Tag: Izavion Miller

Where does Jackson Arnold land among The Oklahoman’s SEC quarterback rankings?

Arnold will get a fresh start in Auburn this fall. How will he perform in his new uniform?

Auburn football revamped its quarterback room by landing two players with starting experience from the transfer portal.

Former Oklahoma starting quarterback [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] and ex-Stanford signal caller [autotag]Ashton Daniels[/autotag] join the roster ahead of next season and will compete alongside true freshman Deuce Knight for the right to be named QB1 of the Auburn Tigers.

According to Ryan Aber of The Oklahoman, Arnold is projected to be named starter for Hugh Freeze’s offense in 2025. However, Aber does not expect Arnold to kickstart Auburn’s offense to stellar improvement. In his ranking of potential SEC starting quarterbacks, he places Arnold at No. 12.

Aber cites Arnold’s struggles in 2024 as the reason for his low ranking. However, Auburn should provide a better supporting cast to help Arnold succeed.

The TIgers’ offense was boom or bust this season, struggling with turnovers for much of the year. Enter Arnold, who had a rough first season as a starter with 1,421 yards and 12 touchdowns with just three interceptions though he struggled with ball-security issues. Arnold rushed for 444 yards and three touchdowns. Much of his struggles were tied into the lack of protection from OU’s offensive line and a lack of targets among wide receivers. Arnold still has the potential that made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2023 class.

Auburn returns four of its five starting offensive linemen from the 2024 season, and will have a strong replacement for [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag] at right tackle in Virginia Tech transfer [autotag]Xavier Chaplin[/autotag]. Auburn’s receivers will also provide more reliable targets for Arnold. Auburn landed the transfer portal’s No. 1 receiver in [autotag]Eric Singleton[/autotag] last month, who will mesh with [autotag]Cam Coleman[/autotag], [autotag]Malcolm Simmons[/autotag], and [autotag]Perry Thompson[/autotag] to form one of the best receiving units in the country.

Arnold is ahead of Alabama‘s Ty Simpson, Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen, Missouri’s Beau Pribula, and Kentucky‘s Zach Calzada in Aber’s rankings. LSU‘s Garrett Nussmeier takes the top spot as focus begins to shift to the 2025 season.

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Jarquez Hunter announces plans to enter NFL draft

Hunter was a vital piece of Auburn’s offense for four seasons. Now, he is ready to turn pro.

A major bright spot in Auburn football’s recent history is ready for the next step in his college career.

[autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], who played a vital role in Auburn’s offense as the team’s premier running back over the last two seasons, announced Thursday that he is declaring for the NFL draft after four great years on the Plains.

Hunter shared the news on social media by writing to Auburn fans, coaches, and teammates. He began his post by sharing his gratitude for the opportunity to play for Auburn.

“First and foremost I want to thank GOD for blessing me with an opportunity to be able to play at my dream school and the position he has put me in. I give him all the glory and without him I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Although underutilized, there is zero doubt that the Auburn fanbase fully appreciated Hunter. Hunter stepped into the premier back role in 2023 following the departure of [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] to the NFL, where he played at a high level over his final two seasons on the Plains. His first season as the bellcow back saw him rush for 909 yards on 159 carries while scoring seven touchdowns.

He finally reached the 1,000-yard mark as a senior in 2024 by rushing for 1,201 yards on 187 carries. Playcalling limited Hunter’s rushing ability as he recorded less than 20 carries in nine of 12 games this season. Coincidentally, Auburn won three games when Hunter carried the football more than 20 times.

Hunter joins an extensive list of offensive starters who will move on from the program due to graduation including quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag], tight end [autotag]Rivaldo Fairweather[/autotag], and tackle [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag].

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Auburn adds former USC tackle Mason Murphy from transfer portal

Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire sheds light on what Auburn fans can expect from Murphy following his commitment.

Auburn fans woke Tuesday to the news that an experienced offensive lineman would join.

[autotag]Mason Murphy[/autotag], a 22-game starter for the USC Trojans at right tackle, announced his commitment to Auburn on Tuesday morning. His commitment is welcomed as head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and offensive line coach [autotag]Jake Thornton[/autotag] are searching for a replacement at right tackle for the outgoing [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag].

