Tag: avery jones

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 66 Avery Jones

He wasted no time cementing himself as Auburn’s starting center.

Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in his first season on the Plains.

Up next is transfer center [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag]. The veteran has cemented himself as Auburn’s starting center and will look to lead an offensive line that has several newcomers.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Havelock, North Carolina

Height: 6-4

Weight: 307

Previous School: East Carolina (2020-22), North Carolina (2018-19)

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four-Star / No. 12 in North Carolina / No. 14 OG

Career Stats

Year G
2019 (UNC) 1
2020 (ECU) 9
2021 (ECU) 12
2022 (ECU) 12

PFF Grades

Year Offense Pass Blocking Run Blocking
2019 60.0 – 60.0
2020 66.6 59.7 67.6
2021 59.6 61.2 61.3
2022 65.8 78.7 61.6

Depth Chart Overview

Jones was one of the best offensive linemen available in the transfer portal this season and was a major get for Freeze and the Tigers. He quickly locked down the starting job and is looking to be a key reason for the unit’s improvement.

With several transfers expected to start, it will be important for the room to gel and become a cohesive unit. Having a proven veteran like Jones in the middle will be critical and should help the entire offense.

 Avery Jones’ Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 54 Tate Johnson

He is battling to be one of Auburn’s starting guards.

Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in his first season on the Plains.

Up next is offensive lineman [autotag]Tate Johnson[/autotag]. After winning the starting center job last year, he has switched to guard and is firmly in the mix for a starting spot.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: LaGrange, Georgia

Height: 6-4

Weight: 302

Class in 2023: Junior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 53 in Georgia / No. 27 OG

Career Stats

Year G
2020 1
2021 0
2022 4

PFF Grades

Year Offense Pass Blocking Run Blocking
2020 66.4 72.5 65.6
2022 55.3 47.4 58.5

Depth Chart Overview

Johnson is in a battle with [autotag]Kameron Stutts[/autotag], [autotag]Jaden Muskrat[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeremiah Wright[/autotag] for the two guard spots. This battle will likely last into the season and could see several changes as the coaches look to find the best combination along the line.

Johnsons has the ability to play center and was Auburn’s starter last season before suffering a season-ending injury. If starter [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag] were unable to go he could very well slide over and that versatility makes him an important member of Auburn’s offense and someone to keep an eye on.

Tate Johnson’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 53 Gunner Britton

He is one of three transfers expected to start along the offensive line.

Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in his first season on the Plains.

Up next is transfer offensive tackle [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag]. After facing Auburn last season, Britton will now be suiting up for the Tigers and is expected to be the starting right tackle.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Conway, South Carolina

Height: 6-6

Weight: 312

Previous School: Western Kentucky

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Two-Star / No. 53 in South Carolina / No. 212 OT

Career Stats

Year G
2019 (WKU) 11
2020 (WKU) 11
2021 (WKU) 12
2022 (WKU) 13

PFF Grades

Year Offense Pass Blocking Run Blocking
2019 66.5 62.0 65.5
2020 77.3 76.2 72.5
2021 83.2 61.3 84.3
2022 80.1 86.5 71.0

Depth Chart Overview

Britton was brought in to help reshape Auburn’s offensive line and he has separated himself as the Tiger’s top option at right tackle.

He brings a ton of experience after spending the past five seasons at Western Kentucky and is at his best in pass protection, something he did constantly last season. Auburn is hoping that the additions of Britton and fellow transfers [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag] and [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag] can shore up the offensive line as they look to fix an offense that has struggled over the past couple seasons.

Gunner Britton’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 52 Dillon Wade

He is looking to help turn around Auburn’s offensive line.

Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in his first season on the Plains.

Up next is transfer offensive tackle [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag]. He followed offensive coordinator [autotag]Phillip Montgomery[/autotag] from Tulsa and looks to have locked down the starting left tackle spot.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Height: 6-3

Weight: 307

Previous School: Tulsa

Class in 2023: Junior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 329 in Texas / No. 174 OG

Career Stats

Year G
2021 (Tulsa) 4
2022 (Tulsa) 12

PFF Grades

Year Offense Pass Blocking Run Blocking
2021 53.0 36.1 67.1
2022 66.9 66.7 68.1

Depth Chart Overview

Wade was one of Auburn’s biggest gets from the transfer portal and has already cemented himself as Auburn’s starting left tackle. As an added bonus, he is already familiar with Montgomery’s offense and should be able to help the rest of the offensive line get up to speed.

