One of the biggest holes [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and Auburn had to fill this offseason was at edge rusher where the Tigers lost Derick Hall and Eku Leota to the NFL.
Those losses were expected but wasn’t was the departures of every other edge on the roster. While they did a great job landing several transfers their most notable addition was true freshman [autotag]Keldric Faulk[/autotag].
Because of the lack of returning players and his ability, he has a chance to make an immediate impact and Chris Hummer of 247Sports believes it will be quite a big one. As he included Faulk in his annual list of the 100 true freshmen to watch.
A last-minute flip from Florida State to Auburn, Faulk carries big expectations with him into his true freshman season. In fact, here’s Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze on Faulk from March: “I think he’s going to be a phenomenal player, and I think he’s going to have to play early.” Auburn lost both of its top edge rushers to the NFL, so there’s plenty of opportunities to go around. Don’t be shocked if the 6-foot-6, 288-pounder is a starter by year’s end.
From Highland Home, Alabama, he was Auburn’s highest-rated signee last year and showed why during spring. He spent time with the first-team offense and impressed due to his athletic ability combined with his impressive frame.
The jump in competition will be stark for Faulk but he has the ability and the work ethic to improve each week and will be a player to watch throughout the season.
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