Tag: derick hall

Best images from Auburn’s media day appearance

A look at Auburn at SEC media day on Thursday.

On Thursday it was Auburn’s turn to take to the podium and discuss the upcoming season. Head coach [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] was joined by running back [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag], tight end [autotag]John Samuel Shenker[/autotag], and edge defender [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag].

The Tigers are preparing for a season of retribution in year two of the Harsin era. After finishing 6-7 after losing five-straight games, the 2022 season will give them a chance to build a solid foundation. It will likely fall on the shoulders of Zach Calzada and the offense. The defense seems like the strongest unit at this point in time. As the offense goes, likely so will the team.

Check out these images from the SEC media session on Thursday:

Charles Barkley fires back at those critical of Bryan Harsin

Sir Charles has had enough of the “outside noise” that Auburn Football’s head coach has had to endure this offseason.

The outlook for Auburn Football has been anything but positive after the unsuccessful attempt by boosters to dethrone the leader of the program, [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag], in February.

Harsin survived the coup, but there still seems to be overwhelming negativity surrounding the second-year head coach and his program in the form of low expectations and numerous “hot seat” projections.

Now, those close to the program are becoming vocal when it comes to sharing their displeasure towards those who have become critical of Auburn football.

Linebacker [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag] recently shared his opinion with Auburn Live about the “outside noise” surrounding the program, and now a beloved former Auburn athlete has put his two cents in.

[autotag]Charles Barkley[/autotag] is known for many things, including his love for Auburn and his inability to shy away from sharing his opinion on certain matters. Both of those notable features were showcased on Friday’s episode of the “The Next Round“, where the topic of Harsin’s recent adversity was discussed. In true Barkley fashion, he shared his unfiltered thoughts on the situation.

“This is to all the Auburn people, leave that man alone and let him do his freaking job,” Barkley said. “He has only been there a year, just leave the man alone and let him do his job.”

He went on to say that he loves Auburn Basketball head coach Bruce Pearl, as well as athletic director Allen Greene, and has been pleased with the hard work that they have put into their jobs in an effort to improve athletics at Auburn University. He says that if Harsin can get a longer leash, that the athletic program will have a favorable future.

He also has a message for those who keep finding ways to hinder Harsin from doing what he was hired to do.

“For the people who keep bothering (Harsin), I wish someone would just slap the hell out of them,” Barkley said.

Year two of the Bryan Harsin era is set to begin the season Sept. 3 at Jordan-Hare Stadium against the Mercer Bears.

Pair of Auburn linebackers among the SEC’s best

The senior linebacker duo at Auburn is listed among the best in the conference.

When it comes to the Auburn Tigers in 2022, the defense is likely going to be a strength of the team. Players such as Colby Wooden and Nehemiah Pritchett are ready to help lead the way as the Tigers look for redemption.

Among the top units at linebacker in the country, Auburn has two standouts ready to make an impact. Those two are [autotag]Owen Pappoe[/autotag] and [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag]. The senior duo was voted among the SEC’s best by the USA TODAY Sports Network of journalists.

Auburn was one of two schools with multiple players listed in the top 10. Only the Alabama Crimson Tide had more. When these two teams meet for the Iron Bowl, we could see five of the best linebackers in the SEC on full display. We start with the No. 9 player on the list, Pappoe.

No. 9: Owen Pappoe

Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

Auburn, senior (30 points)

Pappoe was injured last year, but the Auburn team captain is a former five-star recruit who excels in coverage and pass rush; he amassed 93 tackles in 2020.

No. 2: Derick Hall

AP Photo/John Raoux

Auburn, senior (108 points)

Derick Hall is a projected first-round draft pick who finished third in the SEC with nine sacks last year from Auburn’s edge position.

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Two Auburn players make new preseason All-American list

Both players have been mentioned as potential draft prospects for 2023.

As The Tigers’ Sept.  3 debut against the Mercer Bears draws ever closer, it’s about that time of year where preseason lists and polls begin to run rampant in anticipation of the upcoming season.

Such is the case with Athlon Sports’ new preseason All-American list, and two Auburn Tigers have made the cut. Defensive end [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag] was listed on the third-team defense and running back [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] was listed on the fourth-team offense.

