Tag: Robert Woodyard

Auburn adds LB Fa’Najae Gotay from transfer portal

Gotay recorded a career-best 44 tackles with 2.5 sacks at Maryland last season.

The Maryland to Auburn pipeline became stronger this week, as Auburn has added its third transfer from the Big Ten program in two seasons.

[autotag]Fa’Najee Gotay[/autotag], a linebacker formerly of Maryland, announced Thursday that he will continue his college career at Auburn after spending the last six seasons with the Terrapins.

He joins former Maryland tight end [autotag]Rico Walker[/autotag] by moving from College Park to Auburn ahead of the 2024 season. Auburn received contributions from former Maryland defensive tackle [autotag]Mosiah Nasili-Kite[/autotag] last season. In his lone season on the Plains, Nasili-Kite recorded 10 tackles before tearing his bicep in Auburn’s loss to Georgia in early October, prematurely ending his season.

Gotay enjoyed the most successful season of his college career in 2023 by recording 44 tackles with 4.5 registering for a loss with 2.5 sacks. His college career began in 2018 by playing four games for Maryland. He earned another season of eligibility in 2020 due to the COVID-shortended season, and was granted a medical redshirt in 2021 after an upper-body injury cut his season short after just one game.

Gotay comes to Auburn with 133 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he averaged 170 snaps per season for Maryland, and participated in 668 snaps over the last two seasons.

Auburn’s linebacker room gains experience by adding Gotay. Gotay joins the group headlined by returners [autotag]Eugene Asante[/autotag] and [autotag]Austin Keys[/autotag]. Former Duke star [autotag]Dorian Mausi Jr.[/autotag] joins the roster this season to provide another block of experience while players such as [autotag]DJ Barber[/autotag], [autotag]Demarcus Riddick[/autotag], and [autotag]Robert Woodyard[/autotag] continue to develop.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Zac Etheridge departs Auburn, expected to be hired at Houston

Etheridge resigns after spending three seasons on his alma mater’s staff.

The Auburn coaching staff continues to see shake-up as the offseason heats up.

Late Thursday, Auburn associate head coach and running backs coach Cadillac Williams announced his resignation from the staff to “explore other opportunities.” Early Friday, another alum followed suit.

[autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag], a former Auburn defensive back who spent three seasons on Auburn’s staff, also announced his resignation via X (formerly Twitter). Matt Zenitz of 247Sports has reported that Etheridge’s next move will be joining the staff at the University of Houston.

Auburn head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] released a statement Friday to show gratitude for Etheridge’s service to Auburn’s staff.

“Auburn football would like to thank Zac for his contributions to the program the last three years. He played a vital role in establishing the foundation of the future. Zac is a relentless recruiter and tireless worker who has a bright future in this profession. I look forward to watching his career develop and wish him nothing but the best.”

Etheridge joined Auburn’s staff in 2021 as part of [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag]’s first staff. He was retained by Freeze and continued his role as defensive backs coach for the 2023 season. It was announced on Dec. 30 that Charles Kelly was hired to serve as co-defensive coordinator with an expected role working with defensive backs. Since then, both defensive backs coaches from the 2023 staff, [autotag]Wesley McGriff[/autotag] and Zac Etheridge, have both departed.

In addition to his on-field role, Etheridge was known as an elite recruiter. Etheridge played a role in Auburn landing four-star talent such as [autotag]Keldric Faulk[/autotag] and [autotag]Robert Woodyard[/autotag]. He was also the primary recruiter for current commits [autotag]Antonio Coleman[/autotag], [autotag]Kendarius Reddick[/autotag], and [autotag]JaKaleb Faulk[/autotag].

Etheridge’s departure is the fifth move of the offseason for Auburn’s coaching staff. Offensive coordinator [autotag]Philip Montgomery[/autotag], defensive coordinator [autotag]Ron Roberts[/autotag], defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff, and running backs coach Cadillac Williams have also departed the staff.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Breaking down five newcomers who could make an impact for Auburn in 2022

The top five newcomers who can make a serious impact this season.

There are five freshmen to keep an eye on this season. Two offensive players and three defensive players are at the very top of our list. All five were highly recruited out of high school and will more than likely be featured abundantly over the course of the spring.

Omari Kelly, Wide Receiver

Omari Kelly was regarded as a four-star WR by 247Sports. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, he has played against some of the best competition in the state. Within the past few months, the Tigers have lost wide receivers Kobe Hudson and Javarrius Johnson via the transfer portal. They also lost Demetris Robertson (graduated). The three ranked No. 1, No. 3, and No. 5 respectively in receptions.

This makes Kelly’s impact that much larger for the Spring. At his high school, Kelly ran track and field. The Tigers could definitely use someone that has world-class speed. It will be interesting to see how Kelly develops over the Spring. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he were in the rotation for a starting role in the Fall.

Micah Riley-Ducker, Tight End

Micah Riley-Ducker is a 6’6 Tight End out of the state of Nebraska. 247Sports has him ranked as the No. 19 tight end in the class. Former Auburn TE JJ Pegues recently transferred to Ole Miss so that makes his impact just as large. His frame and skillset should definitely have him in the mix to earn playing time for the Fall.

Next, we check on the defensive players to watch

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Alabama recruiting: 2022 football commitment tracker

Roll Tide Wire brings you the 2022 football recruiting tracker for commitments. Every player’s profile from every major recruiting service.

Alabama came up with the No. 1 recruiting class once again in 2021. Most of those players have already signed, but there is still a chance for some changes to be made to the final count.

With that being said, it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2022 class.

There’s nothing wrong with looking ahead a little bit, right? As it sits right now, the Crimson Tide have the No. 28 class (No. 6 in SEC) in the nation, according to the 247Sports composite.

The reason it’s low?

There is currently only one commitment. But don’t get discouraged. This list will continue to grow in the coming months. Remember, Alabama only had one commitment last April and look at how they finished.

This list will be something you can revisit in the future. It’s an easy place to keep track of where the Tide ranks, but to also have a one-stop shop for every commitment’s profile for the various recruiting services.

So without further ado, your current 2022 class.

First up … Robert Woodyard

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REPORT: 4 star LB Robert Woodyard commits to Alabama

On Thursday morning, 4 star LB Robert Woodyard committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide over Georgia, Auburn, and others.

On Thursday morning, 4 star LB Robert Woodyard committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide over Georgia, Auburn, and others.

Woodyard, who is a rising junior at Williamson High School, is the No. 5 player in the state for the 2022 class, according to 247 Sports.

247Sports also has him as the No. 2 inside linebacker and the No. 58 overall player in the country,

BamaOnline.com spoke with Williamson head football coach Dedrick Sumpter about Woodyard’s commitment:

“This is an elite player/ I’m talking about this guy’s size, he’s cerebral, he’s intelligent … man, there’s so many adjectives I could say. He’s a good kid. His ceiling is so high because he’s a basketball player, too. He was third-team all-state in that. You’re talking about a guy that’s 6-2, 220 with that kind of skillset. He fits the mold. He is a typical Alabama linebacker.”

Woodyard is the Crimson Tide’s second commitment for the 2022 class, joining Thompson defensive end Jeremiah Alexander.

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