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Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections – Strong Side Outside Linebacker

ByNicholas Ian Allen|
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Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) walks onto the field for the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Freshmen

We’re still over a week until National Signing Day, but we’ve got a relatively good idea of the new recruits that will join the linebacker depth chart next fall based on the players currently committed to this year’s Auburn recruiting class.

But, in addition to the true freshmen that will enter the fray this fall is a redshirt freshman that will have a leg up by going through spring practice.

Deshaun Davis, a 5-foot-11, 230-pound three-star signee from the 2014 class, overcame a torn ACL that cost him his senior season in Mobile, Alabama but he didn’t see the field for the Tigers in 2014. Still, Davis could make an impact on his new coaching staff before the new guys arrive, and put himself in the mix for a reserve spot on either the strong or weak side.

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Among the four linebackers currently committed to Auburn, the true freshman most likely to step in as a candidate at SLB is Darrell Williams, a four-star prospect from Hoover High School. At 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, Williams has a big frame and room to add weight and strength, which he’ll need to increase his physicality at the line of scrimmage.

As for the rest, Richard McBryde is probably a better fit as a middle linebacker, and Elijah Sullivan expects to play inside as well. Montravious Atkinson projects as a weak side linebacker.

Finally, two names to watch are Jeffrey Holland and Arden Key. Holland is an uncommitted top-five outside linebacker prospect that is seriously considering signing with Auburn. He’s a 6-foot-2, 226-pound four-star prospect from Jacksonville that has great instincts, pass rushing ability, and will get stronger and more physical once the strength and conditioning coaches get hold of him.

Key is listed as a defensive end, and at a lean 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, is likely to fill out even more than Holland once he gets on capus. Still, the Hapeville, Georgia native is athletic enough to develop into a linebacker, particularly on the strong side. He’s far from a certainty to sign with the Tigers, but could be in the mix for early playing time if he does.

Next: Recruiting: Updated Signing Day Odds & Projections

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