Spring depth chart: Defense

Auburn Football’s Defense Depth Chart for Spring: A Look at Key Position Battles and Emerging Players

As Auburn football enters spring practices under head coach Hugh Freeze, there is a clear sense of anticipation surrounding the development of the team’s defense. The Tigers have undergone significant changes both on the field and in the coaching staff, and the spring depth chart is one of the most important tools in determining who will emerge as leaders for the 2025 season.

For Auburn’s defense, the 2024 season was a mix of positives and areas that need refinement, and spring practice will be the perfect time to fine-tune the defense in preparation for the upcoming campaign. With an impressive influx of talent through recruiting and the return of key contributors, the Tigers are poised to improve their defensive performance and return to being one of the more feared units in the SEC.

In this article, we’ll break down Auburn’s defense for spring 2025, looking at each position group, potential starters, key backups, and important position battles that will define the depth chart as the Tigers work toward the fall.

Defensive Line: Building Strength and Depth

Auburn’s defensive line has long been a hallmark of the program’s success, and while the Tigers have had their ups and downs in recent seasons, spring 2025 offers a chance for the defensive front to solidify itself as a dominant unit in the SEC. Under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, Auburn’s defensive line will look to develop more depth and versatility in a league that features some of the most explosive offenses in college football.

Defensive Tackles:

Auburn’s defensive tackles will play a crucial role in the team’s defensive success, clogging the middle of the line and freeing up linebackers to make plays. With Jayson Jones and Marcus Harris returning for their senior seasons, the defensive tackle position is set to feature experience and leadership.

Jayson Jones: A powerful presence in the middle of the defensive line, Jones is one of the most disruptive forces for Auburn. Standing at 6’6” and 330 pounds, he has the size and strength to overpower offensive linemen and collapse the pocket. He’ll be a key leader for the defensive front this spring.
Marcus Harris: As a solid run-stopper and pass rusher, Harris will be counted on to complement Jones and help control the interior line. Harris has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Auburn, and if he can continue to develop, he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2025.

Defensive End:

Auburn’s defensive ends will need to provide both pressure on the quarterback and support against the run. Colby Wooden, who has been one of the Tigers’ standout defensive ends in recent seasons, leaves a large gap, and the spring depth chart will showcase the players looking to fill that void.

D.J. James: After a strong campaign in 2024, James will be looked at as one of the team’s top pass rushers from the edge. His ability to get after the quarterback will be essential for Auburn’s defensive game plan. He’s also versatile enough to play in various defensive schemes, which makes him an important asset for the Tigers.
Eku Leota: A transfer from Northwestern, Leota brings in experience and leadership, making him a candidate to start opposite James. He has the potential to form a potent tandem with James, bringing pressure off the edge and helping Auburn improve its sack total.

Linebackers: The Heart of Auburn’s Defense

The linebacker position is arguably the most important on the defense, as these players are often responsible for both covering the middle of the field and making plays in the run game. Auburn’s linebacker unit will need to establish its identity this spring, with several position battles unfolding.

Inside Linebackers:

Auburn will rely heavily on its inside linebackers to provide stability and leadership. Deontae Lawson, one of Auburn’s most experienced defensive players, returns for his senior season, and he will be a key part of the defense moving forward. The competition to pair with Lawson is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing battles of the spring.

Deontae Lawson: Lawson is the clear leader at the inside linebacker position. With his ability to read offenses, tackle effectively, and create turnovers, Lawson will be the anchor for Auburn’s defense in 2025.
Austin Keys: A rising star, Keys has shown significant promise in limited action in previous seasons. He’s been touted as one of the players to watch during spring practices, and a strong performance could position him to start alongside Lawson. His speed and tackling ability make him an ideal candidate to shore up the middle of the defense.
Cameron Riley: Riley has also made strides as a potential starter at linebacker. He has the size and athleticism to contribute immediately, and his ability to read plays and engage in coverage could make him a key factor in spring battles.

Outside Linebackers:

On the outside, Auburn’s linebackers will be tasked with providing pressure on the quarterback and ensuring that opposing offenses don’t find space to run. The competition on the edge will be fierce this spring.

Owen Pappoe: As one of the most talented linebackers in Auburn’s recent history, Pappoe’s departure leaves a big hole in the outside linebacker spot. However, Auburn has depth here, and players like Robert Woodyard will compete to fill the void left by Pappoe’s departure.
Robert Woodyard: Woodyard has the athleticism and strength to contribute on the edge. His versatility as both a pass rusher and a run stopper will be important in filling Auburn’s outside linebacker role. Woodyard’s ability to read plays and get after the quarterback will likely earn him plenty of snaps during the spring.

Defensive Backs: Locking Down the Pass Game

Auburn’s defensive backs are an area of strength, and with several key players returning, the secondary will be expected to lock down opposing receivers and provide support against the run. With more emphasis on pass coverage and creating turnovers, Auburn’s secondary is poised to be a game-changer in 2025.

Cornerbacks:

Auburn’s cornerback position is competitive, with several players vying for starting spots this spring. Nehemiah Pritchett and Jaylin Simpson were pivotal for Auburn’s defense in 2024 and return with experience that will be crucial to the team’s success.

Nehemiah Pritchett: Pritchett is a seasoned veteran who has established himself as one of Auburn’s top cornerbacks. His coverage ability, paired with his ball skills, makes him one of the most reliable players in the secondary.
Jaylin Simpson: A standout performer, Simpson will be an important part of Auburn’s cornerback rotation. With his ability to play both man and zone coverage, Simpson has earned a reputation for being tough and resilient on the outside.
Cameron Brown: A player to watch this spring, Brown is looking to take the next step in his development and potentially claim a starting role. His speed and awareness in coverage give him an opportunity to earn more playing time.

Safeties:

Auburn’s safety positions are in good hands, with talented players capable of providing support in the run game and covering deep passes. The safety group will be crucial in Auburn’s efforts to limit big plays and help the cornerbacks on passing downs.

Jayden Amore: Amore will be a leader in the secondary this spring, providing the stability and playmaking ability needed from the safety position. His experience in coverage and his ability to come up in run support make him a key player for Auburn in 2025.
Zion Puckett: Puckett is another key figure in the secondary who is expected to play a major role in Auburn’s defense. Known for his hard-hitting style and ability to cover a lot of ground, Puckett will be looked at as a potential leader in the backfield.
Donovan Kaufman: Kaufman has shown flashes of brilliance and could emerge as a dynamic player in the Auburn secondary. His ability to come down and help in the run game while providing coverage in the passing game makes him a versatile asset for the Tigers.

Spring Depth Chart Overview and Position Battles

As Auburn enters spring practices, the depth chart for the defense is still fluid, with several position battles to be determined. Key areas to watch will include:

Defensive Line: The Tigers have depth and talent on the defensive line, but it will be important to see who emerges as the primary pass rusher. The competition for spots behind Jayson Jones and Marcus Harris will be intense.
Linebacker: Inside linebacker is an area of significant competition, with Deontae Lawson holding down one spot and other players like Austin Keys and Cameron Riley looking to claim the second inside linebacker spot.
Secondary: The cornerback and safety positions are loaded with talent, and the depth chart could shift throughout the spring based on performance.

Ultimately, spring practices will set the tone for Auburn’s defense heading into the 2025 season. With key players returning and new talent emerging, the Tigers are poised to return to their dominant ways, and the spring depth chart will give fans a glimpse of what’s to come. Keep an eye on position battles, new players stepping up, and how the defense shapes up as Auburn continues its push toward success in the SEC.