Zac Etheridge – Syndication Server

Former Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman reveals transfer destination

According to a report by On3, Kaufman is heading to the ACC.

A former member of Auburn’s secondary has found a new home.

Auburn safety [autotag]Donovan Kaufman[/autotag] entered the transfer portal on Jan. 16, a few days after the departure of former defensive backs coach [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag]. According to a report by On3, Kaufman has announced that he will be transferring to NC State.

Kaufman visited NC State last weekend alongside former teammate [autotag]Cam Riley[/autotag] according to TheWolfpacker.com.

Kaufman transferred into Auburn’s program from Vanderbilt ahead of the 2021 season and went on to record 109 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions in three seasons on the Plains. He played in 12 games this season, recording 395 total snaps. He also earned a career-best 4.5 tackles for loss in during the 2023 season.

Before his time at Auburn, he signed with Vanderbilt as a three-star safety from Archbishop Rummel High School in metro New Orleans. He made 15 tackles in eight total games at Vanderbilt in 2020.

Kaufman has one season of eligibility remaining.

BREAKING: Auburn transfer DB Donovan Kaufman has committed to NC State.

Kaufman had 37 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, an interception this season. He started his career at Vanderbilt. https://t.co/k2hNhFUt8Z pic.twitter.com/1oTiMyo3p4

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) February 5, 2024

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Paul Finebaum shares thoughts on Auburn’s recent coaching changes

The SEC Network analyst believes that Auburn is moving in the right direction, but Freeze should explain his methods.

The month of January for Auburn football has been filled with staff changes across the board.

Several have been replaced while others have been promoted. Among the changes are the departures of former Tiger players [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag]. Changes such as those have caused an uproar from the Auburn fanbase, and an SEC analyst feels that it is only right for head coach [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] to address their exits.

Radio show host Paul Finebaum was a guest on Monday morning’s edition of McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning on Jox 94.5 in Birmingham, where he discussed the recent moves within Auburn’s coaching staff. He says that Freeze could lower confusion within the fanbase by explaining the moves, especially the one concerning Auburn’s interim head coach during the final two games of the 2022 season.

“When you have one of the most famous players in your history depart without explanation and then another one who is, I believe a captain and very popular, you have to explain these things, or if you don’t you’re going to lead people to wonder,” Finebaum said. “I don’t need to remind you (Cole Cubelic) because you were at the epicenter of the Cadillac Williams thing on national television 14 months ago how popular he was and what an emotional story that is.”

Even though the loss of Williams and Etheridge stings Auburn fans, Finebaum understands that those moves are expected due to the need to hire new coordinators. Despite the change, Finebaum still feels that Auburn is on the right track with its recent hires.

“I think that’s part of it. I think when you unload your top two coordinators and there’s change and there’s chaos, you really are going to draw the wrath of the crowd,” Finebaum said Monday. “Having said all that, I think some of the changes have been positive. I think Hugh Freeze realized he needed an upgrade and I think he’s got it. I still think the sour taste at the end of the season is pretty hard to deal with, but I would still argue that if you take a deep breath and look forward, Auburn is in very good shape.”

Auburn has hired [autotag]Derrick Nix[/autotag] to serve as offensive coordinator while [autotag]Charles Kelly[/autotag] returns to his alma mater to take over the co-defensive coordinator role. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported Sunday that former Texas A&M defensive coordinator [autotag]DJ Durkin[/autotag] is a target to work alongside Kelly in a coordinator role.

Two assistants resign from Auburn coaching staff

Two prominent assistants resign from Auburn, both played for the Tigers.

Hugh Freeze’s coaching staff on the Plains has undergone some change in the past 24 hours, as a pair of assistant coaches, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and Zac Etheridge, have both announced their resignations from Auburn’s coaching staff.

Williams announced his decision late Thursday night, while Etheridge’s was announced early Friday morning.

A former star running back at Auburn from 2001-04, Williams has spent the last five seasons as the Tigers running backs coach, while also serving as the interim head coach after former head coach Brian Harsin was let go in 2022. Under the leadership of Williams, the Tigers would go 2-2 to finish out the 2022 season, which included a pair of victories over Texas A&M and Western Kentucky.