What exactly is Auburn getting in Murphy? We asked Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire for insight on Murphy’s time in Los Angeles, and he delivered.

Murphy started all 12 of USC’s games this season, with his best game coming in the Trojans’ 42-20 win over Rutgers on Oct. 25. Pro Football Focus graded his performance 81.0 overall, with an 83.6 in pass blocking. However, he failed to grade above 71.0 in his remaining 11 starts, which caused frustration among the USC fanbase according to Zemek.

“Maybe (Thornton) can create improvements from Murphy, but USC fans winced (and probably yelled with anger) when Murphy made key mistakes which kneecapped the Trojans in 2024,” Zemek said.

Several of Murphy’s mistakes included losing a block against Minnesota on Oct. 5, which forced a momentum-swinging interception that led to a Trojan loss. Murphy also committed four false start penalties in USC’s loss to Washington on Nov. 2.

However, Zemek feels Murphy could become a high-level player with great coaching.

“To be fair to Auburn, USC offensive line coach Josh Henson has not done a good job with the Trojans,” Zemek said. “If Auburn thinks it can coach Murphy better than Henson did at USC, this could all work out. If that was the thought process behind this pickup, it makes sense. Just beware: Mason Murphy was not part of the solution at USC.”

Last season, Izavion Miller earned a grade of 64.4 from Pro Football Focus after allowing 17 pressures with four sacks in 570 snaps at right tackle. However, two key linemen: [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag] and [autotag]Connor Lew[/autotag], were graded above 70 for the season.

Murphy will compete alongside Virginia Tech transfer [autotag]Xavier Chaplin[/autotag] for the role of Auburn’s starting right tackle this spring. Chaplin committed to Auburn Monday after starting 25 games at left tackle for the Hokies over the last two seasons.

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Auburn lands Virginia Tech transfer Xavier Chaplin

Chaplin aims to earn a starting spot within Auburn’s offensive line in 2025.

Virginia Tech offensive lineman [autotag]Xavier Chaplin[/autotag] committed to the Auburn Tigers on Sunday from the transfer portal. The 6-7, 323-pound offensive tackle started every game for the Hokies over the last two seasons after redshirting his freshman campaign in 2022.

A former three-star recruit, Chaplin has outperformed projections significantly during his college career. 247 Sports ranked the South Carolina native as the second-best offensive tackle in the 2025 transfer cycle, giving Hugh Freeze a much-needed anchor of an offensive line set to lose a few pieces next season.

After helping his Hokies rank No. 22 in rush yards per game in 2023, Chaplin again paved the way toward a successful rushing attack in Blacksburg this season. Running back Bhayshul Tuten finished the season with glaringly similar numbers to Auburn starter [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], although Tuten’s scoring production (15 touchdowns) outpaced Hunter’s.

Chaplin will be entering his junior season in 2025 on the Plains. Still with two years of eligibility remaining, the former Hokie will have a direct path to earning a starting role along the offensive line next season. While left tackle [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag] is reportedly returning for his final season, right tackle [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag] is out of eligibility, leaving a void likely to be filled by the newest Tiger.

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Izavion Miller takes home SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors

The Memphis, Tennessee native continues to be a key contributor for the Tigers since his commitment in 2022.

Auburn lineman Izavion “Too Tall” Miller earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors following the Tigers’ outstanding performance on the ground in week nine.

The senior played every snap of [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag]’s record-breaking rushing night at the right tackle position, consistently providing key blocks in front of Hunter, [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag], and [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag].

While Hunter received most of the accolades following his career-high 278 rushing yard night, most of those second-level yards would not have been possible without Miller and the rest of the Auburn offensive line. Miller’s position of right tackle is often considered the “anchor” of a team’s run game, and the senior was undoubtedly just that on Saturday night. One three of Jarquez Hunter’s four longest rushes, Miller provided the key lead block to spring his running back through the hole. According to Pro Football Focus, Miller allowed just one pressure in 78 snaps on Saturday.