Hall’s inclusion should be no shocker to Auburn fans. He’s been touted as a potential 2023 first-round draft pick from numerous analysts and he looks to be the key figure on an Auburn defense that otherwise has a considerable amount of question marks. Last year, Hall had nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.

Bigsby is another prospect who has been turning heads for college football this year, being ranked as a top running back in numerous lists and also getting some recognition as a potential draft prospect himself. With a new quarterback stepping into the fold, the Tigers could use Bigsby heavily as an anchor for the offense.

Coach [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] will certainly hope that these two players live up to expectations, and both Bigsby and Hall will look to impress NFL scouts as their draft aspirations draw closer after this year.

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Auburn to send three players to SEC Media Days

Auburn will be sending two offensive players and one defensive player to SEC Media Days.

Auburn is sending three upperclassmen to the 2022 SEC Media Days, the SEC announced Tuesday.

Running back [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag], tight end [autotag]John Samuel Shenker[/autotag], and edge [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag] will represent the Tigers in Atlanta.

The event will be held at the College Football Hall of Fame and The Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta, Ga., July 18-21. The first day will start at 10 a.m. CT on Monday and the entire event will be on the SEC Network.

Bigsby, who was recently named the best running back in the SEC, is entering his junior season as the focal point of the offense. He rushed for 1,099 yards and 10 touchdowns on 223 carries last season.

Shenker is entering his fifth season as a reliable playmaker for the offense. His 33 receptions and 413 yards receiving yards last season were the most ever by an Auburn tight end in a single season.

Hall is one of the conference’s best defensive linemen and is the Tiger’s top pass rusher. He made 52 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 9.0 sacks as a junior last season.

The Tigers are set to speak on Thursday with Tennessee and Texas A&M. You can view the full list of attendees here.

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Four Auburn Tigers make 76th annual preseason All-SEC team

The expectations are high for these four Tigers.

The 76th Annual AL.com/Birmingham News All-SEC Team has been announced, as voted on by the conference’s 14 football information directors.

Four Auburn Tigers were named to the team, with two making the first team and two the second.

[autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] was selected as the first-team running back. The junior rushed for 1,099 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He is expected to be the engine that powers Auburn’s offense in the 2022 season.

[autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag] is the Tiger’s other first-teamer, named to the defensive line. Hall led Auburn with 12.5 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks last season. He and Eku Leota give Auburn a nice pass-rushing combo coming off the edge.

[autotag]Colby Wooden[/autotag] was selected to the second team defense after making 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks last season. The final Tiger to make the list is punter [autotag]Oscar Chapman[/autotag], who made the second team.

Alabama led the way with 11 total selections and five first-teamers. The group is headlined by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young on offense and outside linebacker Will Anderson on defense.

Anderson, the only unanimous selection, led the nation in sacks (17.5) and tackles for loss (34.5) as a sophomore last year.

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2022 preseason All-SEC team

As selected by the league’s 14 football information directors

First-team offense
Position Player, School Ht. Wt. Class
Quarterback Bryce Young, Alabama 6-0 194 Jr.
Running back Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky 5-11 224 Sr.
Running back Tank Bigsby, Auburn 6-0 213 Jr.
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, LSU 6-0 205 Jr.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman, Tennessee 6-3 315 Sr.
Tight end Brock Bowers, Georgia 6-4 230 So.
Tackle Broderick Jones, Georgia 6-4 315 So.
Tackle Nick Broeker, Ole Miss 6-5 315 Sr.
Guard Layden Robinson, Texas A&M 6-4 320 Jr.
Guard Emil Ekiyor, Alabama 6-3 307 Sr.
Center Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas 6-4 318 Sr.

 

First-team defense
Defensive line Jalen Carter, Georgia 6-3 310 Jr.
Defensive line Derick Hall, Auburn 6-3 256 Sr.
Defensive line Byron Young, Alabama 6-3 292 Sr.
Defensive line Maason Smith, LSU 6-5 298 So.
Linebacker Will Anderson, Alabama 6-4 232 Jr.
Linebacker Bumper Pool, Arkansas 6-2 232 Sr.
Linebacker Nolan Smith, Georgia 6-3 235 Sr.
Cornerback Cam Smith, South Carolina 6-0 185 Jr.
Cornerback Eli Ricks, Alabama 6-2 190 Jr.
Safety Jordan Battle, Alabama 6-1 206 Sr.
Safety Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M 6-3 200 Jr.

