Published Apr 23, 2024
Tracking the transfers 4/23
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Bryan Matthews  •  AuburnSports
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AUBURN | The transfer portal for the 2023-24 season has had a big impact Auburn's roster with 18 outgoing and 12 incoming.

The transfer portal for the spring period opened Apreil 16 and closes April 30 for college football players.

Below is a look at the transfers by position and the impact each will have on AU's depth chart.

QUARTERBACK

Transfers out (1): Robby Ashford (SCAR)

Transfers in (0): None

Current (4): Sr. Payton Thorne, So. Holden Geriner, RFr. Hank Brown, TFr. Walker White

Incoming (0): None

The Skinny: Auburn finished spring with four quarterbacks and it looks like it will enter the fall with the same four. Thorne is likely to begin the season as the starter. The biggest question surrounding this group is how much it can improve with better receivers, a better offensive line and having all the offensive coaches on the same page. The battle for No. 2 will continue this fall as a preview of next year's competition for the starter.

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: Battie entered the portal in December but elected to return. It's a talented group and most are capable of a breakout season. Hunter is the most experienced but Alston pushed him hard during the spring and AU's coaches know they've got to get Cobb more touches.

WIDE RECEIVER

Transfers out (5): Omari Kelly, (MTSU) Jyaire Shorter (MEM), Malcolm Johnson (BG), Ja’Varrius Johnson, Jay Fair

Transfers in (2): Sr. Robert Lewis (GSU), Sr. Sam Jackson V (CAL)

Current (5): Sr. Koy Moore, Jr. Camden Brown, So. Caleb Burton, TFr. Cam Coleman, TFr. Bryce Cain

Incoming (2): TFr. Perry Thompson, TFr. Malcolm Simmons

The Skinny: The wide receiver position has been transformed during the offseason and showed a lot of improvement during spring drills. Both transfers along with Coleman were the starters during the A-Day game.Two more freshmen are scheduled to arrive next month and AU will seek out even more WR help in the portal this spring.

TIGHT END

Transfers out (1): Tyler Fromm (GSU)

Transfers in (1): So. Rico Walker (MARY)

Current (4): Gr. Luke Deal, Gr. Brandon Frazier, Sr. Rivaldo Fairweather, So. Micah Riley

Incoming (0):

The Skinny: One of the strongest positions on the team with three veterans including Fairweather, who set an AU record for catches as a tight end last season. Riley and Walker preformed well this spring and will be ready to step into a starring role next season.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Transfers out (0): None

Transfers in (1): Sr. Percy Lewis (MSU)

Current (13): 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, So. Seth Wilfred, TFr. Favour Edwin

Incoming (1): TFr. DeAndre Carter

The Skinny: Percy stepped in at left tackle to solidify AU's offensive line this spring. Wade did well moving to left guard while Wright looks to have finally secured a full-time starting position at right guard. Lew is a budding star at center and Miller worked hard to increase his quickness over the offseason. This is the healthiest Au's offensive line has looked in years.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Transfers out (3): Enyce Sledge (ILL), Stephen Johnson, Wilky Denaud (MSU)

Transfers in (4): Jr. Gage Keys (KAN), Sr. Trill Carter (TEX), Sr. Philip Blidi (IND), Sr. Isaiah Raikes (USC)

Current (8): Sr. Zeke Walker, Sr. Jayson Jones, Sr. Quientrail Jamison-Travis, So. Keldric Faulk, RFr. Darron Reed, TFr. T.J. Lindsey, TFr. Malik Blocton, TFr. Amaris Williams

Incoming (0): None

The Skinny: Auburn has boosted this position in a big way via the portal. Keys and Carter made an immediate impact starting the spring game. The two spring additions, Blidi and Raikes, should compete for starting spots and be big parts of the playing rotation. Faulk is poised for a big season after starting as a true freshman last season. If Reed continues to improve, he could make an impact this fall. All three freshmen look like future stars.

BUCK LINEBACKER

Transfers out (2): Stephen Sings, Brenton Williams

Transfers in (1): Jr. Keyron Crawford (ARST)

Current (3): Sr. Jalen McLeod, TFr. Jamonta Waller, TFr. Joseph Phillips

Incoming (0): None

The Skinny: Crawford was a key addition giving Auburn experienced depth behind McLeod, who is AU's top pass rusher. Waller and Phillips are talented freshmen and should have opportunities to play this fall. Both have big upsides.

INSIDE LINEBACKER

Transfers out (2): Cam Riley (NCST), Wesley Steiner

Transfers in (1): Sr. Dorian Mausi Jr. (DUKE)

Current (5): Sr. Eugene Asante, Sr. Austin Keys, So. Robert Woodyard, TFr. Demarcus Riddick, TFr. D'Angelo Barber

Incoming (0): None

The Skinny: The heart of the defense led by Asante, the linebacker position has talent, experience, depth and some talented freshmen. Keys and Mausi are both physical defenders between the tackles. Despite the depth, Riddick and Barber should play this fall and could both be starters in 2025.

CORNERBACK AND NICKEL

Transfers out (2): Austin Ausberry (LSU), J.D. Rhym

Transfers in (1): So. Antonio Kite (ALA)

Current (8): Sr. Keionte Scott, Jr. Champ Anthony, So. Kayin Lee, RFr. J.C. Hart, RFr. Colton Hood, RFr. Tyler Scott, TFr. Jalyn Crawford, TFr. Kensley Faustin

Incoming (1): TFr. A'Mon Lane-Ganus

The Skinny: Scott made the move from nickel to corner and Lee stepped up as the other starter. Hood had a good spring and is ready to step in as a starter when needed. Anthony was a standout at nickel, Scott also stepped up and the freshmen were positive surprises.

SAFETY

Transfers out (2): Marquise Gilbert, Donovan Kaufman (NCST)

Transfers in (1): Sr. Jerrin Thompson (TEX)

Current (6): Jr. Caleb Wooden, So. Terrance Love, RFr. Sylvester Smith, RFr. C.J. Johnson, So. Laquan Robinson, TFr. Kaleb Harris

Incoming (0): None

The Skinny: Thompson was an important addition and looks like a starter. There's plenty of competition, however, with Wooden and Smith also standouts in the spring along with Harris, who was the biggest surprise among the true freshmen. Robinson could also make a push this fall.

TOTALS

Transfers out: 18

Transfers in: 12

Current: 63 (includes kicker and punter)

Incoming: 4

PROJECTED TOTAL: 79