**Auburn Star EDGE Rusher Keldric Faulk Earns National Recognition by Making Pro Football Focus Prestigious Top-50 College Players List**
The Auburn Tigers have long been known for producing elite defensive talent, and sophomore EDGE rusher Keldric Faulk is the latest standout to emerge from the program. Faulk’s dominant performances in the 2023 season have not gone unnoticed, as he was recently named to Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) prestigious Top-50 College Players list—a remarkable achievement for the young defender. This recognition cements Faulk’s status as one of the nation’s most disruptive defensive players and signals his potential as a future NFL star.
Faulk, a former four-star recruit out of Highland Home, Alabama, arrived at Auburn with high expectations. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 265 pounds, he possesses the ideal blend of size, speed, and technique that makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen. Despite being just a sophomore, Faulk has already established himself as a cornerstone of Auburn’s defense, showcasing an advanced understanding of pass-rush moves, relentless pursuit, and the ability to set the edge against the run.
His inclusion in PFF’s Top-50 list is a testament to his rapid development and impact on the field. PFF, widely regarded as one of the most analytical and respected football evaluation platforms, grades players based on every snap they take, accounting for efficiency, production, and situational performance. For Faulk to rank among the top 50 players in the country—a list typically dominated by seasoned upperclassmen and Heisman contenders—speaks volumes about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Faulk’s 2023 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. In his first full season as a starter, he tallied 8.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 45 total tackles while consistently generating pressure on quarterbacks. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield was a major reason why Auburn’s defense ranked among the SEC’s best in sacks and tackles for loss.
One of his most dominant performances came against Ole Miss, where he recorded two sacks and three quarterback hurries, completely shutting down the Rebels’ offensive rhythm. Another standout game was against Texas A&M, where his strip-sack in the fourth quarter sealed a crucial victory for the Tigers. These types of game-changing plays have become a hallmark of Faulk’s game, earning him respect from opponents and analysts alike.
What makes Faulk’s rise even more impressive is his versatility. While many edge rushers excel solely as pass-rushers, Faulk is equally dominant against the run. His ability to diagnose plays, shed blocks, and chase down ball carriers has made him a complete defensive weapon. PFF’s grading system reflects this well-roundedness, as he earned elite marks in both pass-rush and run-defense categories.
Pro Football Focus has become a gold standard in player evaluation, relied upon by NFL scouts, coaches, and front offices to identify top talent. Unlike traditional stats that only measure sacks or tackles, PFF’s grading system dives deeper, analyzing how often a player wins his individual matchups, his impact on key downs, and his consistency throughout a game. For Faulk to earn a spot in the Top-50 means he isn’t just accumulating numbers—he’s dominating at an elite level in a way that directly influences games.
This recognition also puts Faulk in rare company. The list features established stars like USC quarterback Caleb Williams, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner—players projected as first-round NFL Draft picks. For Faulk to be mentioned alongside them suggests that he is on a similar trajectory, with the potential to be a high draft pick whenever he decides to turn pro.
Auburn has a storied history of producing elite defensive linemen, from Nick Fairley to Derrick Brown and Carl Lawson. Faulk appears to be the next in line, carrying the torch for a program that prides itself on defensive dominance. His emergence has been a bright spot for the Tigers as they look to re-establish themselves as SEC contenders under head coach Hugh Freeze.
Looking ahead, the expectations for Faulk will only grow. With another year of development, he could solidify himself as a top-10 player in the country and a potential All-American. NFL scouts are already taking notice, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could be a first-round pick in the 2025 or 2026 NFL Draft.
For now, Auburn fans can relish the fact that they have one of the nation’s most dynamic defenders wreaking havoc in the SEC. Keldric Faulk’s inclusion in PFF’s Top-50 is just the beginning—his best football is still ahead of him.
Keldric Faulk’s rapid ascent from highly touted recruit to one of college football’s top 50 players is a testament to his work ethic, talent, and the coaching he’s received at Auburn. His recognition by Pro Football Focus validates what Tigers fans have seen all season: a game-changing defender with the potential to dominate for years to come. As Auburn continues to build under Hugh Freeze, Faulk will undoubtedly be a centerpiece of the defense—and a name that opposing offenses will dread facing. The future is incredibly bright for this young star, and his journey is one that college football fans should keep a close eye on.