That could be critical as Auburn is also expected to start transfers [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag] at center and right tackle, respectively. The trio is at the core of Auburn’s offensive line overhaul and if they can give Auburn solid line play, it will give the rest of the offense a chance.

Dillon Wade’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 50 Jalil Irvin

The veteran is one of Auburn’s most experienced linemen.

Going into the 2023 football season, Auburn Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Tigers’ roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in his first season on the Plains.

Up next is veteran offensive lineman [autotag]Jalil Irvin[/autotag]. He has spent played both center and guard during his time at Auburn and he gives them needed depth at several key positions.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Stone Mountain, Georgia

Height: 6-3

Weight: 319

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 49 in Georgia / No. 22 OG

Career Appearances

Year G
2019 4
2020 4
2021 11
2022 12

PFF Grades

Year Offense Pass Blocking Run Blocking Special Teams
2019 59.2 16.3 64.1 61.0
2020 50.9 74.1 50.9 60.7
2021 52.5 76.4 52.3 61.0
2022 47.6 50.8 47.4 61.7

Depth Chart Overview

Entering his sixth year on the Plains, Irvin gives Auburn an experienced player who can play both center and guard when needed.

Transfer [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag] has the starting center spot locked up and Irvin is in a battle with [autotag]Connor Lew[/autotag] and [autotag]Tate Johnson[/autotag] to be the No. 2 center. With both guard spots still up for grabs, it could take some time to determine what the best combination is for the offensive line.

Regardless of where he starts on the depth chart, Irvin is an experienced option that Auburn’s coaches know they can count on at either guard spots or center when needed.

Jalil Irvin’s Photo Gallery

Auburn football ranks last among Power Five teams in offensive line continuity

The Tigers will have plenty of new faces gracing the offensive line this season.

Out of all units that Auburn football will trot out onto the field in 2023, the offensive line will see the most changes.

It comes with good reason, as the Tigers’ line allowed 32 sacks last season, and they were only able to help their offense gain just 378 yards per game. Most of that was due to inconsistency within snap counts.

According to Pro Football Focus, only two offensive linemen were on the field for more than 700 snaps, [autotag]Killian Zierer[/autotag] and [autotag]Brandon Council[/autotag]. The next player on the list was [autotag]Austin Troxell[/autotag], who played in 482 snaps over eight games.

If those facts sound crazy, that is because they are. Auburn’s continuity rate among offensive linemen was super low last season. So low, that it was the worst among Power Five teams.

College Football Graphs recently shared its list of offensive line continuity, and Auburn ranks No. 69 among Power Five programs with a rate of 35.6%.

While only three players played more than 400 snaps on the offensive line last season, a total of six were able to play 345 or more snaps last season. Among the nine players who shuffled through Auburn’s offensive line last season, only three return to the 2023 roster: [autotag]Tate Johnson[/autotag], [autotag]Jalil Irvin[/autotag], and [autotag]Jeremiah Wright[/autotag].

Hugh Freeze hopes to increase Auburn’s continuity rate in 2023 by sending several of his experienced transfer portal finds to pick up the slack. Several names that should contribute heavily to Auburn’s line this season are [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag], [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag], and [autotag]Jaden Muskrat[/autotag].

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Does Shane Hooks’ first season at Auburn have breakout potential?

He was Jackson State’s leading receiver last season. Can Shane Hooks produce at a higher level this season?

When Deion Sanders announced that he would be leaving Jackson State to take the same role at Colorado last December, he was poised to bring many of his playmakers with him to Boulder.

One player, however, did not make the trip.

[autotag]Shane Hooks[/autotag] was the go-to target for Shedeur Sanders last season at Jackson State, as he led the team in receptions (64), receiving yards (748), and receiving touchdowns (10). So it was easy to see why Hugh Freeze and staff were eager to get him on campus.

They succeeded, and now Hooks is a member of the Tigers’ receiving corps. He will be a giant asset to Auburn’s offense and will complement [autotag]Ja’varrius Johnson[/autotag] in the receiving unit. Hooks’ potential on the Plains has one outlet predicting the newcomer to have a “breakout” season.

Roll Tide Wire recently selected a potential “breakout” player for each SEC program heading into the 2023 season and has listed Hooks as Auburn’s representative.

There will be a new No. 1 wide receiver on the Plains in 2023. Jackson State transfer Shane Hooks has the frame and skillset to become the go-to wide receiver option for quarterback Robby Ashford. At 6-foot-4, Hooks uses his size to overmatch opposing defenders. Not to mention, Hooks has a track background. Meaning he has enough speed to blow by defenders. In two seasons at Jackson State, Hooks hauled in 80 receptions for 947 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Hooks is one of several pieces from the transfer portal that is expected to become immediate contributors to the Auburn offense, joining offensive linemen [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag], and quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag].

