**Auburn Star EDGE Rusher Keldric Faulk Earns National Recognition by Making Pro Football Focus’ Prestigious Top-50 College Players List**
In a resounding testament to his dominance on the gridiron, Auburn Tigers’ standout EDGE rusher Keldric Faulk has been named to Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) elite Top-50 College Football Players list, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s most feared defensive playmakers. The recognition from PFF—an analytics powerhouse revered for its meticulous film grading and player evaluations—cements Faulk’s rapid rise from promising recruit to bona fide superstar, while also shining a spotlight on Auburn’s defensive resurgence under head coach Hugh Freeze.
Faulk, a 6’5”, 265-pound force of nature off the edge, has terrorized SEC offensive lines this season with a rare blend of explosiveness, technical refinement, and relentless motor. His inclusion on PFF’s list, which features the sport’s brightest stars, places him among elite company, including Heisman contenders, All-Americans, and future first-round NFL Draft picks. For Auburn fans, the honor is both validation and celebration—a recognition of Faulk’s individual brilliance and a sign that the Tigers’ defense is returning to its tradition of producing game-wreckers.
What makes Faulk’s ascent so remarkable is the speed at which he has developed into a cornerstone of Auburn’s defense. Since arriving on the Plains as a highly touted recruit, the former Highland Home (Ala.) standout has added muscle, sharpened his pass-rush arsenal, and transformed into a complete defensive end capable of dominating against both the run and the pass. PFF’s grading system, which evaluates every snap for effectiveness, has consistently ranked Faulk among the SEC’s top edge defenders in categories like quarterback pressures, run-stop percentage, and pass-rush win rate. His ability to disrupt offenses has drawn comparisons to former Auburn greats like Dee Ford and Derrick Brown, and NFL scouts have taken notice of his pro-ready skill set.
This season, Faulk’s numbers tell the story of a player operating at an All-American level. Through eight games, he has racked up 7.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hurries—stats that place him near the top of the SEC in every major defensive category. But beyond the box score, it’s the manner in which Faulk dominates that has earned him national acclaim. His signature performance against LSU, where he recorded 3 sacks and a forced fumble while routinely overwhelming future NFL draft picks at offensive tackle, was a masterclass in defensive line play. That game alone vaulted him into the national conversation, with analysts praising his ability to take over contests against elite competition.
PFF’s recognition of Faulk also underscores the broader resurgence of Auburn’s defense under coordinator Ron Roberts. After years of inconsistency, the Tigers’ unit has emerged as one of the SEC’s most formidable, thanks in large part to Faulk’s ability to set the tone up front. His presence has created opportunities for teammates, as offenses are forced to dedicate extra blockers to slowing him down, opening lanes for Auburn’s linebackers and secondary to make plays. This symbiotic effect has propelled the Tigers into the upper echelon of defensive rankings, with the team currently sitting top-15 nationally in sacks and tackles for loss.
For Faulk, the PFF honor is likely just the beginning of what promises to be a decorated career. NFL Draft experts have already pegged him as a potential first-round pick in 2025, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently listing him as his No. 3 EDGE prospect. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical polish makes him a prototypical modern pass-rusher, capable of thriving in multiple schemes at the next level. Yet, despite the growing hype, those close to Faulk say his focus remains squarely on finishing the season strong and helping Auburn compete for an SEC title. Teammates describe him as a quiet leader who prefers to let his play do the talking—a trait that has endeared him to coaches and fans alike.
The significance of Faulk’s recognition extends beyond individual accolades. In an era where Auburn football has often been defined by its offensive firepower, his emergence as a defensive star signals a return to the program’s roots—a time when the Tigers built their identity on relentless defense and game-changing pass rushers. For head coach Hugh Freeze, Faulk’s development is a testament to the staff’s ability to identify and cultivate elite talent, a selling point that is already paying dividends on the recruiting trail. Several highly touted 2025 defensive recruits have cited Faulk’s rise as a key factor in their interest in Auburn, proof that his impact is being felt far beyond the stat sheet.
As the Tigers gear up for a critical stretch of SEC play, Faulk’s presence looms large. Opposing offensive coordinators are spending sleepless nights devising game plans to contain him, often resorting to double-teams, chip blocks, and quick-passing schemes to mitigate his influence. Yet, as PFF’s grading reflects, even those measures have proven insufficient against a player with Faulk’s combination of power, speed, and football IQ. His ability to adapt—whether by refining his counter moves, dropping into coverage, or setting the edge against the run—has made him the quintessential modern defensive weapon.
Looking ahead, the question isn’t whether Faulk will continue to dominate, but rather how high his ceiling can go. With Auburn poised to face off against several top-25 opponents in the coming weeks, including matchups against Georgia and Alabama, Faulk will have ample opportunities to bolster his case as the nation’s premier pass-rusher. Another strong showing could see him join the conversation for the Nagurski Trophy (awarded to college football’s best defender) or even the Heisman Trophy—a rarity for a defensive player, but not out of the realm of possibility given his game-wrecking ability.
For Auburn fans, Faulk’s journey is a source of immense pride. In a sport increasingly dominated by transfer portals and NIL headlines, his story—a homegrown talent who developed into a star through hard work and coaching—feels refreshingly authentic. His PFF Top-50 nod is more than just an individual honor; it’s a symbol of what Auburn football can achieve when it nurtures elite talent and puts players in positions to succeed.
As the season progresses, one thing is certain: Keldric Faulk’s name will continue to resonate far beyond the Plains. Whether he’s wreaking havoc in the backfield, drawing rave reviews from analysts, or climbing NFL Draft boards, his 2023 campaign has already cemented his legacy as one of Auburn’s all-time great defensive players. And if his trajectory holds, this PFF recognition may just be the first of many accolades to come. War Eagle!
