Damari Alston – Syndication Server

Cadillac Williams resigns from position as Auburn’s associate head coach

The former Auburn running back resigns after spending five seasons as an assistant coach under three different head coaches.

The latest move regarding Auburn’s coaching staff involves a program legend.

[autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag], who played for Auburn from 2001-04 and served as an assistant coach for his alma mater over the last five seasons, resigned from his position as associate head coach and running backs coach late Thursday evening.

Williams shared his reasoning for the move in a press release. He says that he is looking to pursue other opportunities.

“After taking time to pray and reflect, I have made the decision to resign from my position with Auburn football to pursue other opportunities. I love Auburn, the players and AU family with all my heart, but this decision is what is best for me, my wife and sons. I am extremely grateful for the coaching opportunity given to me first by Coach Malzahn and most recently by Coach Freeze. These past five years on the Plains have been nothing short of incredible. Auburn is and always will be a special part of my life.”

War Eagle!

Williams first joined Auburn’s football staff during the 2019 season under head coach [autotag]Gus Malzahn[/autotag], and would go on to serve on the staffs of [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] and [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. Following the firing of Harsin during the 2022 season, Williams was named interim head coach. During his time as interim, Williams led the Tigers to a 2-2 record which included an emotional home win over Texas A&M.

Williams is also known as an effective recruiter, as he played a role in landing running backs [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag], [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], and [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag]. He was also the primary recruiter for offensive linemen [autotag]Clay Wedin[/autotag] and [autotag]Bradyn Joiner[/autotag].

Williams’ resignation marks the fourth assistant coach to leave the staff since the offseason began. Defensive coordinator [autotag]Ron Roberts[/autotag] is now a member of the staff at Florida while defensive backs coach [autotag]Wesley McGriff[/autotag] has joined Mike Elko’s staff at Texas A&M. Auburn has also parted ways with offensive coordinator [autotag]Philip Montgomery[/autotag].

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Brian Battie withdraws from transfer portal, decides to stay with Auburn

Auburn’s top kick returner from the 2023 season is set to return to the Plains.

A valuable piece of Auburn’s running back depth is set to return to the program for the 2024 season.

[autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], who transferred to Auburn from USF before the 2023 season, announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on Jan. 1. However, he has changed his tune. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported Tuesday that Battie has elected to withdraw his name from the transfer portal, and will return to Auburn.

Battie joined Auburn’s roster after rushing for 1,842 yards in three seasons at USF. His best season in Tampa came in 2022 when he rushed for 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns.

He gained 227 yards on 51 carries during his initial season on the Plains but was utilized more as a returner. He recorded 29 kickoff returns last season for 645 yards.

Battie’s return to Auburn provides much-needed depth to its running back room, as well as its return game. Battie will re-join the running back group headlined by [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag], and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag].

His decision to come back is key for the return game, as it ensures that Auburn’s top punt and kick returners are back for the 2024 season. [autotag]Keionte Scott[/autotag], Auburn’s top punt returner, announced earlier this week that he has also withdrawn from the transfer portal.

Auburn running back Brian Battie has withdrawn from the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @247sports.

Ran for 227 yards this season. Before Auburn, Battie led the FBS with 1,936 all-purpose yards at USF in 2022.https://t.co/6Cw7NKmknb pic.twitter.com/kTQDmfQPEr

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 10, 2024

Hugh Freeze likely to take over play calling for Auburn in 2024

Auburn Football’s major staff shakeup has continued.

Just a day after parting ways with offensive coordinator [autotag]Phillip Montgomery[/autotag], head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] will reportedly be taking over the play-calling for the Tigers in 2024.

Freeze took a more hands-on approach to the offense after Auburn started the 2023 SEC season 0-4. [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] and the running game immediately took a step forward, winning three straight games while averaging over 35 points per contest.

Auburn’s offense was also great in the Iron Bowl loss as the trio of running backs [autotag]Jarquez Hunter,[/autotag] [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], and quarterback Thorne combined to rush for just under 250 yards.

The Tigers’ head coach decided to take a step back from play-calling for the Music City Bowl to focus on recruiting.

The offense was anemic in Nashville.

Scoring only 10 points against a Maryland defense that didn’t have a great season, Auburn brass decided to ultimately part ways with Montgomery.

Auburn’s head coach is also expected to promote analyst Kent Austin to the quarterbacks coach. Austin was the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Freeze at Liberty.

While Freeze is set to take over the play-calling, Auburn will surely be looking for a new offensive coordinator over the coming weeks.

With the transfer portal still heating up and the new recruiting class slowly finding their way to the Plains, it would help the Tigers if they could find one sooner than later.

Final decision hasn’t been made yet, but Hugh Freeze is likely to take over offensive play-calling for Auburn, sources tell @247sports.

It’s also currently looking likely that Tigers analyst Kent Austin is going to end up getting promoted to QB coach, per sources. Austin was… pic.twitter.com/U4wen8EoUK

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 5, 2024

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Auburn named a school to watch for former Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins

Quinshon Judkins, an Alabama native, has been one of the best running backs in the country over the past two seasons.

