Auburn's transfers have gotten plenty of attention, so let's talk about the true freshmen.
The experienced players from four-year schools aren't the only ones who could carve out serious playing time in 2021. Here's a rundown of the 14 youngest Tigers.
(All photos from Todd Van Emst/Auburn Athletics)
In a normal preseason, we probably would be talking more about the true freshmen.
It’s pretty clear at this point that this is not a normal preseason. The one-time transfer waiver passed earlier this year created a massive wave of instant-impact arrivals with previous college experience. Most years, one or two transfers might be in the mix, maybe a little more when adding junior-college players.
This year — inside the all-important context of adding Bryan Harsin and his new coaching staff — Auburn has nine transfers from four-year schools and a JUCO pickup in linebacker Joko Willis.
But don’t overlook the brand-new newcomers to college football on Auburn’s roster. Even with the obvious recruiting issues of the pandemic and a coaching change, the Tigers were able to still land a top-20 class earlier this year.
And recent history suggests that the kids should still play a good bit in 2021.
The 2018 Auburn true freshman class was one of the mo…