Eleven defensive newcomers set to make first impression at Auburn A-Day game

Auburn’s first A-Day game of the spring game will take place on Saturday at 1 p.m (2p.m. ET).

The annual spring game will be available for streaming on SEC Network Plus via the ESPN plus App.

Twenty-one transfers and freshmen will take the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time on Saturday. They will be making their first public impressions in front of Auburn fans who have followed their recruitments and practices all the way to this moment. 

On defense, there are six transfers and five early enrollee freshmen who will be getting their first game-like action as Tigers.

Sr. Jack, Elijah McCallister

McCallister comes to Auburn for one final year of collegiate football hoping to take the next step. He was a key rotation piece for Vanderbilt and will be looked upon to provide key depth at Jack linebacker. He will play a lot in the A-Day game.

Height/Weight: 6-6 271

Jersey number: 11

Quoteworthy: I feel comfortable. I played this position the first two or three years in college, and I feel comfortable dropping in coverage, rushing the passer, doing different things. But I feel good, I feel at home, honestly. – McCallister

Fresh. Jack, Keldric Faulk

Faulk has turned heads as an early enrollee in spring practice. He is more than likely on his way to a big role in his first year. He is easily one of the most anticipated newcomers for the A-Day game.

Height/Weight: 6-6 275

Jersey number: 15

Quoteworthy: A young Jack, I’m going to tell you–Keldric Faulk is going to be it. He’s going to be it. Really excited about the way he rushes and the way he’s progressed since he got here. He’s going to be good. – Jeremy Garrett on Faulk

Fresh. Jack, Brenton Williams

Williams might be behind Faulk at this point, but he could sneak his way into some early playing time as well. A-Day will be important for him to show what he’s capable of in a game setting.

Height/Weight: 6-3 248

Jersey number: 22

Quoteworthy: This whole time I knew I was good. I Just needed other people to see it. – Williams 

Jr. DL, Justin Rogers

Rogers is possibly the most anticipated transfer besides Rivaldo Fairweather. He was a standout at Kentucky before transferring to Auburn. He will be a force in the middle during A-Day.

Height/Weight: 6-3 340

Jersey number: 97

Quoteworthy: Justin Rogers is a football player. He’s a handful. He’s going to be somebody that Lord willing stays healthy, we depend upon to factor in the middle. But, he requires a double team, I think he will. I’ve been really pleased with how he works. He loves the game, he loves to practice and he’s got a joy about him that’s fun to be around. I’ve been really, really pleased with him. – Hugh Freeze on Rogers

Sr. DL, Mosiah Nasili-Kite

Nasili-Kite quietly put together a good couple of seasons at Maryland. He is working his way into the starting rotation and will have a chance to prove his worth at A-Day.

Height/Weight: 6-2 288

Jersey number: 33

Quoteworthy: Mosiah, Mosiah Nasili-Kite. I thought he improved probably the most from practice one to last week in the D-line as much as any. He was disruptive and plays the game extremely passionately and hard. He definitely caught my eye. – Hugh Freeze on Nasili-Kite

Sr. DL, Lawrence Johnson

Johnson is one of three former starting defensive line transfers. Right now, he’s a little behind the pack, but he will earn some playing time. He’s an intriguing player on the defensive front for Auburn in this A-Day game.

Height/Weight: 6-2 299

Jersey number: 92

Quoteworthy: Here’s another interior lineman who should produce immediately for his new SEC team. Lawrence Johnson (6-3, 310) was a starter for Purdue the past two seasons – he had 62 total tackles – and will be an important part of Auburn’s interior. – On3’s Mike Huguenin on Johnson

Fresh. DL, Wilky Denaud

Denaud is a promising young freshman who might need some time to settle into the defensive line. He will be moving all around during the A-Day game more than likely.

Height/Weight: 6-3 275

Jersey number: 52

Quoteworthy: I like how they presented everything. How nothing changed about the culture even though they had the coaching staff change. I just think what they have here is going to be something great. – Denaud

Fresh. DL, Stephen Johnson

Johnson will be in the learning stage early on as there is plenty of depth on the defensive line. He has been recognized for his personality and his size early on.

Height/Weight: 6-3 341

Jersey number: 56

Quoteworthy: It really meant a lot to me. Coming from a high-profile school like that and getting that kind of attention really boosted my ego a little. – Johnson on receiving Auburn offer

Sr. LB, Austin Keys

Keys is one of the most experienced transfers Auburn brought in from the portal. He is considered a top contender for an inside linebacker spot and is an anticipated player for A-Day.

Height/Weight: 6-2 235

Jersey number: 12

Quoteworthy: He’s got the SEC experience, he’s big, he’s physical, he runs exceptionally well, he’s smart, he’s intelligent, he’s picked things up really fast. With him, going forward, I’d like him to be a little more vocal and take some leadership responsibility. – Auburn DC Ron Roberts

So. LB, DeMario Tolan

Tolan is a promising young talent with key experience from his freshman year at LSU. He is expected to battle for a starting position during A-Day.

Height/Weight: 6-1 203

Jersey number: 0

Quoteworthy: DeMario shows a ton of ability, he runs exceptionally well, he will strike you. When he pulls his pin he pulls it about as fast as anybody that can play the game. So he has a bright future here at Auburn. – Auburn DC Ron Roberts on Tolan

Fresh. CB, Kayin Lee

Lee is the freshman getting the most buzz besides Faulk so far. He could be looking at a key role when the season rolls around. Coaches are excited to show him off at A-Day.

Height/Weight: 5-11 184

Jersey number: 3

Quoteworthy: He will be a heck of a player, he’s going to play as a freshman. – Hugh Freeze on Lee