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Jones, Britton included in impact transfers list

Auburn added two solid Group of Five linemen in the initial transfer portal window.

Auburn football needed a boost to its offensive line. Thanks to the transfer portal, they received it.

Auburn landed several talented linemen from the transfer portal, which could ultimately lead to their skill players becoming more productive. Two of Auburn’s additions have made a special list from On3.

[autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag] and [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag] are both ready to make an impact in the SEC after spending time in the Group of Five division. On3’s Jesse Simonton feels that they are ready to make the jump, as he has included both Britton and Jones in his list titled The 25 most impactful 2023 D-II, FCS, and Group of 5 transfers making the jump to the Power 5.

Britton played in 51 total games at Western Kentucky during his four-year stint there. He was the Hilltoppers’ top-graded lineman last season by receiving a 78.6 from Pro Football Focus while totaling 1,039 snaps in 14 games. His versatility will mesh well with his experience says Simonton.

The former Western Kentucky tackle comes to Auburn after starting all 12 games for the Hilltoppers in 2022. Capable of playing left or right tackle, the 6-6 senior figures to start at one of the two spots for Huge Freeze this fall on The Plains.

Jones played in 31 games at East Carolina in three seasons. Last season, he logged in 852 snaps at center and allowed just 12 pressures.

Jones was a last-minute flip to Auburn during the winter window, opting to play in the SEC over heading to Illinois as originally planned. A three-year starter at center at East Carolina, the 6-4, 310-pound center has already grabbed a spot with the 1s for the Tigers.

Britton and Jones should make an immediate impact on the Auburn offensive line this season. Also, look for Tulsa transfers [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag] and [autotag]Jaden Muskrat[/autotag] to see plenty of action up front this season.

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PFF ranks Gunner Britton as one of the best returning offensive linemen in the SEC

Hugh Freeze has overhauled Auburn’s offensive line and Britton is one of his top additions.

[autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] has done a great job flipping Auburn’s roster ahead of his first season on the Plains and perhaps the position where he has done the most work is along the offensive line, where the Tigers have landed nine newcomers this offseason.

One of the biggest additions is transfer offensive tackle [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag], who spent the past five seasons at Western Kentucky. He started 14 games for the Hilltoppers last season and is poised to be the Tigers starting right tackle for the 2023 season.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pounder was one of the top players in the transfer portal and PFF has him graded as one of the top returning offensive linemen in the SEC, his grade of 78.6 is the fourth highest among returning players.

He is one of four transfers Auburn has landed along the offensive line and all have a good shot at starting. With Britton anchoring the right tackle spot, [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag] (Tusla) is expected to start at left tackle with [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag] (ECU) playing enter and [autotag]Jaden Muskrat[/autotag] (Tulsa) battling for one of the guard spots.

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Auburn is already benefiting from Hugh Freeze’s knack for recruiting

Despite only being on the job for seven months, Hugh Freeze has led Auburn to a top five spot in 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings.

After dismissing [autotag]Brian Harsin[/autotag] in October of last year, Auburn hired [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] in hopes that he would rebuild a program that had been steadily declining over the last two seasons.

He has yet to coach a game, but Freeze is already proving that he was the right choice due to his success on the recruiting trail. Auburn ended the 2023 recruiting cycle with the No. 18 class, and they did more damage within the transfer portal by landing the nation’s No. 3 overall class.

Brad Crawford of 247Sports recently broke down the top 10 transfer portal hauls of the 2023 cycle and has listed Auburn’s class as one of the most impressive in college football.

Crawford says that Freeze is proving his positive track record in recruiting already.

Auburn’s power brass knew of Hugh Freeze’s ability to recruit and he has made noise ahead of his first campaign. Freeze has convinced 11 four-star transfers to join him on The Plains ahead of the 2023 season, including several defensive linemen that will assist in Auburn’s all-new group of pass rushers. The Tigers landed a much-needed quarterback too in (Payton) Thorne, doing so after the two-week April window. A couple pass-catching additions will provide immediate assistance.

Crawford listed quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag], DL [autotag]Justin Rogers[/autotag], OL [autotag]Avery Jones[/autotag], and WR [autotag]Caleb Burton[/autotag] as the “hot names” of Auburn’s transfer portal haul, but the Tigers reeled in several potential day-one starters in OL’s [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag] and [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag], LB [autotag]Larry Nixon III[/autotag], and RB [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag].

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

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