Freeze pleased with improvement at CB, LB and OT

ATLANTA, Ga. — Hugh Freeze saw several key positions that needed to be improved during the offseason.

Quarterback was addressed quickly with an entirely new room led by Oklahoma transfer Jackson Arnold.

But there were a few other positions that he felt were in critical need of more talent.

“Probably getting more speed at linebacker and in the secondary. I think we’ve done that,” said Freeze. “We’re bigger, faster, stronger. And then offensive tackle. I think we’ve addressed both those needs.”

Auburn returned a few cornerbacks with starting experience in Kayin Lee, Jay Crawford and Champ Anthony. And the Tigers added two corners in the portal in Rayshawn Pleasant from Tulane and Raion Strader from Miami (Ohio).

AU also signed a talented group of freshmen in Blake Woodby, Donovan Starr and Devin Williams, who suffered an ACL injury during spring practice.

“You can’t have enough corners in this league,” said Freeze. “Pleasant, I love this kid and I don’t think there’s any better motivator for a coach than competition, period. And I know those two young kids, Jay played great as a freshman, K. Lee had good times as a freshman and as a sophomore. They’re very talented. Will they be a lot better when they have to look over their shoulder and know there’s no room to coast?

“We need competition, particularly at places like corner where you need four guys that can play and I love those two young ones in Starr and Woodby also. I think they’ve got a bright future. But no question Pleasant brings some length and quick twitch, as does Strader.”

At linebacker, AU returns Robert Woodyard and Demarcus Riddick, and added two from the portal in Xavier Atkins from LSU and Caleb Wheatland from Maryland.

AU also signed one of the nation’s best linebacker classes including Elijah Melendez, Bryce Deas and J.J. Faulk.

The tackle position was fortified by the addition of Xavier Chaplin from Virginia Tech and Mason Murphy from USC, who both project as starters going into the start of camp.

“Some of those kids are young. You’re going to hear me say this a lot tomorrow: I like our roster,” said Freeze.

Fall camp is set to begin Tuesday, July 29.