Hugh Freeze happy with depth across Auburn’s defensive line

Auburn has revitalized its defensive line over the offseason with renewed depth, and head coach Hugh Freeze is looking to use that to his advantage in the trenches in 2023.

Speaking after the Tigers’ first scrimmage of fall camp, Freeze revealed where his defensive line stands after a less-than-stellar effort from the group in 2022. Now that he’s leading the group, Freeze has the luxury of using a different type of strategy this season.

“We’re playing 15 guys there it feels like. We’ve been running everyone in and out,” Freeze said after Auburn’s first preseason scrimmage. “By the end of practice today, I thought they were dominant. They were creating plays that didn’t happen earlier.

“I’m excited because our EDGEs have gotten better with [Keldric] Faulk, Jalen [McLeod] and Elijah [McAllister] and on the inside we’ve got a good group of guys with Marcus [Harris], and Jayson [Jones], [Mosiah Nasili-Kite], and Lawrence Johnson … we’re rotating a lot of guys in there. That’s obviously a good thing in this league that you get to rotate those guys up front. What we do gives them problems sometimes. There’s a lot of movement that’s going on, but I’m pleased with how we’re working.”

Freeze’s fresh-body philosophy in the trenches could work in his favor. It’s a strong group that should eclipse last season’s group by a mile.

In 2022, Auburn ranked 97th nationally and 11th in the Southeastern Conference in total rushing defense. Auburn’s front seven allowed 4.6 yards per carry and 172.7 rushing yards per game. They ranked dead last in rushing touchdowns allowed per game, giving up 2.3 on a weekly basis. Teams averaged over nine first downs on the ground alone against the Tigers a year ago as well — and that type of effort isn’t going to cut it during Freeze’s tenure.

On top of that, the Tigers defensive line’s most productive stars from last season — Derick Hall and Colby Wooden — are both in the NFL, which leaves Marcus Harris’ 18 tackles and two sacks from last year as the most production returning to the DL.

Of course, the transfer portal helps and it seems that athletes are wanting to play under Freeze. He’s already been able to flip a few blue-chip prospect’s commitments since taking over the program — and many believe this is just the start.

Auburn kicks its 2023 season off inside Jordan-Hare Stadium against UMass on Sept. 2 before traveling out west to face Cal for Week 2. Both matchups should be a perfect opportunity to get the DL group enough reps to see who can separate themselves from the rest.