What Auburn football is getting in its three newest defensive transfers

The Tigers went on a run in the portal Monday, signing Philip Blidi, Keyron Crawford and Isaiah Raikes to solidify their front for 2024.

DT Philip Blidi (Twitter)

Without a doubt, the single most surprising takeaway from Auburn football’s annual A-Day spring game earlier this month was what happened when the Tigers ran the ball.

Auburn’s offense averaged only 2.4 sack-adjusted yards per carry against the defense, with Damari Alston finishing as the only Tigers running back who popped a run of at least 10 yards all day.

While spring game stats shouldn’t be taken as massive signs for the future, the dominant day for the defense still stood out.

After all, the Auburn offense returned everybody from a running back room that finished No. 33 nationally and No. 5 in the SEC in rushing yards per carry. The Tigers’ offensive line showed decent progress in the area of run-blocking in the first year under a new coaching staff, and the majority of that starting lineup is back for 2024.

Meanwhile, Auburn’s defense finished No. 85 nationally and No. 11 in the SEC in rushing yards allowed per carry last season. To make things even tougher on a unit that struggled to slow down the run for the second straight year, the top two interior defensive linemen — Marcus Harris and Justin Rogers — left for the NFL.

And yet, under the direction of analyst-turned-new position coach Vontrell King-Williams, Auburn’s defensive tackles played well in front of the fans at A-Day. Former JUCO transfer Bobby Jamison-Travis had three tackles for loss. True freshman Malik Blocton added a pair of tackles. Transfers Trill Carter and Gage Keys both made plays in the backfield, along with redshirt freshman D.J. Reed.

On top of that, an edge-rushing group now under the direction of former inside linebackers coach Josh Aldridge put its stamp on the game. Returning pass rusher Jalen McLeod notched a tackle for loss. Second-year standout Keldric Faulk looked sharp at the defensive end spot. Elite true freshmen Amaris Williams, Jamonta Waller and Joe Phillips all flashed their skills as well.

“I felt like they won the line of scrimmage,” Freeze said. “That's very positive. I like the guys and the effort they're giving over there, I do. I just don't think you can ever have enough of them.”

Freeze made it clear from the beginning of spring practices in late February that Auburn would hit the second transfer portal window with a clear plan of bringing in more defensive linemen.

“We've got a couple spots left on our roster,” Freeze said after the A-Day Game. “If you're going to fill it, let's fill it with D-line and receivers. I think that's where we need to add some more depth.”

The hunt for reinforcements at wide receiver will continue, but the Tigers addressed their more pressing needs over the last 24 hours or so.

On Monday, Auburn officially signed three players who will line up on the defensive front: Arkansas State edge rusher Keyron Crawford, Indiana defensive tackle Philip Blidi and former Texas A&M nose tackle Isaiah Raikes.

Here’s what you need to know about all three of the newest Tigers, starting with the edge rusher who could help bridge the gap between the present and the future at one of the most important spots on the field.