 

First-team specialists
Kicker Harrison Mevis, Missouri 5-11 257 Jr.
Punter Nik Constantinou, Texas A&M 6-3 230 Jr.
Return specialist Ainias Smith, Texas A&M 5-10 190 Sr.

 

Second-team offense
Position Player, School Ht. Wt. Class
Quarterback Hendon Hooker, Tennessee 6-4 218 Sr.
Running back Jahymr Gibbs, Alabama 5-11 200 Jr.
Running back Zach Evans, Ole Miss 6-0 215 Jr.
Wide receiver Jermaine Burton, Alabama 6-0 200 Jr.
Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss 6-2 225 Sr.
Tight end Michael Trigg, Ole Miss 6-3 240 So.
Tackle Javon Foster, Missouri 6-5 320 Sr.
Tackle Jeremy James, Ole Miss 6-5 305 Jr.
Guard Kenneth Horsey, Kentucky 6-3 300 Sr.
Guard O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida 6-5 334 Jr.
Center Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia 6-4 310 So.

 

Second-team defense
Defensive line Byron Young, Tennessee 6-3 245 Sr.
Defensive line Colby Wooden, Auburn 6-5 284 Jr.
Defensive line Gervon Dexter, Florida 6-6 313 So.
Defensive line Jaquelin Roy, LSU 6-3 315 Jr.
Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, Alabama 6-2 228 Sr.
Linebacker Dallas Turner, Alabama 6-4 240 So.
Linebacker Brenton Cox, Florida 6-4 253 Jr.
Cornerback Kelee Ringo, Georgia 6-2 205 So.
Cornerback Malachi Moore, Alabama 6-0 190 Jr.
Safety Jalen Catalon, Arkansas 5-10 199 Jr.
Safety Chris Smith, Georgia 5-11 190 Sr.

 

 

Second-team specialists
Kicker Cam Little, Arkansas 6-2 176 So.
Punter Oscar Chapman, Auburn 6-3 202 Jr.
Return specialist Lideatrick Griffin, Miss. State 5-10 180 Jr.

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Nine Auburn players named to Athlon Sports’ preseason All-SEC Team

Were any Auburn players snubbed?

Athlon Sports announced its preseason All-SEC Team for the 2022 season, and nine Auburn players made one of the four teams.

The Tigers had two first-team selections, running back [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] and defensive lineman [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag]. Defensive lineman [autotag]Colby Wooden[/autotag] and punter [autotag]Oscar Chapman[/autotag] were named to the second-team.

Linebacker Owen Pappoe, offensive lineman Keiondre Jones, and kicker Anders Carlson each made the third-team. Tight end John Samuel Shenker and safety Zion Puckett were fourth-team selections.

Check out the full teams below.

A message from Athlon Sports on how they select the teams.

These are based on how players will perform in 2022. Career statistics and awards matter in the evaluation, but choosing players for the 2022 all-conference team is largely based on predicting and projecting the best for the upcoming year. Also, team strength does not play a role in selections. These are the best individual players at each position in the league for ’22.

Auburn pass rusher named to Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list

It is officially watch list season for college football, up first is the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy announced its watch list for the 2022 season and Auburn edge [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag] was one of 42 players to make the list.

The Lott Trophy is awarded annually to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. The player must represent the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

Hall is entering his senior year and is Auburn’s top pass rusher after leading the Tigers with 9.0 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last season. Hall elected to pass on last year’s draft and to return and improve his stock as a senior.

