Tag: Preseason Player Profiles

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 36 Jaylin Simpson

The veteran is making the move to safety.

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 defensive back [autotag]Jaylin Simpson[/autotag]. After starting his career at corner, the coaching staff moved him to safety last season and he showed the potential to be a difference-maker for the Tigers.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Brunswick, Georgia

Height: 6-1

Weight: 178

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four-Star / No. 34 in Georgia / No. 33 CB

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs PDs INTs
2019 4 2 .5 0 0
2020 7 14 1 3 0
2021 9 27 1 4 1
2022 12 37 0 7 2

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Pass Rush Coverage
2019 65.1 27.5 68.7 – 60.0
2020
58.6
32.2
 51.4 47.7 60.9
2021 65.6 68.2 48.3 57.5 69.1
2022 71.0
73.9
 76.6 59.8 68.8

Depth Chart Overview

Simpson spent the first four years of his Auburn career playing cornerback but his future is at safety after a late positional change last season. He flashed his ability last season but with a full year of preparation under safeties coach [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag] the sky is the limit for him.

He and [autotag]Zion Puckett[/autotag] have the two starting jobs locked down ahead of several talented but unproven players.

Jaylin Simpson’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 35 Jalen McLeod

He is one of several key additions Auburn made at the jack linebacker spot over the offseason.

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 jack linebacker [autotag]Jalen McLeod[/autotag]. He is looking to become the pass-rusher that Auburn needs.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Height: 6-1

Weight: 237

Previous School: App State

Class in 2023: Junior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 13 in D.C. / No. 68 ILB

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FFs
2020 (App State) 4 9 2.0 2.0 0 1
2021 (App State) 12 26 3.0 1.0 3 0
2022 (App State) 11 41 7.5 6.0 1 2

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Pass Rush Coverage
2020 67.7 81.2 57.3 71.8 64.4
2021 74.2 87.8 66.3 71.2 83.1
2022 86.6 61.4 76.8 90.7 64.7

Depth Chart Overview

With Auburn losing its entire edge room after last season the pressure was on to go out and land several transfers who could make an immediate impact and the coaching staff did that with the additions of McLeod, [autotag]Elijah McAllister[/autotag] and [autotag]Stephen Sings V[/autotag]. McLeod is probably undersized to play every down, but he has the ability to be a pass-rushing specialist.

It is quite a jump off from the Sun Belt to the SEC but he had his best game of the season last year against Texas A&M, making 2.0 sacks and three total tackles.

While McAllister and the other jack linebackers will see plenty of action to help stop the run, McLeod looks like Auburn’s top pass-rusher and should be on the field on passing downs.

Jalen McLeod’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 33 Mosiah Nasili-Kite

The Maryland transfer is battling to be Auburn’s starting defensive end.

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 transfer [autotag]Mosiah Nasili-Kite[/autotag]. The former Maryland Terapin is competing to be Auburn’s starting defensive end.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Pittsburg, California

Height: 6-2

Weight: 285

Previous School: Maryland (2020-22), Independence C.C. (2019), Washington (2018)

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite JUCO Ranking

Three-Star / No. 22 in Washington / No. 16 SDE

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FRs
2018 (Washington) 0 – – – – –
2019 (Independence) 6 32.0 – 1.0 – –
2020 (Maryland) 5 17 5.0 4.0 0 0
2021 (Maryland) 10 37 7.0 4.0 2 0
2022 (Maryland) 12 26 2.5 1.0 0 1

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Pass Rush
2020 73.0 60.1 73.2 71.1
2021 58.8 54.6 61.7 58.3
2022 62.6 63.4 64.1 58.4

Depth Chart Overview

Nasili-Kite is looking to make an impact in his one season on the Plains after spending time at Washington and Maryland. He is battling to be Auburn’s starting defense end and his experience in the Big Ten should have him ready for the grind of the SEC.

Auburn is looking for help rushing the passer and Nasili-Kite could be one of the answers after recording 9.0 sacks in his time at Maryland. Even if he is unable to win the starting job, Auburn is expected to use a heavy rotation along the defensive front and he will still see plenty of action as a key reserve.

