Auburn football is expected to fly under the radar this season, as media members in attendance for SEC Media Days last week in Dallas, Texas picked the Tigers to finish No. 10 in its preseason poll.
Auburn also fell short in the All-SEC team as well, as there are only four representatives on this year’s squad. Running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], kicker [autotag]Alex McPherson[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]Eugene Asante[/autotag], and returner [autotag]Keionte Scott[/autotag] each earned a spot on the preseason All-SEC team, as voted on by media members across the region.
Hunter and McPherson were named to the All-SEC first team after successful seasons in 2023. Hunter finished a few yards shy of 1,000 yards in his first season as premier back in Auburn’s offense. Hunter rushed for 909 yards on 159 carries with seven touchdowns.
As for McPherson, the sophomore kicker was responsible for scoring 79 points last season for Auburn. He accomplished the feat by reaching perfection in every field goal and point after try, nailing every single kick he attempted. He went 40-for-40 in extra point attempts and 13-for-13 in field goal tries with a long of 53 yards.
Asante burst onto the scene last season by recording 86 tackles with five sacks. He is being rewarded with a third team nod, which will allow for him the opportunity to take a first or second team spot by season’s end.
Finally, Scott wraps Auburn’s representation by taking home a third team specialist nod. Scott returned 15 punts for 222 yards for an average of 14.8 yards per return. He also a touchdown last season in Auburn’s win over Arkansas. In addition to his returning duties, Scott will be instrumental in Auburn’s secondary by playing cornerback.
One notable snub is tight end [autotag]Rivaldo Fairweather[/autotag], who missed out on preseason honors after leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns last season. Fairweather looks to build upon 2023’s success where he hauled in 38 catches for 394 yards and six touchdowns.
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