The Five: Newcomers

AUBURN, Ala. | In the first of a series, we'll take a look at the top five impact newcomers this season. We'll limit the nominees to players that have joined the team since the end of the regular season, which excludes Tray MatthewsClick [rl]Here to view this Link. and Austin GolsonClick [rl]Here to view this Link..

Our list starts with two true freshmen that enrolled in January.

5. DB Tim Irvin

It didn't take long for Irvin to make an immediate impact at Auburn working at the nickel, dime and safety positions this spring. Irvin got work with the first-team and impressed his coaches as he played through a hand/wrist injury. Auburn has two clear starters at the safety position in Matthews and Rudy Ford, but it's wide open behind those two giving Irvin an opportunity for early playing time in the secondary and special teams.

Irvin played on both sides of the ball at Westminster Christian in Palmetto Bay, Fla., finishing his high school career with 2,100 rushing yards, 1,145 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns on offense, and 231 tackles, 27.0 tackles-for-loss and seven forced fumbles on defense. He returned five punts for touchdowns as a senior.

4. H-back Chandler Cox

Cox wasn't the most highly recruited of Auburn's 2015 signees but he fills a huge need for the Tigers and is poised for immediate playing time after enrolling in January and impressing coaches during spring drills. He's expected to split time with redshirt freshman Kamryn Pettway at the H-back and fullback positions this fall, and may even get work at tight end.

Cox led Apopka (Fla.) High to two Class 8A state championships in three years playing quarterback, fullback, tight end, linebacker and safety during his high school career. He showed off his athleticism in Auburn's spring game making a diving 25-yard catch.

3. DE Byron Cowart

The nation's No. 1 overall prospect was a huge win for Auburn in the 2015 class and joins a team that was close to the bottom of the SEC in sacks a year ago. The five-star is expected to step right in and compete for playing time and a starting position at the Buck linebacker and/or defensive end positions. He should combine with sophomore Carl Lawson to give the Tigers a dynamic one-two punch as edge pass rushers.

In three years with the varsity at Armwood High School in Seffner, Fla., Cowart combined for 183 tackles, 47.0 tackles-for-loss and 26 sacks. He was named a captain before the Under Armour All-American game and then earned co-MVP during the game. He enrolled at Auburn at the end of May.

2. RB Jovon Robinson

If Robinson wins the starting running back job this fall, the junior college transfer could put together a season similar to what Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne did the previous two seasons. He'll battle sophomore Roc Thomas, sophomore Peyton Barber and true freshman Kerryon Johnson for the position during preseason practice.

Robinson had his biggest season as a freshman at Georgia Military in 2013 rushing for 2,387 yards and 34 touchdowns on 272 carries.

1. CB Blake Countess

It's not often that you can add a potential starter and All-SEC player in May but Auburn did just that with the addition of Michigan graduate transfer Countess.

Countess should step right in as a starter at cornerback or nickel this fall and gives the Tigers a talented player at a position lacking in experience and depth. Auburn returns two other seniors at the position along with junior T.J. Davis, who underwent knee surgery this spring, and sophomore Stephen Roberts.

Countess started 30 games for the Wolverines, being named Big Ten All-Freshman in 2011, first-team Big Ten in 2013 and honorable mention Big Ten in 2014. His best season was a redshirt sophomore in 2013 when he totaled 46 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, four pass breakups and six interceptions.