[autotag]Quinshon Judkins[/autotag], one of the best running backs in the country, has announced he plans to enter the transfer portal and is set to be one of the top players available.

In two seasons at Ole Miss, he rushed for 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. The loss is a big blow for the Rebels ahead of the 2024 season but a massive gain for someone else, and one expert believes that school could be Auburn.

Brad Crawford of 247Sports included the Tigers on his six teams to watch for the Alabama native, alongside Michigan, Florida State, Alabama, LSU, and Oregon.

Judkins is from nearby Pike Road and turned down a late push from [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] and Auburn to sign with the Rebels out of high school. The Tigers could also be facing some depth concerns at running back, depending on what [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] decides to do.

The junior is draft eligible and could declare early for the 2024 draft, leaving [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] as the only scholarship running backs on Auburn’s roster.

Even if Hunter does return, a 1-2 punch of Judkins and Hunter would help lessen the blow on [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] and the revamped passing attack.

pic.twitter.com/CRaqEGY0Ja

— Quinshon Judkins (@qaj4_) January 4, 2024

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Instant Analysis: Alabama stuns Auburn in another wild Jordan-Hare classic

A late touchdown pass crushes Auburn’s dreams of upsetting the Crimson Tide on Saturday.

There was magic in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, but the dust ran out before the clock struck midnight.

The Auburn Tigers were at a low point following a 14-point loss to New Mexico State just a week ago and were looking to climb out of it with an upset win over No. 8 Alabama. The Tigers played tight with Alabama through the first half and used momentum to stay ahead of the Crimson Tide for most of the second half.

However, Alabama delivered the final blow to escape the Plains with a 27-24 win on Saturday evening.

Alabama faced a 4th down and goal situation from the Auburn 31 yard line with less than one minute remaining in the game. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe launched a desperation throw which ultimately connected with receiver Isaiah Bond in the back corner of the end zone for the late score and the victory with 0:32 remaining in the contest.

The Tigers jumped ahead, 21-20, with 6:36 to go in the 3rd quarter, and extended its lead to 24-20 on an Alex McPherson field goal with 10:15 remaining in the final quarter. Alabama’s final scoring drive began with 4:48 to go in the quarter, and managed to hold Auburn out of the end zone on their final three plays.

Auburn and Alabama ended the first quarter with a 7-7 tie. The Crimson Tide struck first on its first possession when Roydell Williams scored from two yards away to cap an eight-play drive that covered 69 yards and push Alabama ahead, 7-0 with 10:53 in the quarter. After trading possessions, Auburn’s [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] struck gold by scampering into the end zone for a four-yard score with 5:00 remaining.

Rushing was the name of the game for Auburn in the 1st quarter, as all 74 yards were produced on the ground. [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] led the charge with 58 yards, followed by Alston’s 15 yards. Auburn quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] was 0-for-3 passing in the 1st quarter.

Both teams traded jabs in the 2nd quarter, with Alabama coming away with a 17-14 lead. The Crimson Tide broke the 7-7 tie with a Will Reichard 32-yard field goal in the opening seconds of the quarter. Both teams traded possessions before Auburn grabbed its first lead of the game on a 12-yard reverse play from Ja’varrius Johnson with 2:24 remaining in the half.

The lead was shortlived as Alabama answered on its next possession with a 68-yard pass from quarterback Jalen Milroe to receiver Jermaine Burton on the third play of its next possession.

Momentum began tipping toward Auburn in the 3rd quarter, as they were able to take a 21-20 lead into the final stanza. The Tigers were able to take the lead by limiting Alabama to three points despite being outgained, 137-115 in the yards department.

Reichard nailed his second field goal of the day with 9:12 remaining in the quarter to extend Alabama’s lead to 20-14. Auburn followed with a score just two-and-a-half minutes later on a connection between Thorne and Johnson that went for a 27-yard touchdown. The successful extra point pushed the Tigers back in front, 21-20.

Auburn finishes the regular season with a 6-6 record and will await their bowl destination which will be revealed on Sunday, December 3.

First half highlights: The Iron Bowl is tight through one half

Auburn is trailing No. 8 Alabama at the break at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Here are the plays that defined the Tigers’ first half play.

The first half of the 88th Iron Bowl is complete, and there is a fun finish brewing at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide leads Auburn at the break, 17-14 thanks to a few late scores in the 2nd quarter. Auburn’s Ja’varrius Johnson scored with 2:24 remaining in the half on a reverse play that was set up by a 56-yard rush from running back [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] on the previous play. Three plays later, Alabama took the lead back on a 68-yard pass from Jalen Milroe to Jermaine Burton with 1:33 to go in the first half.

