impact the Tigers defensively. For starters, there’s the obvious gap on the interior D-line with Harris’ departure, and Auburn wants Williams to eventually bulk up into a player who could play inside or on the end. With some elite athleticism and speed, Williams is rated as an edge rusher by 247Sports for a reason. Keldric Faulk provides a recent example of an Auburn defensive lineman who immediately found a role as a true freshman, and the 5-star Williams is rated even higher. Regardless of where Auburn wants him this spring, Williams now becomes one of the most talented players on Auburn’s roster and someone who will be looking to make waves early in the spring.

 

DE T.J. LINDSEY

 

247Sports ranking: No. 68 DL

What to watch: Someone that Auburn Undercover has often referred to as a potential diamond in the rough for the Tigers in the class, Lindsey projects as a defensive end for Auburn, and the early returns from the coaching staff in winter workouts have been stellar for the Arkansas native. The Tigers already have some quality depth this spring with Faulk and Zykeivous Walker, but Auburn is excited about what Lindsey can bring to the table as a potential long-term starter. That journey will begin with finding his footing in spring ball.

 

OLB JAMONTA WALLER

 

247Sports ranking: No. 10 EDGE

What to watch: Could Waller immediately become Auburn’s No. 2 pass-rusher? The Tigers are once again low on scholarship players on the edge — a position that will once again be called the “buck” linebacker under Durkin — with Jalen McLeod back, but Elijah McAllister gone. That leaves redshirt freshman Brenton Williams as the only other returning piece. Waller, who flipped from Florida a month before signing day, fills a big need for Auburn on the edge and will likely garner extensive snaps behind McLeod — or across from him — right away.

 

LB DEMARCUS RIDDICK

 

247Sports ranking: No. 5 LB

What to watch: Auburn may very well have signed the best linebacker class in the country for 2024, and it starts with Riddick. Auburn pulled him away from Georgia in the summer, and the 6-foot-2, 218-pounder finished as the No. 69 player in the country and No. 6 in the state of Alabama. All three of Auburn’s linebacker signees were present for the bowl game, and Riddick has already shown his athleticism on the practice field. He looks more of the part of a nickel right now, and Auburn will look to develop Riddick’s physicality to match his speed.

 

LB JOSEPH PHILLIPS

 

247Sports ranking: No. 11 EDGE

What to watch: Where will Phillips ultimately be slotted as an Auburn defender? Evaluated as an edge rusher, Phillips played inside linebacker during the bowl practices, and it’s believed that’s where Auburn’s staff sees him in the short term. We just discussed Auburn’s short depth at buck, though, and the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Phillips could be the type of player to float down to the line of scrimmage when needed.

 

LB D.J. BARBER

 

247Sports ranking: No. 51 LB

What to watch: A tackling machine during a state championship season as a senior, Barber is as middle linebacker as they come: short and powerful at 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds. Auburn doesn’t have much of a need at any linebacker spot this spring, with a pair of returning starters and a new transfer. But Eugene Asante, Austin Keys and Dorian Mausi Jr. are all in the latter stages of the college careers, and Auburn’s development of a young middle linebacker for the future starts this spring.

 

CB JAY CRAWFORD

 

247Sports ranking: No. 34 CB

What to watch: Crawford is walking into a room under position coach Wesley McGriff that's loaded with both talent and numbers, but is a bit short on experience. Crawford is the only cornerback Auburn added this cycle, after the staff stockpiled defensive backs in 2024. Although D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett are both gone to the NFL, Auburn is in a good spot at the top of its rotation, with Keionte Scott moving from nickel, and Kayin Lee having played in every game last season. It takes a special talent to come in and contribute early in an SEC secondary, and Auburn will be focused on ensuring Crawford has the tools he needs to progress as a freshman, including learning Durkin's scheme.

 

S KALEB HARRIS

 

247Sports ranking: No. 39 S

What to watch: An athletic safety for a highly successful Thompson program the past few years, Harris already began his Auburn journey at bowl practices last week. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Harris joins a safety room that's losing starters Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett, along with reserve Marquise Gilbert to the transfer portal. The Tigers seem to have done well to retool the top of the rotation, with Texas transfer Jerrin Thompson a probable starter, along with returning names like Terrance Love who will be eyeing bigger roles within the defense. Harris also has the advantage of participating in bowl practices with the team.

 

S KENSLEY LOUIDOR-FAUSTIN

 

247Sports ranking: No. 56 S

What to watch: The draw for Louidor-Faustin as a contributor within Auburn’s secondary is his versatility. He told Auburn Undercover on the night of signing day that Auburn has discussed playing both safety and nickel. There’s a decent void of production at nickel in particular, as Scott is moving to cornerback, and Donovan Kaufman transferred out. Louidor-Faustin’s versatility may not get him on the field right away, but it will make him an intriguing piece for the Tigers’ staff to use in their secondary puzzle moving forward.

Touted 2026 QB Dia Bell sets a wave of spring visits

The latest regarding the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage passer.

Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage touted 2026 quarterback Dia Bell has locked in several spring visits and is looking to get more on the calendar.

As it stands now, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Bell tells 247Sports he'll be back at Miami on March 6, then head to LSU on March 8-9. The Tigers recently offered. Auburn will come on March 16. Texas is slated for March 18 and 19, Pittsburgh is going to be March 21, Penn State March 22-23, West Virginia March 25 and North Carolina on April 2.

"I will also visit Miss State, Florida, and South Florida, but I do not have the dates for those visits yet," Bell told 247Sports.

These programs are making Bell feel like a priority.

"Penn State, LSU, Texas, Auburn, Miami, Mississippi State and UNC from this list of spring visits," Bell said. "There are others recruiting very hard. I just can’t get out to see them this spring. I will visit them this summer."

As a sophomore Bell completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 1,929 yards and 20 touchdowns to just four interceptions.

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

al.com

 

Spring football in Auburn: Notes and quotes on the linebacker room ahead of spring camp

Updated: Feb. 21, 2024, 11:41 a.m.|Published: Feb. 21, 2024, 11:30 a.m.

4–6 minutes

---

Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) is tackled by Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante (9) after a catch for a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) APAP

The second spring camp of the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn is just around the corner as it’s set to get underway Feb. 27.

The Tigers will then proceed to hold 13 spring practices in preparation of Auburn’s spring game — also known as A-Day — which is set to be played on April 6 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Before spring practices get underway, AL.com will take a position-by-position look at the Tigers’ roster, now taking a look at Auburn’s linebackers.

Who did the Tigers lose in the linebacker room?

Auburn’s linebacker room will only be losing a pair of linebackers as it transitions into the spring as Larry Nixon III ran out of eligibility after the 2023 season and Cam Riley decided to enter the transfer portal in January.

Of the two, Nixon’s departure stings the most as he was the Tigers’ second leading tackler last fall having tallied 51 total tackles.

Meanwhile, Riley logged 32 tackles during his junior campaign in 2023.

Who are the Tigers returning in the linebacker room?

Heading into the spring, Auburn’s linebacker room looks to be in good shape as it returns four veterans in Eugene Asante, Austin Keys, Wesley Steiner and Jake Levant. All together, that quartet combined for 135 total tackles with Asante and Keys leading the charge.

Fortunately for Auburn, after he broke out in 2023 with a team-leading 86 total tackles, Asante announced in December that he’d be returning for his final season.

“I’m really glad that people like Keionte (Scott) and Eugene (Asante) are coming back to help lead us,” Freeze said. “I think they’ll be great for these young kids as two great leaders and captain-material guys that can help set the culture for our defense next year, so thrilled that they’re back.”

The return of Keys is also notable as the former Ole Miss transfer wasn’t able to get an entire season under his belt last fall after dealing with a thumb injury, which forced him to miss five games. Appearing in the other eight games, Keys managed to log 30 total tackles.

“You can tell he’s got an SEC build already,” Auburn linebacker coach Josh Aldridge said of Keys last August. “And then on top of that you can tell he knows how to practice like an SEC player. I’m really enjoying his tenacity. He’s not played perfect by any means, but you can tell he understands the physicality it takes to play in this conference. That’s what I like about Austin.”

Steiner also played in all 13 games last season, primarily as a rotational piece, while Levant just saw action in two games.

Rising sophomore Robert Woodyard Jr. also returns to Auburn’s linebacker room after appearing in three games in 2023.

Who did the Tigers add to the linebacker room?

Auburn wasn’t messing around when it came to improving its linebacker room in the offseason.

To get things going, the Tigers secured a trio of linebacker signees during the early signing period as 4-star Demarcus Riddick, 4-star Joe Phillips and 3-star DJ Barber all signed their letters of intent on Dec. 20 and enrolled early, allowing them to practice with Auburn as it prepped for the Music City Bowl.

“They come in and they’re hungry. You can tell they’re hungry. They want to go out there and perform,” Asante said of the three freshmen. “They have so much talent. Each one of them is showing so many new things on film.”

Meanwhile, in a surprise announcement during his early signing day press conference, Freeze revealed that he and the Tigers had also secured veteran Duke transfer Dorian Mausi, who previously spent four seasons with the Blue Devils.

During the 2023 season, Mausi recorded 61 total tackles for the Blue Devils.

“We have Dorian Mausi from Duke at linebacker, that’s a very experienced guy that has signed with us also,” Freeze said during his press conference on Dec. 20. So we’re steadily building.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

[aubiefifty 16,823]

auburnwire.usatoday.com

Cam Coleman poised to make an immediate impact at Auburn

Taylor Jones

~2 minutes

Auburn football hopes to make great offensive strides in 2024, and true freshman Cam Coleman could be a main component in its progression.

Writers at The Athletic recently shared their thoughts on the 2024 SEC recruiting haul, and which players could turn heads quickly. When asked to reveal his pick for the player who could make the biggest impact, Manny Navarro chose Auburn’s top signee.

I wanted to go with (Ryan) Williams at Alabama because of the Crimson Tide’s need for help at the position, but he’s not enrolling until this summer. So, I’m going with another five-star receiver already on campus: Auburn’s Cam Coleman. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Phenix City, Ala., native could quickly become Payton Thorne’s favorite target this coming season as the Tigers look to open up the offense under new coordinator Derrick Nix, who helped run a top-20 scoring and passing offense at Ole Miss last season.

Grace Raynor feels that Coleman will also have a great season, citing his performance during Under Armour All-American practices. Raynor ultimately chose Tennessee‘s Mike Matthews while Ari Wasserman is expecting Texas‘ Ryan Wingo to make the biggest impact in the SEC.

Coleman signed with Auburn as the No. 2 wide receiver in the 2024 class and as the top recruit from the state of Alabama from nearby Phenix City. He, along with Perry Thompson, Bryce Cain, and Malcolm Simmons make up the top wide receiver signing class in Auburn history.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

[aubiefifty 16,823]

si.com

2026 Auburn Recruit Discusses Why He Committed To The Tigers

Brian Smith

2–3 minutes

Auburn is bringing in another top recruit from Georgia

Auburn's recruiting efforts do not end with the current effort to land top 2025 recruits.

The Tigers are making a strong effort to get a headstart with the 2026 class and that includes one top Peach State recruit. Offensive lineman Kail Ellis will be an Auburn Tiger.

The 6-foot-4 and 305-pound prospect is one of the South's best offensive line recruits despite only being a class of 2026 prospect. Coming from Canton (Ga.) Cass, Ellis is a recruit Auburn fans should get to know well and he's happy to discuss why he chose to come to the Plains.

"I have a lot of trust in coach (Hugh) Freeze and that staff, and I think we're going to do big things. The future is very bright on the Plains."

