Alabama – Coach Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers have continued to recruit at a high level, and that’s a good thing considering the talent that must be replaced from the 2019 football teamm on both sides of the ball. Losing first round NFL draft picks Derrick Brown and Noah Igbinoghene on defense, second round selection Marlon Davidsonm along with draft pick Daniel Thomas plus Jeremiah Dinson, Javaris Davis and Nick Coe, Auburn’s defense will have a much different look in 2020.
While the offense returns sophomore quarterback Bo Nix, along with top wide receivers Seth Williams, Anthony Schwartz and Eli Stove, Malzahn hired coordinator Chad Morris and offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. to give the Tigers a fresh look on that side of the ball.
Having to replace four starters up front, including NFL Draft selections Jack Driscoll and Prince Tega Wanogho Jr., the offensive line is a big point of emphasis for the Tigers going into the season.
As you look at the upcoming season and begin to preview different parts of the Auburn roster, a good place to start is with the players that didn’t get to make an impact a season ago. Let’s take a look at Auburn’s redshirt freshmen going into the 2020 campaign and the expectations for each.
Defensive Back Zion Puckett–An early enrollee in last year’s class, Puckett saw some action at the nickel position last season and could be there again this season, but with his size and speed he could also play a true safety spot in Auburn’s defense. A physical player who saw extensive action on both offense and defense in high school, focusing as solely a defensive back should help his continued development on the fundamentals. With the skill set and feet to become a big-time player, the biggest question is where Puckett will wind up playing by the time his career is finished on the Plains.
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