The 2022 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List

  • Kris Abrams-Draine, DB, Missouri
  • Nick Andersen, S, Wake Forest
  • Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama
  • Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas State
  • Jeremy Banks, LB, Tennessee
  • Jordan Battle, DB, Alabama
  • Kyon Barrs, DL, Arizona
  • JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame
  • Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
  • Troy Brown, LB, Ole Miss
  • Ben Bywalter, LB, BYU
  • Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
  • Andre Carter II, DE, Army
  • Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
  • Levani Damuni, LB, Stanford
  • Nick Figueroa, DL, USC
  • Tony Grimes, CB, North Carolina
  • Derick Hall, DL, Auburn
  • Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State
  • Xavier Henderson, S, Michigan State
  • Nick Herbig, LB, Wisconsin
  • Shaka Heyward, LB, Duke
  • Ronnie Hickman, S, Ohio State
  • Nick Jackson, LB, Virginia
  • Antonio Johnson, CB, Texas A&M
  • Brandon Joseph, S, Notre Dame
  • Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt
  • Key Lawrence, S-CB, Oklahoma
  • Will McDonald IV, DE, Iowa State
  • Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami
  • Riley Moss, DB, Iowa
  • BJ Ojulari, DE, LSU
  • Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
  • Luke Reimer, LB, Nebraska
  • Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
  • Daniel Scott, S, California
  • Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
  • Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
  • Henry To’oTo’o, LB, Alabama
  • Rashad Torrence II, CB, Florida
  • Zion Tupuola-Fetui, DE, Washington
  • J.J. Weaver, LB, Kentucky

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Auburn’s most intriguing draft prospect according to The Athletic

This defensive weapon was circled by the Athletic as an intriguing draft prospect.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Auburn Tigers have a pair of front seven defenders who will likely be their reason for success in 2021. Derick Hall is likely going to be among the top players at his position when it comes to the NFL draft in 2022.

Over the last two seasons, Hall has accounted for 74 of his 86 quarterback pressures. Most on the team during that span. For the Tigers’ defense to be successful it will be up to Hall to set the tone for the front seven of the defense. With another productive season on the plains, he should be right in line to be among the top edge rushers of the class.

The Athletic (subscription required) weighs in on the most intriguing NFL draft prospect for each SEC school.

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Hall’s length and general burst off the edge make him a very interesting prospect with a pretty high ceiling. He had 12.5 TFLs and nine sacks at Auburn last season as a 6-3, 256-pound edge defender who wore multiple hats.

As a pass rusher, Hall shows an ability to bend and get to the corner, at times. His length and get-off are also natural problems for offensive tackles in obvious passing situations. Hall’s overall rush plan is still pretty basic and needs more development, but it’s all in there. He plays with a lot of effort and shows a willingness to chase plays down from the back side. Hall can also turn his hips and run with backs and some tight ends while being able to cover a lot of ground in zone with his long wingspan.

Elsewhere at Auburn, junior running back Tank Bigsby has been terrific through two years with the Tigers: 1,933 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 32 catches for 268 yards. Keep an eye on him.

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Three Auburn defensive players named to NFL draft watch list

The Tigers could be well represented in the 2023 NFL draft.

Auburn could see another defensive exodus at the end of the season.

PFF dropped its list of defensive players to watch for the 2023 NFL draft, and the Auburn Tigers were well represented. The list, which wasn’t numbered, included defensive end [autotag]Derick Hall[/autotag], defensive end [autotag]Colby Wooden[/autotag] and linebacker [autotag]Owen Pappoe[/autotag].

Hall has been a frequent name in NFL draft lists, often being projected to the first round in mocks immediately following the draft. The senior had a PFF pass-rush grade of 80 or higher in his last two seasons with the Tigers, and a great year this upcoming season should propel him as a prospect.

Wooden is on the other end of the defensive line, but he’d likely play a 3-4 role with his size. PFF mentions that Wooden could have declared for this year’s draft and likely been a day two pick, but his decision to stay could result in a higher placement if he can really impress NFL scouts with his play this year. Wooden finished the season with a PFF pash rush grade of 80.6.

Pappoe got praise from PFF’s list on his speed — the five-star prospect out of high school ran a 4.47 forty-yard dash, according to 247Sports, and NFL scouts are sure to enjoy that in an era where fast linebackers like Micah Parsons and Devin White have wreaked havoc in the past few seasons. The list mentions that Pappoe will need to bring some physicality to his game to fully impress scouts come his senior year.

The Tigers will play Mercer on Sept. 3 to kick their season off, and it will be the first opportunity for all these players to show their stuff.

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