The Memphis, Tennessee native continues to be a key contributor for the Tigers since his commitment in 2022. He and the rest of the Tigers offensive line will continue their quest to help Hunter finish as the SEC’s leading rusher when Auburn returns home to host Vanderbilt on Saturday. If Miller can continue producing solid individual performances like this, he could find himself penciled into NFL mock drafts as the spring approaches.

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Early look at Auburn’s Student-Athlete Availability Report ahead of Georgia game

Several notable names have been added to the initial availability report ahead of the next edition of “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.”

The first SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report of week six’s action has been released, and several notable athletes from Auburn’s roster have made the cut early on.

The obvious names of [autotag]Tyler Scott[/autotag], [autotag]Brandon Frazier[/autotag], and [autotag]Champ Anthony[/autotag], who was diagnosed with long-term injuries, remain on the list as “out” ahead of the Tigers’ road SEC game at No. 4 Georgia on Saturday. However, a trio of important defensive players are listed as “probable” for the game according to Wednesday’s report.

Linebackers [autotag]Jalen McLeod[/autotag] and [autotag]Dorian Mausi[/autotag], as well as safety [autotag]Jerrin Thompson[/autotag], are tagged “probable” for the Georgia game while OT [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag] is listed as “questionable.”

McLeod and Mausi combined to make seven stops in last week’s loss to Oklahoma, with McLeod logging a sack. McLeod is the team’s second-highest-graded defensive player according to PFF with 84.4 and has eight quarterback hurries with three sacks. Mausi has recorded four pressures through his first five games as an Auburn Tiger.

Thompson has allowed his covered receivers to catch just 56.3% of passes thrown their way this season at the safety position with a pass break-up and an interception. Miller, who has battled a hip issue throughout the year, has logged 149 snaps at right tackle for the Tigers this season. He is the team’s second-highest-graded pass blocker at 78.3, which is the highest grade among offensive linemen.

Four Georgia Bulldogs have been ruled out of this week’s game: RB Roderick Robinson, LB Smael Mondon Jr., WR London Humphries, and OL Tate Ratledge. DL Jordan Hall is listed as “questionable” while DL Mykel White, WR Sacovie White, and OL Jared Wilson are tabbed “probable.”

Auburn faces No. 4 Georgia on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. The game will be broadcast live on ABC.

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Akron transfer OL Ronan Chambers commits to Auburn

Chambers flipped his commitment to Auburn from Tulane following a recent visit to the Plains.

Auburn football continues to add depth to a crucial position by reeling in another offensive lineman from the transfer portal.

[autotag]Ronan Chambers[/autotag], a former Akron offensive lineman, broke off his commitment to Tulane after a recent visit to Auburn. On Monday, he announced his pledge to Auburn, becoming Auburn’s fifth transfer portal commitment during the spring window. Outside of Tulane, Chambers considered BYU and Arizona.

Chambers started all 12 games for Akron last season according to Pro Football Focus, alternating between left and right tackle. He played in 724 snaps and graded out at 58.0. He participated in 32 games over four seasons totaling 1,342 snaps.

Chambers is the second transfer offensive lineman to join Auburn’s roster from the transfer portal. Former Mississippi State tackle [autotag]Percy Lewis[/autotag] is expected to grab a starting tackle spot alongside [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag]. Chambers is expected to provide depth at the position.

Following Chambers’ commitment, Auburn now has 14 transfers in its 2024 haul and ranks No. 28 in 247Sports’ transfer portal rankings.

Auburn showing interest in Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis

Bisontis is one of the most popular names currently in the transfer portal.

[autotag]Chase Bisontis[/autotag] was a productive member of Texas A&M‘s offensive line in 2023.

In 12 games, he played 544 snaps, with 543 of those at right tackle according to Pro Football Focus. Bisontis also allowed just four sacks in 290 pass plays this season for the Aggies.

So it is easy to see why he is gaining interest from several Power Five programs, including Auburn, now that he has officially entered the transfer portal.

Bisontis has received interest from over 20 programs according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Auburn is one of 10 SEC programs that have reached out to Bisontis in hopes that he will choose them as his next home. On3’s Pete Nakos lists LSU as the early favorite to land Bisontis, but Bisontis has not officially announced a commitment date.

