Tag: Preseason Player Profiles

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 55 Bradyn Joiner

The true freshman is likely headed for a redshirt season.

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 freshman offensive lineman [autotag]Brady Joiner[/autotag]. The versatile linemen can play guard or center for Auburn.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Anniston, Alabama

Height: 6-2

Weight: 344

Class in 2023: True Freshman

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 23 in Alabama / No. 42 IOL

Depth Chart Overview

Like the vast majority of offensive linemen, Joiner needs some time to develop and is likely headed for a redshirt season. He brings some positional versatility to the group as he can play center and guard for the Tigers. That ability could help him move up the depth chart in future seasons.

Bradyn Joiner’s 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. 52 Justin Rogers

He brings SEC experience and upside to Auburn’s defensive 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 defensive lineman [autotag]Justin Rogers[/autotag]. One of Auburn’s top pickups through the portal, he brings experience and upside to the interior of the defensive line.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Height: 6-3

Weight: 346

Previous School: Kentucky

Class in 2023: Junior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four-Star / No. 1 in Michiagn / No. 7 DT

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FFs
2020 (Kentucky) 7 9 1.0 1.0 0 0
2021 (Kentucky) 12 16 2.5 1.5 0 0
2022 (Kentucky) 12 35 1.5 0.5 0 0

Depth Chart Overview

Rogers was mostly a nose tackle in his three seasons at Kentucky but with Auburn also having [autotag]Jayson Jones[/autotag], the two will both see some time at tackle when they are on the field together. The two massive linemen will look to clog up the interior of the field when Auburn is looking to stop the run.

One area that Rogers is looking to improve in is his ability to force negative play, he has made 5.0 tackles for loss in his career, if he can increase that number it will make a huge difference for Auburn’s defense.

Justin Rogers’ 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 Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 50 Marcus Harris

The veteran is Auburns top returning defensive lineman and someone the Tigers are counting on to help anchor the defense.

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 defensive lineman [autotag]Marcus Harris[/autotag]. The veteran is now the leader of the defensive line and someone Auburn is counting on to make plays.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

Height: 6-3

Weight: 295

Previous School: Kansas

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 73 in Alabama / No. 117 SDE

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FRs
2019 (Kansas) 4 2 0 0 0 0
2020 (Kansas) 8 27 7.5 0 0 1
2021 12 27 6.0 2.0 0 1
2022 12 30 6.5 2.0 1 0

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Pass Rush Coverage
2019 52.1 29.0 52.6 55.4 –
2020 69.9 63.7 74.6 57.0 60.0
2021 59.2 59.5 60.5 60.7 –
2022 63.5 62.6 67.1 56.8 62.9

Depth Chart Overview

Harris started his career at Kansas but after a breakout sophomore season, he found his way to Auburn. He’s been a solid player for Auburn over the past two seasons but he is now the top returning defensive lineman and the leader of the group.

He will be counted on to help anchor the defensive line as the coaches rotate the pieces around him to figure out how to use all of the newcomers. The new scheme will let him get after the quarterback more and a spike in tackles for loss or sacks is very possible for the senior.

 Marcus Harris’ Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 46 Jake Levant

Jake Levant has become a key contributor for Auburn on special teams.

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 linebacker [autotag]Jake Levant[/autotag]. The former walk-on earned a scholarship ahead of last season and has been a key special-teamer in his time at Auburn.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Height: 6-1

Weight: 232

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 80 in Alabama / No. 137 LB

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FFs
2020 0 – – – – –
2021 8 1 0 0 0 0
2022 12 4 0 0 0 0

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Coverage Special Teams
2021 – – – – 53.3
2022 65.4 80.0 73.2 60.5 54.8

Depth Chart Overview

Levant was put on scholarship ahead of last season and appeared in all 12 games for the Tigers with most of his time coming on special teams. Auburn’s additions through the transfer portal at linebacker have likely cut out his role there but he provides quality depth and should once again see plenty of action on special teams.

Jake Levant’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 44 Sean Jackson

He is looking to carve out a role for himself in a corwded running back room.

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 running back [autotag]Sean Jackson[/autotag]. A bruising running back, he came to Auburn as a walk-on but quickly earned a scholarship after arriving on the Plains

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Trussville, Alabama

Height: 5-9

Weight: 236

Class in 2023: Sophomore

247Sports Composite Ranking

Unranked

Career Stats

Year G Carries Yards YPC TDs
2021 4 12 60 5.0 1
2022 12 0 0 0 0

PFF Grades

Year Offense Runs Passing Special Teams
2021 78.9 75.5 59.8 70.3
2022 60.0 – 60.0 53.6

Depth Chart Overview

Listed at 236 pounds, Jackson is Auburn’s heaviest running back by over 20 pounds and is not afraid to lower his shoulder and deliver a big hit. It’s that physicality that could be his path to playing time after he didn’t register a carry last season.

In addition to a possible short-yardage role, he appeared in every game last year on special teams and should once again see plenty of action in that phase.

Sean Jackson’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 40 Wilky Denaud

He is looking to turn an impressive spring into early playing time.

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 freshman defensive lineman [autotag]Wilky Denaud[/autotag]. The true freshman was an early enrollee who impressed during the spring.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Stuart, Florida

Height: 6-3

Weight: 276

Class in 2023: True Freshman

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four-Star / No. 77 in Florida / No. 49 DL

Depth Chart Overview

Denaud looks like he is ready to contribute due to his great frame and has some slight experience due to enrolling early. While this could lead to some early playing time, it is extremely tough for freshmen defensive linemen to have a significant role in the SEC.

Regardless of his role this season, he has the potential to be an impact player moving forward and is certainly a player to monitor.

Wilky Denaud’s Photo Gallery