Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten announces plans for 2022 season

Veteran Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten is entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Instead of returning for another season with the Tigers, Wooten announced that he will be turning his attention towards the next step in his football career.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for everything he has blessed me with,” Wooten began. “Thank you to my family, and all the family I’ve begun to create on my own. Without your continued support and sacrifices throughout the years I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“Thank you to the former staff for granting me the opportunity to come to such a special place like Auburn. Thank you to my teammates whom I consider brothers. Thank you to every trainer, every strength coach, every manager, every nutritionist, and every councilor who greatly impacted my time at Auburn.

“I would like to specifically thank Coach Harsin & Coach Schmedding for empowering me to be more than I ever thought I could be on and off the field. Your guidance has made me a much better player, but more importantly a better man and father.

“To the Auburn family, thank you for your support over the years. These have been some of the best times of my life. I’m excited for what the future holds as I begin to prepare for the next level and achieve my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. Auburn will always be my home. The abundance of memories I have made, I will cherish for the rest of my days. Again, thank you.”

Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten says his goodbyes as he turns his focus to the NFL draft pic.twitter.com/97GdOuDgP6

— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) January 16, 2022

Wooten first arrived at Auburn in 2017

Wooten has been around the Auburn football program for quite some time. He first joined the Tigers in 2017. Wooten is a former four-star recruit according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He chose Auburn over multiple other offers, including Ohio State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Clemson, and others.

Wooten played in 13 games this season after he opted out of the 2020 season. On the year, he totaled 95 total tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception, and four passes defended. In his career at Auburn, Wooten leaves after racking up 140 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, five passes defended, and one fumble recovery.

Now, Wooten will look to carry his momentum from a very strong season into the NFL.