Auburn's linebacker situation following DeMario Tolan's departure

_JHokanson

Cam Riley - Photo: Matt Rudolph/Auburn Live

<a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/auburn-tigers/news/demario-tolan-no-longer-with-auburn-football/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">It was confirmed on Wednesday night that LSU transfer linebacker DeMario Tolan is no longer with the football team.</a> The news is surprising after Tolan transferred from LSU to Auburn in January with three years of eligibility remaining, with his redshirt still available as an option.   Tolan played in 12 games as a freshman in 2022. He was a four-star recruit, the No. 23 linebacker and No. 229 overall recruit, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally-weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Tolan was heavily recruited by Auburn out of high school before choosing LSU, and was a major addition in January when <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/hugh-freeze-134705/">Hugh Freeze</a> and Co. landed him.   <a href="https://www.on3.com/teams/auburn-tigers/news/projected-auburn-football-post-spring-depth-chart-defense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Following spring practice, Auburn Live projected Tolan as a backup weakside linebacker.</a>   While talented, Tolan was still learning <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/coach/ron-roberts-135257/">Ron Roberts</a>' defense and wasn't projected to start. Tolan was, however, an improving player who added much-needed depth and provided <a href="https://www.on3.com/db/coach/josh-aldridge-177599/">Josh Aldridge</a> with a skilled linebacker for the future.   The loss stings as it pertains to depth, but it doesn't sting in regards to losing a potential starter because Tolan wasn't in that position at the moment.   Without Tolan's depth and potential, here's where Auburn stands at linebacker: