JUST IN: Auburn Adds Defensive Line Depth

When the Spring practice wrapped up for the Auburn Tigers, head coach Hugh Freeze noted that the team needed to enhance their defensive line depth. In just a few days, they successfully addressed this need. The departure of Marcus Harris and Justin Rogers post the 2023 season raised uncertainties about the interior defensive line. Harris, who topped the team with seven sacks last season, is anticipated to be a late-round draft pick.  Auburn must now search for suitable replacements as they head into the upcoming fall season.

Auburn still has Jayson Jones in the lineup for another season.  In the recent winter transfer portal period, they brought in Gage Keys from Kansas and Trill Carter from Texas to bolster their defensive line. Edge rusher strength was also a concern following Spring practices. Jalen McCleod, who secured five and a half sacks last season, returns.  There are high expectations for Keldric Faulk to make significant strides in his second season with the team. New defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams received a boost this week as Auburn beefed up their defensive line depth.

Auburn Adds Defensive Line Depth

Philip Blidi

The initial breakthrough occurred when the Tigers secured the commitment of former Indiana Hoosier, Philip Blidi.  In his sole season with the Hoosiers, Blidi amassed 30 tackles and four tackles for loss. He was a starter in 11 out of 12 games for Indiana. Prior to his time at Indiana, he played in 34 games over three seasons with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. During his tenure in Lubbock, he recorded 40 total tackles and two and a half sacks. Blidi made the decision to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer on March 19th, and he is rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.

Isaiah Raikes

Isaiah Raikes is making a return to the SEC after initially transferring to USC following the 2023 season.  Prior to his stint out west, Raikes played four seasons at Texas A&M, participating in 42 games for the Aggies. Throughout his time at Texas A&M, Raikes registered 43 tackles and four and a half tackles for loss. In 2023, he secured one sack, which was divided between games against Tennessee and Ole Miss. Raikes initially committed to the Trojans on January 9th but re-entered the transfer portal on April 12th. He will reunite with D.J. Durkin, who served as the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 2022 and 2023

Keyron Crawford

The Tigers have been in dire need of a pass rusher and they’re addressing that by acquiring Keyron Crawford from Arkansas State.  Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Crawford recorded 44 total tackles and five and a half sacks in 2023. Crawford made his entry into the transfer portal on April 16th and is recognized as a three-star transfer portal recruit. One of his standout performances occurred on November 4th against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns where he shined in a 37-17 victory, notching seven total tackles and two sacks. Throughout the season, he also forced two fumbles. Crawford honed his skills playing high school football at Briarcrest Christian. Interestingly, Freeze once served as a coach at the same school from 1992 to 2004 before transitioning to the college football arena.

More Auburn Portal News

The Tigers have seen several players depart since the Spring transfer portal opened.  The latest exit is linebacker Wesley Steiner, who tallied only 15 tackles last season compared to his 46 in 2022. Additionally, on the defensive side, defensive backs J.D. Rhym and Colton Hood have also entered the transfer portal.

On the offensive front, there are a few notable names in connection with the Tigers. Wide receiver has been a key priority for Freeze, with reports indicating that Penn State receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith visited the team. It’s also been mentioned by On3’s Hayes Fawcett that Jaden Rashada from Arizona State could potentially visit Auburn. Rashada currently has a scheduled visit to Georgia on April 30th and May 1st.  Keeping an eye on the transfer portal will be crucial when it comes to the Auburn Tigers and their evolving roster.