It never hurts to have depth at the offensive line unit, but the tackle position is not an immediate need for the Tigers heading into 2024. The team’s primary tackles, [autotag]Dillon Wade[/autotag] and [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag], are eligible to return to the team next season. However, Bisontis was a talented piece of the 2023 recruiting cycle by being ranked the No. 2 offensive lineman of the class, and the No. 1 player out of New Jersey. If he were to consider Auburn, Freeze and offensive line coach [autotag]Jake Thornton[/autotag] could work with him in order to find the role that is best suited for him.

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Auburn tweaks depth chart ahead of Week 7 game against LSU

Each of these changes were expected.

After a week away, Auburn football is set to return to action and [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and Co. have made some changes to the depth chart ahead of their matchup with the LSU Tigers.

The moves were largely expected as [autotag]Gunner Britton[/autotag] is now listed as the starter at left guard and [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag] at right tackle. This had already been happening for the past weeks but it is now official.

The other change comes along the defensive line where true freshman [autotag]Keldric Faulk[/autotag] has been named the starter at defensive end, replacing the injured [autotag]Mosiah Nasili-Kite[/autotag].

Here is a look at the full-depth chart for Auburn’s trip to Baton Rouge.

Brian’s Column: Auburn’s running game needs to show up against Texas A&M

The Auburn Tigers have gotten off to an undefeated start this season, but the running game has struggled. It needs to be better on Saturday.

For the past decade, the Auburn football offense has run through the running game.

The best player on the offensive side of the ball for the Tigers has always been their running back, whether it’s [autotag]Tank Bigbsy[/autotag], [autotag]Kerryon Johnson[/autotag], [autotag]Cameron-Artis Payne[/autotag], or Tre Mason, the offense has literally run on running the ball.

This year that has not been the case. The team’s leading rusher through three weeks is quarterback [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag].

The team’s leader in rushing touchdowns is backup quarterback [autotag]Robby Ashford[/autotag]

In a year in which starting running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] was voted to the preseason All-SEC team, he has rushed for a grand total of 90 yards and 1 touchdown in non-conference play.

If Hugh Freeze’s team is going to be successful in SEC play, the running backs are going to have to start running the ball and running it well.

This week Auburn travels to play a familiar opponent, the Texas A&M Aggies, who are currently giving up just over 4 yards per carry on the ground.

Auburn’s running backs are averaging 4.3, and that number dips almost below 4 if you take away long touchdown runs by [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] and [autotag]Sean Jackson[/autotag] against UMass.

That is simply not good enough for a team that has issues throwing the ball as well. This week the Tigers are going to have to score points against an A&M offense that averages 44 points per game.

If Thorne and the receivers falter in the passing game, the running game has to pick them up.

While Payton Thorne ran free last week, it was mostly due to him being a superior athlete against FCS competition. The run game needs to be more fundamentally sound against A&M and avoid sequences like the one below.

This sequence is downright brutal from first to fourth down.

Auburn tries to run an outside concept on first down, and it get’s completely blown up. The line of scrimmage immediately shifts to the Auburn backfield, and [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] is left with little to do but string out the run as long as he can before hoping a hole develops.

It does not, and Auburn is left with a second and long.

Now for second down.

Everything about this play is executed perfectly besides the most important part.

#77 [autotag]Jeremiah Wright[/autotag] and #72 [autotag]Izavion Miller[/autotag] execute their pulls perfectly, and have the edge completely locked up for Payton Thorne to follow them to the endzone.

Wide receiver #0 [autotag]Koy Moore[/autotag] does his part as well, taking his defender completely out of the would-be-play.

This should have been 6 points for Auburn. Instead, [autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] handed the ball off and the Tigers gained one yard.

Fourth down is just as bad as first and second. Just like they did on the outside run, the Auburn lines gets bullied on this inside run, leaving [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] with nowhere to go.

Auburn had many drives similar to this one during their 45-13 win last week. They were able to get away with it because of their talent,

That won’t be the case this week.

If Auburn is going to win as 8-point underdogs, the running game has to show up. The offensive line and running backs need to take some of the pressure off of Payton Thorne.

We’ll see if they can when the Tigers kick off SEC play Saturday at 11 CST.

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