BREAKING: Auburn S Donovan Kaufman commits to NC State
Donovan Kaufman, a key player in Auburn’s secondary, committed to NC State Monday evening, TheWolfpacker.com can confirm. He is NC State’s 12th transfer commitment of the 2024 cycle, bolstering one of the top portal classes in the country.
The defensive back took an official visit to NC State last weekend after entering the portal Jan. 16 and, following his commitment, will join the program in the summer for his final season of eligibility.
Kaufman started his career with Vanderbilt and played his freshman season with the Commodores. He was a three-star prospect out of Metairie (Ala.) Archbishop Rummel High. For the next several years, the 5-10, 204-pound safety played an important role with the Tigers. Kaufman started in both 2021 and 2022 before rotating in and out of the lineup during the 2023 season, playing no fewer than 29 snaps in each appearance last fall.
He finished his senior year with 1 interception, 37 total tackles, including 4.5 for loss and 1 sack, 1 defended pass, 2 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Kaufman played a Swiss Army knife role in Auburn’s secondary and recorded a 68.8 PFF grade.
Out of his 395 snaps played last year, he spent 210 of them as a slot corner, 76 at free safety and 61 lined up in the box. He has the versatility to play nickel if called upon to do so.
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Safety depth became an increased priority after Devan Boykin’s torn ACL suffered during bowl practices. His timeline for a return remains unclear. Both redshirt junior Sean Brown and senior Bishop Fitzgerald, who both started games for the Wolfpack, are back for the 2024 season as well, while the program will have to replace the production left by starting nickel Robert Kennedy.
Per TheWolfpacker.com’s count, NC State is up to 84 scholarship players for 2024 spring practice. Auburn linebacker Cam Riley and junior college safety Marquis Brown also visited last weekend.
Kaufman joins a packed portal class for the Pack that includes wide receiver Noah Rogers, quarterback Grayson McCall, cornerback Devon Marshall, tight end Justin Joly, defensive back Tamarcus Cooley, wide receiver Wesley Grimes, cornerback Corey Coley Jr. and offensive linemen Valen Erickson, center Zeke Correll, running back Hollywood Smothers and running back Jordan Waters.
