The themes of Hugh Freeze’s first off-season on the job have been roster management and talent acquisition.
The newcomers haven’t played a snap at Auburn yet, but it seems like the first month on the job has been a success.
At the time this article was written, Auburn has added 12 players via the portal. Most of those additions have a chance to be starters for the Tigers in 2023.
Let’s rank the 12 incoming transfers based on immediate impact.
12. Mosiah Nasili-Kite – DL
The Maryland defensive lineman is more than likely going to offer depth and be a part of the rotation. The fact that I felt the need to put him last shows how solid this transfer class is.
11. Nick Mardner – WR
It’s easy to be sold on Mardner’s upside. Any target that’s 6-foot-6 and can show top end speed is exciting. There are a lot of guys in Auburn’s receiver room that I’m high on this year.
10. Brian Battie – RB
The former USF running back is explosive and experienced. I’m a fan of his ability, Auburn’s running back room is solid, with four reliable guys that are ready to carry the ball on all three downs. Battie may be more of a factor on special teams.
9. Lawrence Johnson – DL
The former Purdue defensive lineman adds depth to a room that needed bodies. His experience and ability to take up space should allow Auburn’s linebackers to play better behind him in 2023.
8. Rivaldo Fairwether – TE
The former FIU tight end offers a ton of upside and size to the offense. He will enter a room that lost a ton of production from the past two seasons. His path to playing time seems clear.
7. Demario Tolan – LB
I would have had the former LSU linebacker high on this list a few days ago. I think Austin Keys offers more of an immediate impact but there’s no denying that Tolan will fight for key snaps in 2023.
6. Elijah McAllister – EDGE/DE
Auburn lost a ton of snaps from a year ago at EDGE. The former Vanderbilt defender should have a path to playing time as Auburn needs to find a way to replace Eku Leota, Derick Hall, and Marcus Bragg.
5. Austin Keys – LB
Auburn needed help at linebacker and they got it. The former Ole Miss standout played over 400 snaps last season. He brings SEC experience to a defense that needs it.
4. Justin Rogers – DL
The former Kentucky defensive lineman has ridiculous upside. A former nationally touted recruit has the skill and ability to exceed in any defense – if he can figure out how to put it all together.
3. Avery Jones – C
Avery Jones was a key part of East Carolina’s offensive line. Auburn needed to see more production from the center position. Jones should offer that game one.
2. DIllon Wade – OL
Dillon Wade offers ridiculous upside and versatility on the offensive line, something Auburn hasn’t seen much of in the past half decade. Wade should be a highly productive starter at tackle when it’s all said and done.
1. Gunner Britton – OT
The former Western Kentucky tackle has a chance to impact AUburn’s offense in a great way in 2023. His experience and ability to excel at left tackle should allow him to be Auburn’s best tackle since Greg Robinson.
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