Jayson Jones returns as the veteran in the middle for the Tigers with Keldric Faulk at end and Jalen McLeod at the edge position. Auburn also returns redshirt freshman Darron Reed, redshirt junior Zykeivous Walker, second-year juco transfer Quientrail Jamison-Travis,

Knowing they needed more experience to build the depth on the defensive line, Auburn was very busy in the portal and it has given the Tigers a big group of guys for the two true interior positions along the defensive line. Adding Trill Carter from Texas and Gage Keys from Kansas in the spring, the Tigers also added transfers Philip Blidi from Indiana and Isaiah Raikes from Texas A&M to the mix.

There are also a couple of young players that will throw their hats into the ring this fall, Malik Blocton and T.J. Lindsey, who have the size to play on the interior but are athletic enough to play a bigger defensive end role if needed.

While Auburn still needs someone to step into the role of a playmaker for the defensive line group, coach Hugh Freeze said going into year number two he likes the potential for a true rotation for the group heading into the 2024 season.

“Honestly, that’s one of the places I feel the best about our depth,” he said at SEC Media Days. “Now, is the talent level totally (there) yet? I’m not totally sure. But I do think we have six inside guys that fit the mold of what you need. I tell those guys all time, and some believe it, some don’t, but they’re like ‘I want more reps!’ And I said, ‘no, the 30 you get are plenty. I don’t want you to play more than 30.’ Edge-wise, I feel really good about Keldric, I feel really good about (Jalen McLeod).”

There’s little question that Faulk and McLeod will be counted on to provide that playmaking ability at end and at the buck linebacker position, but they can’t do it alone. Walker is a player that should see some time behind Faulk with incoming freshman Amaris Williams also in the mix.

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Behind McLeod, Auburn brought in freshmen Jamonta Waller and Joe Phillips and also added Arkansas State transfer Keyron Crawford. They should all provide some extra depth behind McLeod and give the Tigers more options.

“Need those young guys we signed, Amaris, Waller and Keyron to play some,” Freeze said. “They’re really, really talented, but again, they’re like the receivers, they haven’t played in this league. Inside, I do think we have some quality depth there.”