Done Deal: Auburn lands third transfer commit in 24 hours
Auburn’s Defensive Front Revamped with Keyron Crawford SigningIn a comprehensive revamp of Auburn’s defensive front, Keyron Crawford became the latest addition on Monday, marking the third defensive line recruit from the transfer portal in just 24 hours. Crawford, transferring from Arkansas State, brings with him two years of eligibility to bolster Auburn’s defensive lineup.
Every quarterback's nightmare ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ @KeyronCrawford3
๐ Memphis, Tennessee
โก๏ธ Edge Rusher pic.twitter.com/ylCtmtXCyZ— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) April 22, 2024
Auburn’s Defensive Front Reinforcement and Coaching Changes
The recent additions to Auburn’s defensive front have been significant, with Keyron Crawford joining Philip Blidi from Indiana and Isaiah Raikes from USC, all acquired from the transfer portal within a short span. Head coach Hugh Freeze’s focus on enhancing the defensive talent upfront has been evident, addressing the team’s struggles in rushing defense and sacks from the previous season.
The departure of Marcus Harris to the NFL Draft underscored the importance of these new acquisitions. Additionally, Auburn’s coaching staff underwent changes, with Josh Aldridge now overseeing the edge rushers, D.J. Durkin handling the linebackers, and Vontrell King-Williams stepping up as the new defensive tackles coach, instrumental in securing Raikes and Blidi.
While Auburn had already made notable additions like Amaris Williams and Jamonta Waller, Freeze’s pursuit of further upgrades led to the signings of Crawford, Raikes, and Blidi. Despite Crawford’s impressive performance at Arkansas State, he may not immediately start due to the established duo of Jalen McLeod and Keldric Faulk on the exterior defensive line.
Crawford’s background at Briarcrest High School in Memphis, where Freeze previously coached, adds a personal connection to the team. With Freeze’s history at Arkansas State and the ongoing recruitment efforts, Auburn anticipates significant improvements in their defensive line and pass rush capabilities, banking on their strategic moves in the transfer portal.
As Auburn continues to shape its roster with a mix of high school recruits and portal transfers, the team remains active in recruitment, aiming to further strengthen both offensive and defensive units. The influx of new talent, including Crawford as the 12th transfer addition this offseason, sets the stage for an exciting season ahead for Auburn football.
