Freeze targeting DL and WR in portal

AUBURN | When the transfer portal opens back up in six more days, Auburn is expected to be active, at least in a couple of areas.

Following Auburn’s A-Day game Saturday, Hugh Freeze laid out the basics of his plan.

“We've got a couple spots left on our roster,” said Freeze. “If you're going to fill it, let's fill it with D-line and receivers. I think that's where we need to add some more depth.”

Auburn added two defensive linemen during the December portal and both Gage Keys and Trill Carter started the spring game. But there are depth concerns with Jayson Jones, Zykeivous Walker, Keldric Faulk, Quientrail Jamison-Travis and Darron Reed the only other returning scholarship players.

The Tigers also added three talented freshmen in January in Amaris Williams, Malik Blocton and T.J. Lindsey, but Freeze would like a little more veteran help at a position that can get banged up through the course of a season.

“I like the guys and the effort they're giving over there, I do. I just don't think you can ever have enough of them,” said Freeze.

Auburn could also look for help at the Buck position where Jalen McLeod returns as the starter but his three backups are all freshmen in Brenton Williams, who redshirted last fall, and Jamonta Waller and Joe Phillips, who both enrolled in January.

At wide receiver, the Tigers brought in two transfers, Robert Lewis and Sam Jackson, who both started in the A-Day game along with true freshman Cam Coleman.

Bryce Cain is another true freshman that enrolled early and will be joined by two more freshman at the end of May in Perry Thompson and Malcolm Simmons.

Veterans wideouts on the roster include Camden Brown, who was one of AU’s most improved players this spring, Koy Moore, Jay Fair and Caleb Burton.

"I think the more talented receivers we get, the better our passing game is going to be,” said Freeze. “I'm confident we can move the football if we continue to add pieces to the talent of the roster. I think we've done that some. We need to continue to do that.”

The spring portal will open for players to enter April 15-30.