Linebacker was one of the strengths of the defense a season ago and with the return of Owen Pappoe and Zakoby McClain, the corps could be even better in 2021.

The group will be without team leader K.J. Britt and is now under the tutelage of new defensive coordinator Derek Mason and position coaches Jeff Schmedding and Bert Watts but has the talent and depth to help lead Auburn’s new-look defense. 

Projected depth chart

Outside linebacker

T.D. Moultry, senior, nine tackles in 11 games.

Cam Riley, sophomore, nine tackles in 11 games, made one start.

Inside linebacker

Zakoby McClain, senior, led the SEC with 113 tackles, three sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, started nine games and played in all 11.

Chandler Wooten, senior, opted out of the 2020 season.

Inside linebacker 

Owen Pappoe, junior, 93 tackles, four sacks, six tackles for loss, started all 11 games.

Wesley Steiner, sophomore, three tackles in nine games.

Departed: 

K.J. Britt, graduated, 23 tackles, one tackle for loss, started two games before injury ended season

Outlook:

Auburn’s linebacker group was without two critical players last season after Chandler Wooten opted out and Britt suffered an injury early in the season but they were still one of the best in the SEC.

This was thanks to the stellar play of McClain and Pappoe and why expectations for the group are once again so high.

McClain emerged as one of the best linebackers in the SEC, leading the conference and tying for the FBS lead in tackles with 113 tackles. After not making any of the All-SEC teams, he is ready to prove himself even more in his senior campaign.

Pappoe has emerged as one of the most versatile players on the defense, creating pressure whenever he is sent on blitzes and has the speed to drop back into coverage.

His versatility should mesh well with Mason’s system which will ask Pappoe to do a little bit of everything.

The duo will be backed up by Wooten and Wesley Steiner. Wooten is returning after opting out a season ago and will provide some more experience after appearing in 45 games throughout his career. Steiner played in nine games as a freshman and should see his role continue to grow.

T.D. Moultry appears to be playing the edge rusher/outside linebacker role and the new staff will look to get the most out of him after he has struggled with injuries, penalties and inconsistent play held him back under the previous staff. Moultry has the ability to play inside and outside so he could see snaps at several different positions along the front seven.  

Riley played in nine games as a true freshman and has the potential to play inside linebacker or along the outside. With Pappoe and McClain clogging up the middle a move outside would seem to be a good way to get the talented Riley onto the field.