Auburn running backs coach Cadillac Williams has resigned.

The former Auburn and NFL star had been on the Tigers’ staff since 2019 and was the team’s interim head coach in 2022. pic.twitter.com/tjBjgKFlKC

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 12, 2024

Etheridge, who was also a former on-field star for the Tigers from 2007-10, has served as the defensive backs coach at Auburn since 2021. According to 247Sports as well, Etheridge is now set to take an assistant coaching position at Houston.

Just Spoke with new Houston defensive backs coach @ZacEtheridge4. He told me his decision to leave Auburn was based on family and opportunity. Also said he loves Auburn and has a ton of respect for Hugh Freeze. Just came across an opportunity he couldn’t refuse for his family.

— Phillip Dukes (@DukestheScoop) January 12, 2024

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.

Auburn 5-star safety target KJ Bolden commits to Georgia

Auburn was unable to flip five-star safety KJ Bolden, who committed to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Auburn pulled off several impressive flips in the 2024 recruiting cycle but was unable to close the deal with five-star safety [autotag]KJ Bolden[/autotag]. Instead, he committed to the Georgia Bulldogs, flipping from Florida State.

All three of Auburn, Georgia and Florida State were finalists when Bolden picked the Seminoles back in August and each kept recruiting him hard ahead of the early signing period. He visited each school and hosted coaches for in-home visits but the in-state Bulldogs were able to win out.

Bolden is the No. 14 overall player and No. 1 safety in the 247Sports composite ranking. He is the No. 2 player from Georgia.

While missing out on the talented Bolden stings, secondary coach [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag] and Auburn have landed several promising defensive backs. The group consists of four-star prospects Jalyn Crawford, A’Mon Lane-Ganus and Kenley Faustin and three-stars Laquan Robinson and Kaleb Harris.

Stay up-to-date with the latest signing day news by checking out Auburn Wire’s early signing period tracker.

I’m staying home to make my home state great GO DAWGS. 🐶 @Hayesfawcett3 @KirbySmartUGA @CoachWMuschamp @KJBoldenmom @KJDAD5 pic.twitter.com/5L9izeOqqy

— Khalil “KJ”Bolden (@KhalilBolden2) December 20, 2023

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College football insider believes Zac Etheridge is a candidate at Troy

Auburn secondary coach Zac Etheridge has been connected to the open head coaching job at Troy.

[autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag] has been one of Auburn’s top assistants ever since he joined the coaching staff in 2021 as cornerbacks coach. He has shined as both a recruiter and a developer, and in 2022 was promoted to associate head coach.

After excelling in his time on the Plains, his name has been connected to several openings. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman believes he is a “name to keep an eye on” for the Troy head coaching job.

While Auburn is his alma mater and where he won a national championship in 2010, he has several ties to Troy that make it a great opportunity for the 35-year-old to take the next step in his career.

He is from Troy and has experience in the Sun Belt, serving as Louisiana’s cornerbacks coach in 2018, helping lead them to an appearance in the conference championship.

No. 1 JUCO safety Laquan Robinson commits to Auburn

Auburn beat out Texas A&M and Ole Miss for Laquan Robinson, one of the best JUCO players in the country.

[autotag]Laquan Robinson[/autotag], one of the top JUCO players in the country, has committed to the Auburn Tigers. Robinson announced the news on social media and picked the Tigers over Ole Miss and Texas A&M.

From Greeneville, Alabama, [autotag] Zac Etheridge[/autotag] and Auburn recruited him coming out of high school but he was forced to take the JUCO route and spent two seasons at Holmes Community College.

He made an immediate impact for them, making 46 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and an interception in his freshman campaign. He’s been even better as a sophomore, racking up 49 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one fumble recovery and breaking up seven passes.

Robinson is the No. 1 safety and No. 8 overall player in the 247Sports composite JUCO ranking. He is also the No. 2 player from Alabama.

