Auburn's defensive line 'still thin,' Hugh Freeze hints at needing portal help
AUBURN – Hugh Freeze on Tuesday expressed his stance on where the defensive line–more specifically, the interior defensive line. Auburn lost major experience heading into the spring and offseason this year and immediately went to the portal for help.
Gage Keys, a Kansas transfer and Trill Carter, a Texas transfer, are on the team and going through spring practice. Actually, the Tigers brought in several other portal defensive linemen for visits as well. Auburn is not done adding help from the portal at interior defensive line according to Freeze.
“We miss Marcus (Harris) and Justin (Rogers) for sure,” Freeze said on Tuesday. “Inside is where we’re still thin and where we’re still looking for some portal help there.”
Freeze’s thoughts on current defensive line personnel
Freeze talked about the current defensive line pointing out that there are only three interior guys who have played significantly in a college football game.
“You need Jayson Jones to come in and continue to improve, along with Gage (Keys) and Trill (Carter),” Freeze said. “Those are the three guys inside that have played decent snaps. Behind them, you have to have guys like Bobby (Travis), DJ Reed, (Malik) Blocton, all young kids come on pretty fast to give you the needed depth inside.”
Freeze grouped the Bucks (edge rushers and ends) along with the interior defensive line. Although he didn’t say it, the dynamic of that group very well may dictate a transfer portal addition, too.
“J-Mac (Jalen McLeod) is dynamic, we have to keep him healthy and healthy throughout the year,” Freeze said. “I’m pleased with his work ethic and how he practices and goes after it. Keldric (Faulk), we’re extremely pleased with and need ‘Z’ (Zykeivous Walker) to come on behind him to give us quality depth there.”
While another veteran presence may be needed, Freeze is thrilled with the two youngsters at edge.
“We’re really excited about Amaris (Williams) and (Jamonta) Waller,” Freeze said. “Those freshmen are going to be–they are really talented and they are going to have to play significant snaps in year one. TJ Lindsey is another one, has a huge ceiling. We’re tinkering with moving him inside if he doesn’t play behind Keldric at the end position. He might could be a swing guy. I love his work ethic. I think he’s twitchy and going to be a really good player.”
