Auburn was due for some attrition along the defensive line.
The Tigers had to many talented players for everyone to get enough playing time and when Nick Eason left for Clemson it only worsened the situation.
But losing six players to the transfer portal was unexpected and has thinned out Auburn’s depth.
The Tigers return their top defensive lineman in Colby Wooden and quality starter in Marcus Harris. Marquis Burks gives them another experienced player they will lean on.
After those four, Auburn has several promising players who have yet to carve out roles for themselves and are now in line for serious playing time.
Here is a look at the group.
Colby Wooden
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Wooden was Auburn’s top defensive lineman last season and it was not that close. He finished with 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and blocked a kick.
His decision to return for his junior season was a massive pickup for the. He has lined up at several positions along the line in his time at Auburn and may be forced to do again, but his best work is from the interior and that is where he should be used this season.
Auburn will need Wooden to be a force along the line as his teammates get comfortable in their new roles, there is no reason to expect he will not rise to the occasion.
Marcus Harris
(AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Harris made an immediate impact for Auburn last season. The Kansas transfer quickly won a starting job and was one of Auburn’s top linemen. He finished with 27 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and recovered a fumble. He and Wooden make a strong core for Auburn’s defensive line and are the unquestioned leaders of the group.
Marquis Burks
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Burks decided to use his extra season of eligibility to return for one last season and is now in line for a much larger…
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