Bryan Harsin tells story on captain Chandler Wooten

Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin shared a story with media on his recently-nominated team captain linebacker Chandler Wooten.

“So let me tell you, my first meeting with Chandler (Wooten) I knew that about him,” Harsin said regarding Wooten opting out in 2020. “So I’m questioning his commitment. The first time I met him and understand this, I didn’t know him. And we had a great conversation. He’s a family man and I said ‘What is it about you that I need to know’ and he said ‘I can lead. I’m a leader.'”

Harsin continued.

“From that point on, I don’t know what it was,” Harsin said. “I think he and I connected, but he’s been exactly that ever since I’ve known him. He works hard he shows up every day. I’ve got a deep appreciation for him, I care tremendously for him. I see him obviously as a football player on this team but as a man, as a father. This was a special moment for him.”

Wooten and fourth-year linebacker Owen Pappoe were voted as captains for the Tigers in Harsin’s first year as head coach.

Both will be looked upon as the faces of the Auburn defense.

Wooten is entering his fifth season at Auburn. Before opting out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns, Wooten was a rotational piece at Sam linebacker. In 2019, Wooten played in 11 games finishing with 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and added an interception and recovered fumble.

Where Wooten fits in

Wooten projects as the starting Sam linebacker alongside Pappoe and Zakoby McClain. The Tigers have a number of veteran pieces along the defense like sophomore defensive tackle Zykevious Walker and free safety Smoke Monday. Auburn also added Vanderbilt transfer Donovan Kaufman, who will start at Auburn’s Star position as a sophomore.

Coming out of high school, Wooten was a highly decorated player from North Cobb. As a senior, Wooten recorded 124 tackles and 15 tackles for loss, receiving all-state and regional defensive player of the year honors for his efforts.

On the offensive side of the ball, Bo Nix projects to be the starter once again but LSU transfer TJ Finley has made things interesting and will keep Nix on his toes all season.

The Tigers will lean on the run game led by running back Tank Bigsby. Auburn landed an important transfer at wide receiver in Georgia wide receiver and former five-star Demetris Robertson. Up front, the Tigers have a lot of veteran experience as all five projected starters have played college football for at least three seasons.