The Tigers ended with 201 total yards after being able to gain just 74 in the 1st quarter, all on the ground. Hunter and Alston combined to rush for 153 of Auburn’s 181 rushing yards while [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] completed just 2-of-10 passes for 20 yards. Defensively, [autotag]Austin Keys[/autotag] and [autotag]Jalen McLeod[/autotag] lead in tackles with four each.

Here are the plays that defined the first half between Auburn and Alabama.

Auburn RB commit J’Marion Burnette is open to other schools

Burnette had previously announced that his recruitment was shut down.

[autotag]J’Marion Burnette[/autotag] has been committed to Auburn since March 24 and had previously announced his recruitment was shut down but things between him and the Tigers have clearly changed.

He took to social media Wednesday night to announce that his “recruitment is 100% open still committed to auburn just opened to options!”

Burnette, a four-star prospect, is Auburn’s only commit at running back in the 2024 recruiting class but would be joining a crowded running back room on the Plains. The Tigers could have all five scholarship running backs return next season and [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] have already proven they can be productive players and deserve touches.

Burnette is the No. 255 overall player and No. 18 running back in the 247Sports composite ranking. The Andalusia native is also the No. 14 player from Alabama.

Checking in at 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, Burnette is a big, physical back who is at his best running between the tackles. He has been limited by an injury in his senior season and has played in just six games.

Auburn has been looking to add a second running back to the class and two of their top targets have been Clemson commit David Eziomume and Miami commit Kevin Riley but with Auburn’s expected depth they could end up without a running back and instead focus on 2025 target Alvin Henderson.

My recruitment is 100% open still committed to auburn just opened to options!

— J'Marion ‘‘Phat’’ Burnette (@JMarionBurnette) November 1, 2023

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Hugh Freeze provides injury update on RB Damari Alston

Damari Alston could be making his return this week against Mississippi State.

[autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] is expecting one of Auburn’s top offensive players to return against Mississippi State.

Running back [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] suffered a shoulder injury against Texas A&M on Sept. 23 and hasn’t played since. Freeze revealed Wednesday that he expects that to change this weekend.

“I think they’ll let him go,” Freeze said. “I’m not 100 percent on that, but it’s trending that way.”

Alston was [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag]’s primary backup before suffering his injury and had rushed for 131 yards and one touchdown in Auburn’s first four games. Auburn has leaned heavily on the running game during the season, they rank 2nd in the SEC with 40.29 attempts per game and are 4th with 186 yards per game.

Auburn is set to face Mississippi State Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT in Jordan-Hare Stadium and the game will be on the SEC Network.

Hugh Freeze provides injury update ahead of Auburn’s game against LSU

Hugh Freeze provided an injury report ahead of Auburn’s matchup with LSU.

Auburn had an extra week to get healthy ahead of their game against LSU but they are still pretty banged up [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] revealed Monday.

Starting linebacker [autotag]Austin Keys[/autotag] and nickel cornerback [autotag]Keionte Scott[/autotag] are both still out for the “foreseeable future.” He also reiterated that starting defensive end [autotag]Mosiah Nisili-Kite[/autotag] is done for the season.

He did provide positive news about starting safety [autotag]Jaylin Simpson[/autotag] who he expects to return.

“He’s day-to-day and said he’s feeling better each day, so I’m hopeful and expecting that he will go.”

Switching to the offensive side of the ball, running back [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] is doubtful, wide receiver [autotag]Malcolm Johnson[/autotag] is day-to-day and [autotag]Ja’Varrius Johnson[/autotag] is questionable with an elbow injury.

“So, that’s where we are,” Freeze said. “It’s the next man up, and we’ve got to get some of these younger kids to play more consistently. We worked on that hard last week in the open week. They got a ton of reps, because we’re going to need them before this season is over, with the remaining seven games we have.”

Auburn DE Mosiah Nasili-Kite out for season with torn bicep

The veteran appeared in every game before suffering the injury against Georgia.

Auburn’s defense has lost yet another starter to injury, and this time it’s for the rest of the season.

Starting defensive end [autotag]Mosiah Nasili-Kite[/autotag] suffered a torn bicep in Auburn’s game against Georgia and will miss the rest of the 2023 season [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] announced Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, we lost Mosiah for the year,” Freeze said. “That’s really going to hurt us in the defensive line.”

Nasili-Kite played in all five games this season, making 10 tackles, 0.5 for loss and two quarterback hurries. True freshman [autotag]Keldric Faulk[/autotag] has emerged as his backup and will likely see a larger role moving forward.

Auburn is dealing with a rash of injuries and is hoping to use its bye week to get healthy ahead of next week’s game against LSU. On the offensive side of the ball, running back [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] is recovering from a separated shoulder and wide receiver [autotag]Ja’Varrius Johnson[/autotag] is battling a hamstring injury.

Defensively, safety [autotag]Jaylin Simpson[/autotag] left the Georgia game with a calf injury, defensive back [autotag]Keionte Scott[/autotag] is recovering from surgery to address a high ankle sprain and middle linebacker [autotag]Austin Keys[/autotag] is still weeks away from returning after breaking his thumb.