To this point in the transfer portal window, Auburn’s offers have been headlined by wide receivers. As the week continues, [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and his staff are working on defensive additions.
[autotag]Akili Arnold[/autotag] and [autotag]Jermond McCoy[/autotag], two former members of Oregon State’s secondary, have received offers from Auburn according to their respective X (formerly Twitter) accounts.
Both players were among Oregon State’s leading tacklers this season. Arnold was the fourth-highest tackler with 60 stops. McCoy made 31 stops, which was the 10th-highest on the team. Both recorded two interceptions for the Beavers’ defense this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Arnold was Oregon State’s third-highest-graded defensive player for the 2023 regular season at 79.9 as a safety. His best quality was coverage, which he graded at 85.7. Opposing receivers caught 54% of passes when guarded by Arnold (19-of-35) for 177 yards. He also missed six tackles in 664 snaps.
McCoy, a cornerback, played 410 snaps in 11 games this season. When being covered by McCoy, opposing receivers caught 27-of-47 passes for 420 yards.
Auburn is looking to replace three key members of its secondary: [autotag]Jaylin Simpson[/autotag], [autotag]Nehemiah Pritchett[/autotag], and [autotag]DJ James[/autotag]. All three have accepted invitations to compete in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile on Saturday, Feb. 3.
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