His addition gives Auburn 17 commitments in the 2024 recruiting class, including five defensive backs. The class is ranked 17th in the country and 9th in the SEC using the 247Sports team ranking.

CB commit A’mon Lane locks in official visit to Auburn

He saved his official visit for the best game of the season.

[autotag]A’Mon Lane[/autotag] has been committed to Auburn since July of last year but the four-star cornerback has yet to officially visit the Plains.

That will change soon as the Moody, Alabama product has scheduled his official visit for the Iron Bowl on Nov. 25 He won’t be the only Auburn commit in town to watch the Tigers take on Alabama, Auburn’s running back commit [autotag]J’Marion Burnette[/autotag] has already announced he will also be officially visiting that weekend.

Lane actually committed to Auburn under the previous staff but with [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] retaining secondary coach [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag], Lane never wavered in his commitment.

Lane is the No. 361 overall player and No. 27 cornerback in the 247Sports composite ranking. He is also the No. 19 player from Alabama.

He has missed most of his senior season after suffering an injury but is working to try and return for the playoffs for Moody High School.

O.V. COMING UP SOON I CAN’T WAIT!! IT’S GETTING CHILLY ON THE PLAINS🦅@AuburnFootball pic.twitter.com/WVcxaiKcFX

— A’mon Lane-Ganus (@AmonLane2) October 25, 2023

Three-star JUCO safety Laquan Robinson officially sets commitment date

Auburn is in the mix to land the top JUCO safety for the 2024 cycle.

One of the top JUCO prospects for the 2024 cycle could soon become an Auburn Tiger.

[autotag]Laquan Robinson[/autotag], a three-star safety from Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi, has locked in his commitment date. Robinson will return to his high school alma mater in Greenville, Alabama on Friday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. CT to pledge his commitment, with Auburn being in the mix.

On Aug. 1, Robinson revealed his top five which included Auburn, Ole Miss, Houston, Florida, and Texas A&M.

Last weekend, Robinson was in town to watch the Tigers play Ole Miss. He tells AuburnUndercover that he enjoyed taking in the atmosphere and connecting with [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and Auburn’s assistants. The biggest factor that is working in Auburn’s favor now is Robinson’s relationship with defensive backs coach [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag].

“Coach Zac (Etheridge) is like a brother man,” Robinson said of Etheridge ($). As soon as I met him I felt like I loved him already.”

Robinson is a three-star safety originally from Greenville, Alabama. He is the No. 9 overall JUCO prospect for the 2024 cycle and is the top safety of the class. He currently holds two crystal ball predictions from 247Sports and On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine gives Auburn a 99.1% chance to land his signature.

JUCO safety Laquan Robinson is nearing a decision

Auburn is a finalist for the No. 1 JUCO safety in the country.

Auburn has prioratized JUCO safety [autotag]Laquan Robinson[/autotag] and that work could pay off soon with a decision date nearing for the Greenville, Alabama, native.

Robinson officially visited Auburn for their game against Ole Miss and revealed to Auburn Undercover’s Christian Clemente that a decision will be coming within the next two weeks and that Nov. 2nd is the goal.

He will be deciding between Auburn, Ole Miss and Texas A&M with the Tigers looking like the favorites, a position only strengthened by his visit to the Plains.

“Man it went great,” Robinson said. “Really connected with all the coaches, especially Coach Freeze, we talked a lot. Connecting on some different basis. I really just love it here, the atmosphere and all that.”

Secondary coach [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag] is leading Auburn’s pursuit of Robinson and the two gave grown close during his recruitment.

“Coach Zac is like a brother man,” Robinson said. “As soon as I met him I felt like I loved him already.”

Robinson is the No. 9 overall player and No. 1 safety in the 247Sports JUCO ranking. He has been productive in both season for Holmes C.C., recording 76 tackles, two interceptions and breaking up five passes in 14 total games.

If Robinson picks Auburn, he would have a clear path to starting with starting safety [autotag]Jaylin Simpson[/autotag] likely headed to the NFL after this season.