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Five on Friday: Predicting Auburn's five sack leaders for 2022

Cole Pinkstonby:Cole Pinkston•06/03/22•

ColePinkston

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It’s Friday, so we’re breaking down five of something. Today, let’s get back to the way too early predictions. Auburn has a few guys who could create some pressure on the QB. Hall and Leota are obvious choices at the top, but who might step up and make some big plays alongside them? There is a new EDGE in the mix as well as some guys that can get to the QB.

What is a sack prediction without a guess at the number of sacks each will have as well? Here’s my best shot.

For the record, I believe Jeff Schmedding will sell out to get to the QB more, so I expect the team sack total (35) to rise from 2021.

EDGE, Derick Hall – 14 sacks

Hall is the only real choice here. I’m not a betting man, but if I were, Hall would be an easy bet for the sack leader.

He had 9 sacks last season, and truly could have had more. There were times when he wasn’t as dominant as he is capable. By the end of the year, Hall was nearly unable to be blocked. I predict Hall will add a few more sacks to his total to get to double digits.

He was 4th in the SEC in sacks last year. Having 14 would’ve put him in second place behind Alabama’s Will Anderson.

EDGE, Eku Leota – 10 sacks

Leota is highly capable of having a double-digit sack season as well. The duo might be the best in the SEC. When Hall wasn’t able to get home, usually Leota was able to pick up the slack. If it wasn’t those two, TD Moultry was the guy. He won’t be there to help in 2022, so Leota is probably primed for a 10 sack year.

After seeing what he was capable of last season, the sky is the limit.

DL, Colby Wooden – 7 sacks

When you look at who might lead in sacks, the big three of Hall, Leota, and Wooden will stand out. Wooden could move around more than usual and pin his ears back. That would help his draft stock rise even more than it has.

He had 5 sacks a season ago and should only build on that. He could be on the verge of an All-American type season.

LB, Owen Pappoe – 3.5 sacks

Pappoe is back and healthy. He will play in the box but is a wildcard when it comes to blitzing. He has been at his best when on a blitz. His skillset is too strong to not be used in that way. Three sacks seems low, but for Pappoe playing such a big role as an LB, he will have to play in the box a good bit.

His sack number could depend on the emergence of younger backers allowing him to move around and utilize his skillset.

EDGE, Joko Willis – 2.5 sacks

If you have missed it, Willis is now working with the EDGE group. The move makes sense and should showcase his quickness and tenacity as a pass rusher. I don’t think he will be used too often on non-passing downs, but should provide some much needed extra pressure on passing downs.

Dylan Brooks will probably be in the same range, but could also be a surprise and rack up multiple sacks. For now, what we have seen from Willis is enough to make me think he’s in the top 5 this coming season.

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