In pictures: 10 offensive, 10 defensive Auburn football fall camp standouts
AUBURN — Auburn football fall camp is complete. The Tigers scrimmaged on Saturday and then will take a short break as classes get started and the in-season schedule sets in.
This a list of 10 offensive and 10 defensive players who have been standouts according to some or all of coaches, players and observers. This isn’t a list of the best players on the team. If a player isn’t named on this list, it doesn’t mean they didn’t perform well during fall camp. These are simply players, both veterans, newcomers and surprises, that appeared to take nice steps forward during the last two weeks.
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Offensive standouts
Payton Thorne
“He wants to be on top of every detail that is involved in our offense. He’s seeing things now at a really good rate. … I think he does a great job with his leadership, he’s disciplined and he’s professional about what he does.” – Philip Montgomery
Thorne impressed everyone with the intangibles he brings to the quarterback room and the team overall. When it came to decision making and understanding the correct reads to make, Thorne was the most consistent quarterback during fall camp and was awarded the starting position before the end of camp.
August 12, 2023 – Auburn Quarterback Payton Thorne (#1) during a fall camp scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo By Austin Perryman
“Honestly think Robby has thrown the ball better in this fall camp. I have seen him progress in that manner. When he pulls it down, you better hold on, because he can do some things with it from that standpoint. But I think his biggest progression has been on the throwing side of it.” – Montgomery
Ashford improved during fall camp. It wasn’t enough to win the starting job entering the opener, but everyone who watched Ashford during camp believes he’s a better passer than the spring, and certainly better than last fall. Because of Ashford’s athletic ability, he will be impossible to keep off the field this season.
August, 2023 – Auburn Quarterback Robby Ashford (#9) during a fall camp practice in Auburn, AL. Photo By Matt Rudolph
Damari Alston
“He’s been one of the leaders. If you ask the team who the leaders are in the locker room right now, he was elected to the Culture Council unanimously, and that speaks as high as any mark you can give. This guy drives the culture that we want.” – Hugh Freeze
Alston is poised for a breakout fall. Jarquez Hunter is the primary tailback, but Alston will be featured plenty and will get more than his share of opportunities to create big plays in this offense. Alston scored touchdowns in both of Auburn’s fall scrimmages. From coaches and players alike, you won’t find a bad word uttered about Alston.
August 06, 2023 – Auburn Running Back Damari Alston (#22) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Jay Fair
“I think he’s electric. I thought he put on some good weight and good muscle this summer. I think he is playing with a lot more confidence, playing a lot faster, being decisive in his decisions. He has always had good hands, he’s not scared of anything, so if he’s catching a ball over the middle, he doesn’t mind it.” – Montgomery
If Alston isn’t the pick for breakout player on offense, it might be Fair. He’s been the most consistent presence at receiver we’ve seen during media viewing windows, running with the first team the majority of the time. Fast, tough, level headed — Fair is prepared to have a very productive fall.
August 18, 2023 – Auburn Wide Receiver Jay Fair (#5) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Matt Rudolph
Shane Hooks
“Shane Hooks. I’m excited for him. Shane Hooks. I’m excited for him, that’s my guy. Shane is the high point guy, for sure.” – DJ James
Hooks backed that quote from James up all fall camp. He scored three total touchdowns in the two fall scrimmages, including a one-handed touchdown grab in the final scrimmage that went viral on social media. There will be a rotation at receiver this fall, but Hooks has seemingly separated himself as a legitimate playmaker.
August 06, 2023 – Auburn Wide Receiver Shane Hooks (#11) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Caleb Burton
“I think he’s a smooth player. He’s younger and still learning, but he’s got natural hands and a natural route runner.” – Marcus Davis
Coming from Ohio State without experience, expectations were tempered with Burton, but the speedy freshman has stood out consistently. Burton’s work ethic has been lauded by coaches and players, and while new, Burton should see the field plenty this fall.
August 07, 2023 – Auburn Wide Receiver Caleb Burton III (#10) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Kam Stutts
“You know, Stutts means a lot to me. In today’s world where it is so easy to leave and go other places, he stuck it out and he has been through good and bad here. In our room, there is not a bigger presence for what it means to be an Auburn offensive lineman.” – Jake Thornton
Much of the attention goes towards the transfer offensive linemen, but as one of the few returners, Stutts has been a steady presence along the front during fall camp. He’s essentially locked up a starting guard spot, as there’s still some shuffling going on that could determine whether Stutts starts on the left or right side.
August 06, 2023 – Auburn Offensive Lineman Kameron Stutts (#62) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Izavion Miller
“Too Tall has had a phenomenal camp. Watching him progress, getting stronger, body quickness, first and second step off the ball. He is making his presence known out there.” – Thornton
(bonus quote)
“He’s going to be a really good offensive lineman. His explosion is really good. He’s strong. He’s got explosion, flexibility, we need to keep recruiting guys like that.” – Freeze
Early in fall camp, we noted that Miller is a player that was making real strides. By the end of fall camp, Miller might have worked himself into the starting rotation. We’ll see how it works out, but Miller has quickly developed into a valuable asset along the front line.
March 01, 2023 – Auburn Offensive Lineman Izavion Miller (#72) and Jack Linebacker Elijah McAllister (#11) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Declan Greene
Connor Lew
“Now, transitioning in there to center, he is making all the calls himself. He’s becoming more consistent and more confident in what he is doing. He’s growing every day that he is in the building. He’s got a bright future ahead, and he will be a big factor this fall as well.” – Thornton
The true freshman has been very impressive with his strength at the point of attack, and understanding of the offense. Whether it’s backup center or even playing guard, Lew is pushing to get on the field right away.
