Tracking the transfers 12-5
AUBURN | The transfer portal for the 2023-24 season is already in full swing with six players announcing their plans to leave.
The transfer portal opened Dec. 4 and will close on Jan. 2. There is a second opportunity for players to enter the portal May 1-15.
Below is a look at the transfers by position and the impact each will have on the depth chart.
QUARTERBACK
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (4): Sr. Payton Thorne, Jr. Robby Ashford, So. Holden Geriner, RFr. Hank Brown
Incoming (1): TFr. Walker White
The Skinny: Don't be surprised if Auburn elects to build the 2024 offense around Thorne and doesn't pursue a transfer quarterback. There are some very important needs on offense that AU could benefit more from in this cycle. Also, don't be surprised if there's a little attrition at this position too. Perhaps a talented younger quarterback will become available in the portal.that might make more sense for the current roster.
RUNNING BACK
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (5): Gr. Brian Battie, Sr. Jarquez Hunter, Jr. Damari Alston, Jr. Sean Jackson, So. Jeremiah Cobb
Incoming (0): None
The Skinny: There's a possibility all of Auburn's running backs will return for 2024. If that's the case, AU is likely to concentrate its RB recruiting on the 2025 and '26 high school classes. There's no need for a transfer running back at this time.
WIDE RECEIVER
Transfers out (3): Omari Kelly, Jyaire Shorter, Malcolm Johnson
Transfers in (0): None
Current (5): Gr. Ja’Varrius Johnson, Sr. Koy Moore, Jr. Camden Brown, Jr. Jay Fair, So. Caleb Burton
Incoming (4): TFr. Cam Coleman, TFr. Perry Thompson, TFr. Bryce Cain, TFr. Malcolm Simmons
The Skinny: The wide receiver position is undergoing a major facelift for 2024. I'd be surprised if there's not more attrition whether via the portal or declaring for the NFL Draft. I also expect AU to pursue a veteran wideout in the portal to give Thorne a more proven target and provide leadership to a young group. Those freshmen are playing right away and AU might not be done in the 2024 class.
TIGHT END
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (5): Gr. Luke Deal, Gr. Tyler Fromm, Gr. Brandon Frazier, Sr. Rivaldo Fairweather, So. Micah Riley
Incoming (1): TFr. Martavious Collins
The Skinny: Deal has already announced his plans to return for a sixth year and there's a good chance most of the group will return. A portal tight end isn't a priority at this time but AU is seeking a rangy, pass-catching tight end to compliment Collins in the '24 class.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (11): Sr. Jeremiah Wright, Sr. Tate Johnson, Sr. Dillon Wade, Sr. Izavion Miller, Sr. Jaden Muskrat, So. E.J. Harris, So. Connor Lew, RFr. Tyler Johnson, RFr. Dylan Senda, RFr. Clay Wedin, RFr. Bradyn Joiner,
Incoming (1): TFr. DeAndre Carter
The Skinny: First-year offensive line coach Jake Thornton completely transformed this position a year ago and will look to make it even better in 2024. Expect AU to add 1-2 more high school offensive linemen to this class and pursue a couple of transfers. There's still the possibility of some attrition here and Wade as a decision to make on entering the draft. If he returns (and that seems better than 50/50 at this time), he could move to guard if AU can find a starting-caliber left tackle in the portal. Six of AU's returning linemen have SEC starting experience, which should provide good competition in the spring. Of the young players, Johnson, Senda and Harris have the best chance to be future contributors.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Transfers out (2): Enyce Sledge, Stephen Johnson
Transfers in (0): None
Current (8): Gr. Marcus Harris, Sr. Zeke Walker, Sr. Jayson Jones, Sr. Justin Rogers, Sr. Quientrail Jamison-Travis, So. Keldric Faulk, RFr. Darron Reed,, RFr. Wilky Denaud
Incoming (3): TFr. T.J. Lindsey, TFr. Malik Blocton, TFr. Dimitry Nicholas
The Skinny: Auburn would love to add a couple of more high school or JUCO signees to the class. AU's defensive line benefitted from the portal last season and it would be a boost to add a couple of rotational players to help as the young platers mature. Harris has an important decision to make on the draft. If he leaves, AU may seek out an impact tackle to provide immediate help.
JACK LINEBACKER
Transfers out (1): Stephen Sings
Transfers in (0): None
Current (2): Sr. Jalen McLeod, RFr. Brenton Williams,
Incoming (1): TFr. Jamonta Waller
The Skinny: It would be a big boost for Auburn if McLeod returns for next season. It appears he's leaning that way at this time. He's AU's best pass rusher but can use some help. Williams will be counted on to contribute more after a full offseason of getting bigger, stronger and faster. Waller will play right away and AU is looking to add a couple of more pass rushers from high school, JUCO or the portal. Another linebacker commitment, Joseph Phillips, could also project as a Jack.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (6): Gr. Wesley Steiner, Sr. Cam Riley, Sr. Eugene Asante, Sr. Austin Keys, So. Powell Gordon, So. Robert Woodyard
Incoming (3): TFr. Demarcus Riddick, TFr. D'Angelo Barber, TFr. Joseph Phillips
The Skinny: This is another position that got a big boost from the portal for 2023 and is now bringing in some very talented high school players that will all have a chance to play next fall. AU doesn't necessarily need a portal linebacker at this time but that could change due to attrition. As mentioned above, Phillips is versatile enough to play inside or Jack.
CORNERBACK AND NICKEL
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (9): Gr. Nehemiah Pritchett, Sr. Keionte Scott, Jr. Champ Anthony, So. J.D. Rhym, So. Austin Ausberry, So. Kayin Lee, RFr. J.C. Hart, RFr. Colton Hood, RFr. Tyler Scott
Incoming (3): TFr. Jalyn Crawford, TFr. Kensley Faustin, TFr. A'Mon Lane-Ganus
The Skinny: Expect more attrition here with Pritchett and Scott considering their NFL Draft stock along with Rhym and Ausberry considering the portal. Lee was a huge late addition in the '23 class and projects as a starter next fall while Anthony was a nice pickup out of junior college. Look for Auburn to look for at least one veteran corner out of the portal.
SAFETY
Transfers out (0): None
Transfers in (0): None
Current (8): Gr. Jaylin Simpson, Gr. Zion Puckett, Sr. Donovan Kaufman, Sr. Marquise Gilbert, Jr. Caleb Wooden, So. Terrance Love, RFr. Sylvester Smith, RFr. C.J. Johnson
Incoming (2): So. Laquan Robinson, TFr. Kaleb Harris
The Skinny: Simpson and Puckett are likely to pursue NFL careers and Gilbert could pursue more playing time in the portal leaving this position wide open for spring drills. Kaufman and Wooden have starting experience while Love played a lot on special teams this season. Both Kaufman and Smith can play nickel. Robinson was added from JUCO to step in as a starter but this is another position where AU could use a little help from the portal to bolster the ranks.
TOTALS
Transfers out: 5
Transfers in: 0
Current: 63
Incoming: 19
Projected total: 82