In 2024, Auburn football occasionally had to rely on its freshmen.
Even if several of those players, who are already sophomores, will start this season, new freshmen will still make their debuts.
A few of the players from the Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class, which was ranked sixth in the nation, showed promise during preseason camp. Although Auburn may not need to rely on freshmen this season, it does have a few guys who appear ready to make an immediate impact.
These five freshmen from Auburn have a potential to make an impact during their debut season.
Omar Mabson II, Running back
During camp, Mabson got more attention than any other Auburn freshman.
For someone who reclassified to start college a year early, the Auburn High School alumnus has earned a spot in the running back rotation. Mabson appears to be physically prepared for collegiate football at 5′ 9″ and 213 pounds.
Running backs coach and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix stated, “He’s a monster in that weight room.” He is a man who takes satisfaction in making an effort to understand the specifics of his tasks. You anticipate the outcomes he is currently receiving because of his talent and the amount of time he invests in it.
Mabson has gained some carries during camp, but he probably still has a tiny advantage over older running backs like Durell Robinson, Jeremiah Cobb, and Damari Alston.
Jourdin Crawford, Defensive line
Since the spring, Crawford has been a defensive lineman to keep an eye on because of his strength and distinctive physique.
Crawford, who stands 6 feet 337 pounds, is a matchup issue for most offensive lines and appears to be Auburn’s most dominant lineman. Zykeivous Walker, a senior defensive lineman, has a unique way of characterizing Crawford.
Walker described him as a powerful meatball. That cannot be stopped.
Auburn intends to rotate aggressively on the defensive line, and Crawford, who rotated with the first team during camp, may be one of many players to play up front.
AnQuon Fegans, Safety
On Auburn’s defense, safety is one of the rare positions where a couple players may see action. Fegans is one who might be included in the group that rotated during the camp.
Fegan, a former four-star recruit from Alabaster’s Thompson High School, is most notable for his ball skills. He has a talent for causing turnovers and was a player on both sides of the ball in high school.
Auburn is focusing on that this season, so if he continues to be reliable, he might be able to contribute to the defense.
Bryce Deas, Linebacker
Despite not being one of Auburn’s top picks in the 2025 class, Deas had a strong camp.
He and fellow freshman Elijah Melendez appear to be in the running for the position of linebacker, which is another one that is scheduled to rotate. Deas’ athleticism, which makes him a versatile defensive player, is what most distinguishes him.
DJ Durkin, the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, said, “He’s very physical and he’s just learning the position.” He is still learning the position because he has been all over the field at various positions. He appears on camera when he goes. He is moving at a different pace.
Additionally, Durkin stated that Auburn will be playing a number of linebackers, and camp demonstrated that Deas can be included in that group.
Malik Autry, Defensive line
Like Crawford, Autry’s chances of receiving snaps as a freshman are aided by Auburn’s defensive line rotation strategy.
Although Autry hasn’t been with the first team as long as Crawford, the coaches has frequently indicated that he can play right away.
Vontrell King-Williams, the defensive line coach at Auburn, says he’s doing well. In terms of learning the game and other aspects, he is similar to Malik Blocton when he was a freshman.
Blocton contributed significantly as a rookie the previous season, therefore King-Williams’ commendation is significant. Additionally, it’s difficult to find another rookie lineman with Autry’s level of physical development at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds.
For AL.com, Peter Rauterkus writes about Auburn athletics. You may email him at [email protected] or follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus.
