Two Auburn defensive backs change their jersey numbers

With just under two weeks until the regular season begins, Auburn is making a couple of changes in the secondary. Not with their personnel or depth chart — but with jersey numbers. Two defensive backs changed numbers on Tuesday, with one getting a fresh look and the other reverting back.

First up is cornerback D.J. James, who will be going from No. 10 to No. 4. A transfer from Oregon, James is entering his fourth season of college football and looking to make an immediate impact on the Plains. When you see him on the outside, you’ll see a single-digit number compared to No. 10.

With that number now available, safety Zion Puckett decided to jump on the opportunity to reclaim it. The Georgia native was previously No. 11, dating back to the beginning of last season. He will drop one number down and be roaming the field with No. 10 on his back.

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Auburn will see its season begin on Sept. 3 with a home matchup against Mercer. When you’re looking back into the secondary, you’ll see a couple of fresh numbers running around.

Bryan Harsin reveals how Donovan Kaufman has elevated Auburn secondary

Donovan Kaufman transferred from Vanderbilt to Auburn and made an immediate impact for the Tigers in his first year with the team last year from his starting safety role. Head coach Bryan Harsin talked about Kaufman and his value and role on the team.

“Donovan’s a really really intelligent football player. He’s able to get guys lined up and he understands situations, he understands what we’re trying to accomplish by the call so I think that helps. He’s also a really good special teams player so we’re trying to figure out where to put him without overloading him and getting him on too many,” Harsin said.

Kaufman’s presence was definitely felt last season as a stat sheet stuffer recording 34 tackles, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, an interception, and a sack, and even returned a few kickoffs for the Tigers as well.

But his value isn’t just in the numbers, as Harsin elaborated on how Kaufman has elevated those playing around him in the secondary.

“And I think he, Keionte Scott, the addition of Keonte Scott I mentioned him several times this guy’s really really good, so both those guys moving around. I think they’re kind of working off each other and then I think that’s raised the level for Nehemiah [Pritchett], I think Simp [Jaylin Simpson], his level’s raised,” Harsin said.