5 Transfers Who Could Break Out for Auburn Football During Spring Practice
The Auburn Tigers have long been a team known for their passionate fanbase, fierce rivalries, and occasional flashes of brilliance in college football. After several seasons of ups and downs, Auburn’s program is entering a new era under head coach Hugh Freeze. A key factor in the Tigers’ rejuvenation is their ability to attract and develop talent, especially through the transfer portal. With the 2023-2024 season looming, Auburn has bolstered its roster with several notable transfers who could make an immediate impact on the field during spring practice.
Spring practice is a crucial period for teams to evaluate their roster, identify strengths and weaknesses, and solidify their depth chart ahead of the fall. For Auburn, this spring is an opportunity to integrate new players into the system and identify key contributors who can help propel the team back into SEC contention. Among the transfers that could see significant roles for the Tigers in 2024, several stand out as players who could break out during spring practice. These individuals bring a combination of talent, experience, and upside that will be critical in Auburn’s rebuilding efforts.
Let’s take a closer look at five transfers who could break out for Auburn football during spring practice.
1. Payton Thorne (Quarterback) – Michigan State Transfer
The most high-profile transfer for Auburn this offseason is quarterback Payton Thorne, who joins the Tigers after a successful stint at Michigan State. A former three-year starter for the Spartans, Thorne brings with him valuable experience at the Power Five level. In his time at Michigan State, Thorne threw for over 6,000 yards and 49 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make big plays through the air.
With Auburn in search of a starting quarterback following the departure of Robbie Ashford and the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback room, Thorne’s arrival could be a game-changer for the offense. He has the kind of dual-threat ability that Freeze can mold into his high-tempo, spread offense, offering both a strong arm and the mobility to extend plays outside the pocket. His experience playing in the Big Ten will also help him adjust quickly to the SEC, where the competition level is at its peak.
Thorne’s familiarity with the style of offense Freeze wants to implement will give him an edge in spring practice. He has the tools to be a breakout player for Auburn and could secure the starting quarterback role for the 2024 season. With his ability to read defenses, deliver accurate passes, and keep defenses honest with his legs, Thorne is primed to make a major impact.
Auburn’s coaching staff will focus on getting Thorne comfortable with his new teammates and developing chemistry with the Tigers’ receiving corps. If Thorne excels during spring practice, he could emerge as the clear leader of the offense heading into the fall.
2. Jyaire Shorter (Wide Receiver) – North Texas Transfer
One of the most exciting additions to Auburn’s roster in 2024 is wide receiver Jyaire Shorter from North Texas. A big-bodied, playmaking receiver, Shorter brings an immediate deep-threat presence to the Tigers’ offense. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he has the physicality and athleticism to dominate on the outside and become a matchup nightmare for SEC defenses.
Shorter’s numbers at North Texas were impressive, as he caught 52 passes for 830 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final season with the Mean Green. His ability to stretch the field vertically and make plays in the red zone gives Auburn a weapon they’ve lacked in recent years. The Tigers’ offense has struggled at times to consistently produce explosive plays in the passing game, and Shorter’s arrival could be the answer to that issue.
During spring practice, Shorter will have the opportunity to work with Payton Thorne and develop the timing and rapport that will be crucial for success. His size and physicality make him a standout target, but his agility and ability to separate from defenders will allow him to get open in a variety of ways. With the new offense under Freeze’s guidance, Shorter’s versatility and deep-ball skills could make him a breakout star for Auburn in 2024.
3. Austin Keys (Linebacker) – Ole Miss Transfer
Auburn’s defense has long been the foundation of the program, but it has been clear in recent years that the Tigers need more depth and talent to compete in the SEC. Enter Austin Keys, a linebacker who transferred from Ole Miss, where he made a name for himself as a physical and athletic defender. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Keys brings the size and strength necessary to play in the SEC, along with the speed and agility to cover a lot of ground from his linebacker position.
Keys is coming off a strong career at Ole Miss, where he racked up 72 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in his final season. His ability to play both against the run and in pass coverage makes him an ideal fit for Auburn’s defense, which is looking to become more versatile and aggressive under new leadership. As a linebacker, Keys is a force against the run but also has the coverage skills to defend against passing attacks in the SEC.
In spring practice, Keys will have the chance to demonstrate his leadership and his ability to fit into the defensive system. He’s a player with the talent to be a multi-dimensional linebacker who can make plays all over the field. His experience in the SEC will help him transition quickly to Auburn’s system, and his presence on defense will likely be felt immediately. Look for Keys to make an impact in spring practice and establish himself as a key contributor for Auburn’s defense in 2024.
4. Travis Williams (Defensive Back) – Arkansas State Transfer
In the secondary, Auburn has added a talented transfer in Travis Williams, a defensive back from Arkansas State. Williams is a versatile defensive back who has the ability to play both cornerback and safety, making him a valuable asset in Auburn’s defensive backfield. His ability to read the quarterback and break on the ball with precision makes him a dangerous player in pass coverage.
At Arkansas State, Williams was one of the top defenders in the Sun Belt, recording 10 interceptions and 27 pass breakups in his time with the Red Wolves. His ball skills and ability to cover ground quickly make him a player to watch in spring practice, as he will look to establish himself as a starting cornerback or safety for Auburn.
Williams has the experience and the skill set to contribute immediately to the Tigers’ defense, and his versatility gives defensive coordinator Ron Roberts a lot of flexibility in how to use him. In a league like the SEC, where passing offenses are increasingly becoming more potent, having a player like Williams who can create turnovers and cover receivers effectively will be invaluable.
Spring practice will be an important period for Williams to acclimate to the speed of SEC football and learn the ins and outs of Auburn’s defensive scheme. If he can prove himself during this time, Williams has the potential to break out and play a significant role in Auburn’s secondary in 2024.
5. Damari Alston (Running Back) – Transfer from Georgia Tech
Though not a traditional transfer, Damari Alston has earned his spot on this list for his ability to make an impact during spring practice. Alston, who spent his first year at Georgia Tech, transferred to Auburn with a lot of promise. His combination of speed, vision, and agility makes him a dynamic option in the backfield, and his talent has already made an impression during his early time at Auburn.
As a freshman at Georgia Tech, Alston rushed for over 700 yards and scored 5 touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a feature back in a high-powered offense. With Auburn looking to establish a balanced offense under Hugh Freeze, Alston’s ability to create big plays with his feet will be crucial to the Tigers’ success in 2024. Spring practice will be vital for Alston to learn the new offensive system, build chemistry with his teammates, and compete for the starting running back role.
With the departure of key backs and Auburn’s desire to develop a strong rushing attack, Alston has the opportunity to step up and become a breakout player. If he can demonstrate his elusiveness and ability to make defenders miss, Alston will be a key contributor to Auburn’s offense moving forward.