Texas A&M Week 4 Opponent Preview: Auburn Defensive Players To Watch

After hitting the transfer portal, Auburn looks to be revamped on defense entering its first season under Hugh Freeze.

At first glance, no one would expect Auburn to be considered a contender entering 2023 under first-year coach Hugh Freeze.

Take a second look. Now, a third. And just for fun, glance over at the roster a fourth time before making a decision.

The Tigers are 3-0 heading into their matchup against Texas A&M. In large part, the offense has struggled to find consistency while the defense has set the tone in wins over UMass and Cal.

Freeze, who found success at Ole Miss and Liberty, hired Baylor defensive coordinator Ron Roberts to set the tone in a new era on The Plains. While the level of competition is suspect, Auburn ranks top-20 in total yards, pass coverage and scoring. The Tigers are also top five in opponents' third-down conversions, holding teams to a 24.4 percent success rate.

A&M and Auburn aren't built the same, but they are ranked in the same spotlight. Auburn attacked the transfer portal once Freeze arrived on campus. Jimbo Fisher created his program through the recruiting trail, but there's reason for skepticism after finishing 5-7 in 2022 and a 15-point loss in Week 2 against Miami.

A win for the Aggies lays the foundation for becoming the next "it team" in college football. For Auburn, it justifies the hire of Freeze and proves the Tigers are trending in the right direction.

But who takes home their first SEC victory come an 11 a.m. kick?

Follow along with AllAggies.com as we preview every aspect of A&M's matchup with the Tigers throughout the week. Before diving in, here's a quick overview of the essential things to know before kickoff at Kyle Field on Sept. 23.

Now, let's take a look at several offensive players for Auburn.

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Defensive Leaders

LB Eugene Asante

Asante, a three-year roleplayer at North Carolina, has been the most consistent tackler through three games. He leads the team in stops with 19, including a 12-tackle outing against Cal on the road.

LB Larry Nixon III

Another roleplayer stepping up in run support, Nixon has become a staple of Roberts' 3-3-5 system. Nixon finished with five tackles in games against Cal and Samford, and has totaled two for loss. The North Texas transfer won the job as the team's starting middle backer and has only had one missed tackle through two games. 

DB Jaylin Simpson

Simpson has started the past two seasons between safety and cornerback. Last season, physical demeanor was influential in the run game, while his coverage skills matched well against bigger receivers and tight ends. Simpson finished with two interceptions and five pass deflections in 2022. He's recorded an interception in each game this season and has totaled 10 tackles. 

DB D.J. James 

James has been a consistent roleplayer for the past two seasons. Last year, he totaled 37 tackles and eight pass deflections opposite Nehemiah Pritchett. So far, Pritchett has yet to play this season, thus allowing James to serve as the top cover man. He's recorded nine tackles and an interception in three games.