The Auburn coaching staff's message to Ellis is one he's embracing.

"They put a lot of trust in me. They think I'm going to come in and make a big impact. I'm just going to keep working and striving toward that."

As for his future position with the Tigers, AU's coaching staff has a plan.

"Really, specifically, they want me to play center. They think I can play guard as well but mostly center."

That's a position he's familiar with and Ellis is also versatile because of his experience with Cass High School.

"I started at tackle and then my coaches moved me to center." 

Of course, Ellis would love to bring other talented recruits with him to the Plains.

"I've been trying to recruit some people here (at Under Armour Atlanta), like Micah DeBose (from Prichard (Ala.) Vigor High School). I'm trying to recruit him. Yeah, I'm just trying to get on the recruiting trail and trying to better our future."

Despite having two more years of high school, Ellis is really happy to stick with Auburn despite other schools coming after him.

"I don't think I'm going anywhere else this spring. Maybe, but I'm really locked in with Auburn right now."

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

[aubiefifty 16,823]

Breaking down Auburn’s QB situation ahead of spring practice

Taylor Jones

Thu, February 22, 2024 at 6:00 AM CST·4 min read

 

 

• Spring practice is set to begin on Feb. 27, and all eyes will be on Auburn’s quarterbacks.

Incumbent starter Payton Thorne returns to the roster for the 2024 season and will look to bounce back following a disappointing debut season on the Plains.

In a recent episode of the “Andy Staples On3” podcast, On3 analysts Andy Staples and Jesse Simonton analyzed Auburn’s quarterback situation. When discussing Thorne, Simonton says that he feels as if head coach Hugh Freeze “fumbled the bag” when taking Thorne from the transfer portal last spring.

 

Recruiting efforts have gone smoothly through one season of the Freeze era, and Simonton has just one question.

“He has done a great job assembling all of this talent around the quarterback position,” Simonton said. “They sign this insane wide receiver class with multiple five-stars – you flip (Cam) Coleman from Texas A&M, you get (Perry) Thompson as another in-state guy. Yet, who the heck is going to throw them the ball?”

Thorne will get a do-over this spring as he looks to bounce back with a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. If he is not the guy, then who is? Here is a breakdown of Auburn’s quarterback room ahead of spring practice.

Who is gone?

 

Jake Crandall/The Montgomery Advertiser

• Robby Ashford transferred to South Carolina

• Sawyer Pate graduated

Ashford is a notable departure due to the athleticism that he brought to the offense. However, it became obvious late in the season that Ashford was not going to be included in the offense’s plans. Ashford has moved on to South Carolina, where he will compete for the starting QB job for Shane Beamer’s squad.

Who is returning

 

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

• Payton Thorne

• Holden Geriner

• Hank Brown

• Jackson Barkley

• John Colvin

Incumbent starter Payton Thorne returns, but it is an easy assumption that his job is not safe. Thorne completed just 60% of his passes last season for 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns. Another notable stat is that he passed for under 100 yards five times last season, three of those games were against SEC foes. Hugh Freeze, who is known as a pass-first coach, needs someone to help the new receiver class reach its full potential.

Who will challenge him? Holden Geriner has plenty of upside, and Hank Brown turned heads in the Music City Bowl by completing 7-of-9 passes for 132 yards in mop-up duty.

New faces

 

Walker White/247Sports

• Walker White

White will provide new life to the quarterback room. White joins Auburn’s class as the No. 5 overall quarterback and the No. 1 player from the state of Arkansas. Expect White to challenge Thorne, Geriner, and Brown for the role of QB1.

Projected depth chart entering spring

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

1. Payton Thorne

2. Holden Geriner

3. Walker White

4. Hank Brown

Although he will have a short leash, Thorne will more than likely begin the spring period as QB1. It will also be neat to watch Geriner compete with Thorne for the top spot, and how quickly White and Brown develop in their first spring practice at Auburn.