August 06, 2023 – Auburn Offensive Lineman Connor Lew (#75) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Rivaldo Fairweather
“He’s kind of improved while putting more on his plate in the RPO world. Every day he is doing something spectacular out there with the catches. Taking the ball off of a DB’s head, whatever it is. He has been really really impressive during camp with what he has been doing in the passing game.” – Ben Aigamaua
Fairweather has been everything the coaches hoped he’d be since arriving and fall camp was no different. Whether he’s lining up in the slot or with his hand in the dirt, Fairweather was constantly a matchup nightmare for Auburn’s defensive backs over the last two weeks.
August 03, 2023 – Auburn Tight End Rivaldo Fairweather (#13) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Defensive standouts
Jalen McLeod
“He’s fast. He’s—like I don’t think y’all understand, he is fast. His motor is always on go. He is going to turn a lot of heads this season I feel like.” – Gunner Britton
Maybe the easiest selection, McLeod was called the “best player on the team” bay more than one observer during camp. McLeod is a special player and depending on how things shake out, might be the most important transfer addition Auburn made in the offseason.
August 03, 2023 – Auburn Jack Linebacker Jalen McLeod (#35) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Keldric Faulk
“I love working with Keldric. He’s mentally tough. You get a kid with ‘want to’ and drive, he’s mentally wanting to go, he’s not tapping out of practice. He’s going to go. He wants to improve.” – Jeremy Garrett
The true freshman doesn’t just have the size, he possesses the mentality that has him primed to make plays right away in the SEC. Faulk was limited the last few days of fall camp, but was consistently producing during the majority of fall camp. He’s a unique talent all the way around.
August 07, 2023 – Auburn Jack Linebacker Keldric Faulk (#15) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Mosiah Nasili-Kite
“He’s playing end for us. We needed him to. He’s one that’s athletic enough and strong enough to get that done. He and Keldric are at that end spot. In practice, they have done a good job of playing their blocks and executing what they need to execute.” – Garrett
Productive, reliable and powerful, Nasili-Kite has the tools to really help Auburn at defensive end. His understanding of the defense and ability to create leverage really stood out during fall camp.
August 17, 2023 – Auburn Defensive End Mosiah Nasili-Kite (#33) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Matt Rudolph
Stephen Sings V
“He’s a Power Five football player. Steve is so genuine and grateful. You’re going to see a crazy motor. He and Jalen, regardless of their athletic ability, they play so flipping’ hard. It’s fun to watch. You’re going to get a high-motor guy.” – Josh Aldridge
McLeod gets all the attention, but don’t lose sight of Sings. With more length than McLeod, he will matchup well with SEC offensive tackles and tight ends when it comes to rushing the passer. Sings was observed as constantly elevating the morale of the Tigers’ defense during camp.
August 03, 2023 – Auburn Jack Linebacker Stephen Sings V (#18) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Eugene Asante
“He’s made huge strides. He’s a physical talent. Runs well, plays hard, plays with excitement and emotion. I thought he’s done a good job of understanding the defense more and that’s put him in a good spot.” – Ron Roberts
A bit of a surprise, Asante came on strong during camp. Attitude, speed and understanding of the defense helped Asante vault himself into the conversation of who will start at linebacker for Auburn.
August 07, 2023 – Auburn Linebacker Eugene Asante (#9) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Jayson Jones
“He’s moving better. He’s been more physical, and that’s good. That’s having competition around you in the room. He’s pushed himself more. Jayson has done an unbelievable job of the required work and un-required work of doing extra. He’s been the leader of those guys, showing them different things.” – Garrett
Jones has been strong at the point of attack, has seemingly grasped the defensive concepts in Roberts’ new schemes, and his leadership has been welcomed.
August, 2023 – Auburn Nose Tackle Jayson Jones (#99) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Matt Rudolph
Lawrence Johnson
Johnson hasn’t actually been named by anyone. That’s partly the media’s fault for not asking more about him. However, observers have noted that Johnson performed really well during the first fall scrimmage and is providing quality snaps at the backup defensive tackle position.
August, 2023 – Auburn Defensive Tackle Lawrence Johnson (#92) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Matt Rudolph
Keionte Scott
“Keionte, you always get the best from him.” Freeze
When you talk to people around the program, there might not be a more respected player than Scott. Attitude and energy are always on point, and Scott has completely locked down the nickel position. He’s also done really well in blitzing situations, using his physical nature to his advantage.
August 06, 2023 – Auburn Defensive Back Keionte Scott (#0) and Wide Receiver Caleb Burton III (#10) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Nehemiah Pritchett and DJ James
“I think DJ and Pritchett are practicing at a higher level. It’s easy to coast, and I thought they coasted some the first week. I thought they turned it on this last week like they should. I called them out. If you can call your best players out and they respond well, it sure helps as a coach with everybody else.” – Freeze
Freeze’s final statements after the final scrimmage revealed much of what was being said behind the scenes. Pritchett and James are too talented and too experienced to not be practicing at an elite level. That started to take place the second week of fall camp.
August 12, 2023 – Auburn Defensive Back Nehemiah Pritchett (#1) during a fall camp scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo By Austin Perryman
August 08, 2023 – Auburn Defensive Back DJ James (#4) during a Fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
The post In pictures: 10 offensive, 10 defensive Auburn football fall camp standouts appeared first on On3.
