Auburn’s defense will be under new leadership in 2021 as Derek Mason has been hired as the coordinator under Bryan Harsin. Luckily for the former Vanderbilt head coach, he will have a lot of talent to work with.
Rivals.com has listed two Tigers defenders — linebacker Colby Wooden and defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett — as two of the top 10 redshirt freshmen to watch for this upcoming season.
Wooden will have to play a much bigger role in 2021 with the loss of both Big Kat Bryant and Daquan Newkirk up front. In his first collegiate season, Wooden recorded 42 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, six quarterback hurries and broke up one pass.
“Wooden was a nice surprise to the defense this season and turned into an elite playmaker against the run and pass.”
Pritchett appeared in all 11 games as a freshman in 2020, recording 25 total tackles, 10 pass breakups and an interception.
“He had a big pick and had double-digit pass breakups and appears to be a future star.”
The redshirt freshman from Jackson, Alabama, is expected to battle Jaylin Simpson for one of the starting cornerback spots.