Overall thoughts

 

Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers

It seems as if the “is this year’s quarterback currently on the roster” trend will continue into 2024. Last season, neither Robby Ashford nor TJ Finley impressed Hugh Freeze during spring practice, so he reeled in Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne following the spring session to compete for the job that he ultimately won.

Now, it seems as if Thorne’s job is not safe heading into this season. This year’s roster features several talented receivers, and they will need a solid arm to get the ball to them. Is that guy on the roster already?

Geriner has plenty of upside, but he has not done enough to win the job to this point. There is plenty of excitement surrounding White, and the question surrounding him is his youth. Can he develop fast enough to earn the starting job this season? Finally, Brown will look to build momentum off of his Music City Bowl performance this spring. If he does that, will he be a true contender for the job?

There are plenty of questions surrounding the quarterback position this spring, and many of them may not be answered by the time A-Day concludes. Because of this, many eyes will be on the quarterback battle, and all four of players will compete at a high level for the starting job.

Story originally appeared on Auburn Wire

Edited February 22 by aubiefifty

[aubiefifty 16,823]

al.com

Spring football in Auburn: Notes and quotes on the edge rusher room ahead of spring camp

Published: Feb. 22, 2024, 6:30 a.m.

4–5 minutes

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 30 - Auburn Jack Linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the #1 Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Photo by Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers03385434/Auburn Tigers

The second spring camp of the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn is just around the corner as it’s set to get underway Feb. 27.

The Tigers will then proceed to hold 13 spring practices in preparation of Auburn’s spring game — also known as A-Day — which is set to be played on April 6 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Before spring practices get underway, AL.com will take a position-by-position look at the Tigers’ roster, this time diving into Auburn’s room of edge rushers — sometimes referred to as the Tigers’ jack linebackers.

MORE: Spring football in Auburn: Notes and quotes on the Tigers’ linebacker room

MORE: Spring football in Auburn: Notes and quotes on the Tigers’ cornerback room

Who did the Tigers lose in their edge rusher room?

Departing Auburn’s room of edge rushers after the 2023 season are Elijah McAllister, who ran out of eligibility, and Stephen Sings V, who entered the transfer portal in early December.

Together, McAllister and Sings combined for 33 tackles in 2023 with McAllister tallying 28 on his own as he appeared in all 13 of Auburn’s games. Meanwhile, Sings logged appearances in just six games during his junior campaign last fall.

Who are the Tigers returning to their edge rusher room?

While Auburn might be losing a pair of edge rushers in McAllister and Sings, the Tigers are also returning a pair as Jalen McLeod and Brenton Williams are both set for their second year on The Plains.

McLeod’s second year at Auburn comes after he transferred from Appalachian State ahead of last season, while Williams will be a redshirt freshman in 2024.

At the conclusion of the 2023 season, McLeod finished as Auburn’s third-leading tackler with 48 total tackles, of which 10.5 came from behind the line of scrimmage. McLeod also tallied 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during his first season of SEC ball.

“He plays hard. He’s having to play too many snaps. We still don’t have the depth at pass rushing that we need,” Freeze said of McLeod midway through last season. “Jalen is definitely the biggest threat we have, and that’s good for us.”

Meanwhile, Williams is set to see his role increase in 2024 after appearing in just two games last fall.

“Brenton’s definitely stepping up, because he knows that it’s just me and him right now, and it’s going to be Jamonta when he comes,” McLeod said of Williams in December. “So, he knows that he’s got to compete, he’s got to keep competing, come to practice ready to work and that’s what he’s been doing. So he’s stepping up, too.”

Who did the Tigers add to their edge rusher room?

Auburn’s 4-star signee in Jamonta Waller stands as the only current addition to Auburn’s room of edge rushers.

Waller was a big flip for Freeze and Co. as the 4-star Mississippi native flipped his commitment from Florida to Auburn in the middle of November and never looked back. During his senior season of high school, Waller logged 69 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, 21 quarterback hurries and two caused fumbles.