Mosiah Nasili-Kite’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 31 Powell Gordon

Get to know the Auburn product ahead of his redhsirt freshman 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 Auburn native [autotag]Powell Gordon[/autotag]. The linebacker entered the portal in April but returned to the Tigers after [autotag]DeMario Tolan[/autotag] left the program in July.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Auburn, Alabama

Height: 6-3

Weight: 220

Class in 2023: Redshirt Freshman

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 29 in Alabama / No. 65 LB

Depth Chart Overview

Gordon did not see the field in his first season on the Plains and entered the portal after spring practice. Getting him back to fortify the depth at linebacker was well done after the departure of Tolan but he likely needs more time to develop before contributing.

He was primarily a pass-rusher at Auburn High School and is still learning the linebacker position and with Auburn adding several experienced transfers his role could once again be limited in 2022. One path to playing time could be on special teams while the coaching staff continues to help him develop for 2023 and beyond.

Powell Gordon’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 30 Larry Nixon III

The productive veteran is looking to make an impact in his one season on the Plains.

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 linebacker [autotag]Larry Nixon III[/autotag]. The veteran from North Texas brings a wealth of experience and production to the room and will look to make an impact in his one season on the Plains.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Height: 6-1

Weight: 231

Previous School: North Texas

Class in 2023: Senior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Two-Star / No. 358 in Texas / No. 160 LB

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FFs
2018 (North Texas) 0 – – – – –
2019 (North Texas) 10 17 0 0 1 1
2020 (North Texas) 8 53 6.5 3.0 0 1
2021 (North Texas) 10 70 2.5 1.5 1 0
2022 (North Texas) 12 105 2.5 1.0 0 0

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Pass Rush Coverage Special Teams
2019 81.7 71.9 71.5 53.8 87.7 85.7
2020 58.6 39.1 61.0 69.8 54.3 64.2
2021 58.8 50.0 58.2 81.0 51.9 72.2
2022 67.1 64.2 73.7 78.9 55.8 62.6

Depth Chart Overview

Nixon appeared in 40 games over the past four seasons for the Mean Green and was named to the Conference USA First-Team last season before entering the transfer portal and that experience will be invaluable to have in the heart of the defense which will feature several newcomers.

He is battling [autotag]Cam Riley[/autotag] for the starting Will spot and regardless of who wins, they should both play plenty of snaps and be key contributors. Auburn was looking to improve its depth at line linebacker, allowing the Tigers to rotate and keep their players fresh and Nixon will let them do just that.

Larry Nixon III’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 27 Jarquez Hunter

After two seasons as a back up, it is Hunter’s turn to be the top running back.

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 star running back [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag]. There are questions about Hunter’s availability for the season but he is Auburn’s top offensive player and should be the focal point of the offense when he’s on the field.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Philadelphia, Mississippi

Height: 5-10

Weight: 212

Class in 2023: Junior

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 12 in Mississippi / No. 43 RB

Career Stats

Year G Carries Yards YPC TDs Receptions Receiving Yards
2021 12 89 593 6.7 3 12 61
2022 12 104 688 6.4 7 17 224

PFF Grades

Year Offense Runs Passing Pass Blocking Special Teams
2021 80.4 82.0 78.4 50.0 75.6
2022 80.1 82.7 69.1 26.8 41.1

Depth Chart Overview

Hunter burst onto the scene as a freshman, becoming Auburn’s top backup to [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] and would have had a bigger role if Bigsby wasn’t so talented. With Bigbsy off to the NFL, it’s Hunter’s time to shine and he has a chance to be one of the top running backs in the SEC due to his combination of speed, strength and pass-catching ability.

He is Auburn’s top offensive player and headlines a running back room that is the strength of the team. [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] and [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag] provide strong backups to help keep Hunter fresh, a must at such a physical position.

Jarquez Hunter’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 23 J.D. Rhym

He should be one of Auburn’s top reserves in the secondary.

