JUCO DT could provide immediate help in 2018
AUBURN | With Byron Cowart’s departure from Auburn on Tuesday, the Tigers could use an experienced player along the defensive line in 2018. If nothing else, for depth.
Daquan Newkirk is working to be that guy.
Newkirk, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle from Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Miss., is committed to Auburn and scheduled to enroll in January with three years to play three.
“I want to make an impact in my first year,” Newkirk said. “I’m ready to.”
Newkirk committed to Auburn out of high school, but failed to qualify and redshirted last season at Gulf Coast. This season as a freshman, Newkirk is averaging six tackles per game for Gulf Coast, including a team-high three tackles-for-loss.
Newkirk has visited Auburn multiple times since the spring. He and Gulf Coast quarterback Torrance Gibson both spent last weekend on campus and attended the Auburn-Mercer game.
“We enjoyed ourselves,” Newkirk said. “I usually like watching Marlon (Davidson), but he didn’t play, so I watched Nick Coe and Derrick Brown a lot. They are both really good. The defense looked good. They have been holding their own the past few games and I hope they continue it.”
Newkirk spoke with Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner and coach Gus Malzahn, and spent time with several players, including freshman defensive lineman Tyrone Truesdell.
Newkirk plans to return to Auburn Sept. 30 for the Mississippi State game. He also will be back for an official visit the weekend of the Iron Bowl (Nov. 24-26).