Measuring 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Waller ranked as the 10th-best edge rusher out of the 2024 recruiting class and the second-ranked recruit — regardless of position — to come out of the state of Mississippi.

“You have Jamonta — he’s coming in, the five-star. I talked to him. He’s hungry, too. You’ve seen his tape,” McLeod said of Waller. “So, we’ve got a lot of people coming in that’s hungry and ready to go, and they know what they bring to the table. They’ve just got to believe in themself, that’s where they at.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

[aubiefifty 16,823]

 

[aubiefifty 16,823]

al.com

Spring football in Auburn: Notes and quotes on the edge rusher room ahead of spring camp

Published: Feb. 22, 2024, 6:30 a.m.

4–5 minutes

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 30 - Auburn Jack Linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the #1 Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Photo by Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers03385434/Auburn Tigers

The second spring camp of the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn is just around the corner as it’s set to get underway Feb. 27.

The Tigers will then proceed to hold 13 spring practices in preparation of Auburn’s spring game — also known as A-Day — which is set to be played on April 6 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Before spring practices get underway, AL.com will take a position-by-position look at the Tigers’ roster, this time diving into Auburn’s room of edge rushers — sometimes referred to as the Tigers’ jack linebackers.

MORE: Spring football in Auburn: Notes and quotes on the Tigers’ linebacker room

MORE: Spring football in Auburn: Notes and quotes on the Tigers’ cornerback room

Who did the Tigers lose in their edge rusher room?

Departing Auburn’s room of edge rushers after the 2023 season are Elijah McAllister, who ran out of eligibility, and Stephen Sings V, who entered the transfer portal in early December.

Together, McAllister and Sings combined for 33 tackles in 2023 with McAllister tallying 28 on his own as he appeared in all 13 of Auburn’s games. Meanwhile, Sings logged appearances in just six games during his junior campaign last fall.

Who are the Tigers returning to their edge rusher room?

While Auburn might be losing a pair of edge rushers in McAllister and Sings, the Tigers are also returning a pair as Jalen McLeod and Brenton Williams are both set for their second year on The Plains.

McLeod’s second year at Auburn comes after he transferred from Appalachian State ahead of last season, while Williams will be a redshirt freshman in 2024.

At the conclusion of the 2023 season, McLeod finished as Auburn’s third-leading tackler with 48 total tackles, of which 10.5 came from behind the line of scrimmage. McLeod also tallied 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery during his first season of SEC ball.

“He plays hard. He’s having to play too many snaps. We still don’t have the depth at pass rushing that we need,” Freeze said of McLeod midway through last season. “Jalen is definitely the biggest threat we have, and that’s good for us.”

Meanwhile, Williams is set to see his role increase in 2024 after appearing in just two games last fall.

“Brenton’s definitely stepping up, because he knows that it’s just me and him right now, and it’s going to be Jamonta when he comes,” McLeod said of Williams in December. “So, he knows that he’s got to compete, he’s got to keep competing, come to practice ready to work and that’s what he’s been doing. So he’s stepping up, too.”

Who did the Tigers add to their edge rusher room?

Auburn’s 4-star signee in Jamonta Waller stands as the only current addition to Auburn’s room of edge rushers.

Waller was a big flip for Freeze and Co. as the 4-star Mississippi native flipped his commitment from Florida to Auburn in the middle of November and never looked back. During his senior season of high school, Waller logged 69 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, 21 quarterback hurries and two caused fumbles.

Measuring 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Waller ranked as the 10th-best edge rusher out of the 2024 recruiting class and the second-ranked recruit — regardless of position — to come out of the state of Mississippi.

“You have Jamonta — he’s coming in, the five-star. I talked to him. He’s hungry, too. You’ve seen his tape,” McLeod said of Waller. “So, we’ve got a lot of people coming in that’s hungry and ready to go, and they know what they bring to the table. They’ve just got to believe in themself, that’s where they at.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

[aubiefifty 16,823]