Critical need
[rl]
Advertisement
AUBURN, Ala. | There's not a more critical need for Auburn in the 2016 recruiting class than defensive linemen.
It's a position Auburn has come up short in recruiting the last couple of classes and those results are showing on the field. Even after a solid performance against Mississippi State, Auburn is 109th in the nation in rush defense allowing 216.5 yards per game.
Auburn has not had pass-rushing solution when Carl Lawson went down with an injury the past two years. Last year, the Tigers ranked 94th in the nation with 21 sacks. This year, Auburn is 80th with six.
Depth is also a big issue. Montravius Adams, Dontavius Russell and DaVonte Lambert are playing a high proportion of the snaps. Lambert is a senior and most expect Adams to declare early for the 2016 NFL Draft.
"You can't have enough big guys in this league," Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp said. "This league has changed in the last 5-6 years. You got to have pass rushers and you got to have guys that can run on the edge. You got to have guys that can push the pocket because the ball is out so quick.
"It really is important to get guys to push the pocket so guys can't step up and the ball is out so quick. It's critical every year to sign enough guys where you got depth in the heat, especially early in the year. Guys run out of gas because the most exertive thing you do is pass rush."
With that in mind, Auburn is planning to sign at least seven defensive linemen in this class. The Tigers already have three commitments including five-star Marlon Davidson and are in the mix for a number of elite national prospects.
Muschamp has a simple message for all of Auburn's top defensive line targets. And it's not an empty promise. He'll need a majority of the incoming signees to play next season.
"I've told them all. They're going to play," Muschamp said. "You come to Auburn, you play quick."
