Why Austin Keys will break out for Auburn football in 2023

Could Austin Keys be the breakout defensive performer for Auburn football in 2023?

Joshua Collins | Jun 16, 2023

Why Austin Keys will break out for Auburn football in 2023 /

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We return again to the epic high school and transfer portal recruiting class Coach Hugh Freeze and Co. managed to land this offseason, this time with a purely defensive focus, we ask once more who could be the breakout performer for Auburn football in 2023?

With nine new additions to the defensive front from the transfer portal alone there are plenty of new faces. All of which are being afforded with ample opportunities to earn a consistent starting spot on the field. Having six of these additions being LB/Edge players, it’s apparent that the Auburn coaching staff was looking to address a significant area of need.

Austin Keys — Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Being spoiled for choice with talent within this transfer recruiting class, this wager was difficult to come to. After significant consideration, I would place my bet upon the transfer inside linebacker from Ole Miss Austin Keys, to be the breakout defensive performer for the Auburn Tigers this upcoming 2023 season.

Keys comes to Auburn from his hometown of Taylorsville, Mississippi. Before committing to Ole Miss on March 24, of 2019, Keys played high school football at Seminary High School, in Seminary, MS. The 6-foot-2, 233-pound inside linebacker has NFL size and the profile of what one would call a traditional thumper style linebacker.

Keys has an amazing first step after the snap with the field vision to hit the appropriate gaps with speed and power. His pursuit of the ball carrier is also excellent, not allowing many to get in his way while chasing down the ball. Keys also looks to be an intelligent tackler, looking to force fumbles through strips or blunt force with assisted tackles.

Austin Keys played two seasons with the Ole Miss Rebels, making appearances in 19 games posting 51 tackles - 19 of which were solo tackles (32 assisted). He also picked up 2.0 sacks, 5 QB hurries, and a forced fumble.

Despite being injured in the 2021 season, Keys returned in 2022 and tripled his production across his defensive stat line. Austin Keys has arrived in Auburn with an open door to make a name for himself amongst the faithful fan base of the Auburn Tigers.

I believe he is hungry to play and equally hungry to help this defense get back to being one of the best in the nation, and for that reason I feel he will be the breakout defensive player this 2023 season.

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