While much attention has been on the Auburn Tigers’ offense, their defense also faces questions this spring. The unit has undergone changes, losing key players from 2023 and experiencing coaching staff adjustments.
Despite ranking ninth in the SEC in yards allowed, the Tigers’ defense showed a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy, ranking fourth in points allowed at 21.9 per game. The strength of the defense was its pass defense, led by a veteran secondary that will look different in 2024.
Auburn’s defensive questions revolve around their new defensive coordinator, D.J. Durkin, who joins the team after successful stints at Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Durkin, who coached the Aggies’ defense to the top of the SEC last season, replaces Ron Roberts, who left for Florida.
Auburn also added Charles Kelly, who will serve as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Kelly brings years of SEC experience and played for Auburn as a defensive back from 1986-1989.
One of the key questions for the Tigers is who will replace Marcus Harris, a significant loss from the previous season.
New Auburn defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams faces a significant challenge in replacing Marcus Harris, a standout defensive lineman in 2023 with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Harris declared for the NFL Draft along with Justin Rogers. Returning seniors Jayson Jones and Zykevious Walker, along with transfers Trill Carter from Texas and Gage Keys from Kansas, will look to fill the void. Keys recorded 21 tackles for the Jayhawks last season without missing a game, while Jones had 19 tackles and Walker contributed two quarterback sacks.
The linebackers appear to be a strength for the Tigers, with key contributors Eugene Asante and Jalen McLeod returning. Asante led the team with 86 tackles and added five sacks, while McLeod recorded 50 tackles and five and a half sacks. Austin Keys and Wesley Steiner also return with a combined 45 tackles and two sacks. The addition of Dorian Mausi, a transfer from Duke with 193 tackles over four seasons, adds depth to the linebacker corps.
However, the biggest question mark for Auburn’s defense is the secondary, which will see mostly new starters in 2024. Departures to the NFL and transfer portal have left the unit inexperienced. Keionte Scott, moving from inside to outside cornerback, is one of the few returning members.
Scott showed promise in the bowl game against Maryland but will need to step up. Freshman Kayin Lee, a four-star recruit flipped from Ohio State, could make an impact after recording 19 tackles and forcing a fumble in his freshman season.
Overall, Auburn’s defense faces significant changes and challenges heading into the 2024 season.
We will continue to cover Auburn’s spring practice in the upcoming weeks as the Tigers prepare for the annual A-Day Game on April 6th. We have already previewed the quarterback and running back positions, as well as the defense.