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 sophomore cornerback [autotag]J.D. Rhym[/autotag]. He appeared in 12 games as a freshman and is set to be a key reserve once again.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia

Height: 6-1

Weight: 178

Class in 2023: Sophomore

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four-Star / No. 16 in Georgia / No. 20 CB

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FFs
2022 12 14 0 0 1 0

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Pass Rush Coverage Special Teams
2022 63.8 44.9 36.7 71.0 69.8 54.6

Depth Chart Overview

Rhym broke through the rotation as a freshman and despite missing time in spring, he should once again be a key member of the rotation at corner. With [autotag]D.J. James[/autotag] and [autotag]Nehemiah Pritchett[/autotag] locking down the starting spots, he will form the second wave with [autotag]Kayin Lee[/autotag] and [autotag]Champ Anthony[/autotag] and should see plenty of action.

J.D. Rhym’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 23 Jeremiah Cobb

He has the makings of a star running back for Auburn.

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 running back [autotag]Jeremiah Cobb[/autotag]. He is a dynamic talent and has the ability to make an early push for playing time in a loaded running back room.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

Height: 5-11

Weight: 191

Class in 2023: True Freshman

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four-Star / No. 13 in Alabama / No. 9 RB

High School Stats

G Carries Yards YPC Rushing TDs Receptions Yards Receiving TDs
50 639 6,567 10.3 75 51 1,142 15

Depth Chart Overview

Auburn is loaded at running back with [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag] and Cobb. He is the youngest of the bunch but Cobb looks like a future workhorse and it would not be shocking for him to make a serious push for the RB2 role.

He has the ability to be a threat in the passing game and that could be his route to early playing time in a crowded group. Hunter is the clear leaded of the group but the rotation behind him is still far from set, something Cobb will look to take advantage of.

Jeremiah Cobb’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 22 Damari Alston

He is looking to make a push for the RB2 role.

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]Damari Alston[/autotag]. The sophomore has impressed in his short time on the Plains and is pushing for a bigger role.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Height: 5-10

Weight: 209

Class in 2023: Sophomore

247Sports Composite Ranking

Four-Star / No. 30 in Georgia / No. 28 RB

Career Stats

Year G Carries Yards YPC TDs Receptions Yards
2022 12 14 85 6.1 0 1 13

PFF Grades

Year Offense Runs Passing Run Blocking Special Teams
2022 65.8 70.3 42.8 57.8 57.6

Depth Chart Overview

Alston appeared in 12 games as a freshman and while he had just 14 carries, that experience was important and set the tone for an impressive spring. He looks like he will be a key part of the offense moving forward but that may have to wait as he is behind [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag].

While he will push Battie for the role of RB2, the duo will likely split the carries behind Hunter, Auburn’s clear top running back. Alston is a prime breakout candidate and should thrive in his role, even if it’s limited behind the proven duo of Hunter and Battie.

Damari Alston’s Photo Gallery

Auburn Tigers Snapshot Profile: No. 21 Caleb Wooden

He is looking to take a step foprward after appearing in six games as a true freshmen.

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 sophomore safety [autotag]Caleb Wooden[/autotag]. He appeared in six games as a true freshman and is looking to build on that valuable experience.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Height: 6-1

Weight: 188

Class in 2023: Sophomore

247Sports Composite Ranking

Three-Star / No. 89 in Georgia / No. 70 S

Career Stats

Year G Tackles TFLs Sacks PDs FFs
2022 6 9 0 0 0 0

PFF Grades

Year Defense Tackling Run Defense Coverage Special Teams
2022 64.6 64.9 72.8 61.1 69.9

Depth Chart Overview

Wooden appeared in six games last season but with a limited amount of snaps. He got some work at the nickel position during spring practice and should provide depth at both nickel and safety this season as he continues to develop behind Auburn’s more experienced options.

He did well on special teams last year and could do so once again as he fights to get reps in a crowded secondary.

Caleb Wooden’s Photo Gallery