Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn with his players on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Ole Miss Rebelsat Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Tre’ Williams
On the current Auburn football roster, the player that has the best chance to lock down the starting position at weak side outside linebacker is Tre’ Williams. The Mobile, Alabama native played in all 13 games and started one last season as a true freshman, and he’s probably the most talented linebacker on the roster, pound-for-pound.
Williams is listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. He’s quick enough to play in zone coverage or even to run with receivers or running backs in man-to-man coverage, as well as run sideline to sideline to rack up tackles.
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He just wasn’t been able to fully grasp his playbook in 2014. Reportedly, Williams struggled with missed assignments during the middle of the year, which cost him additional playing time.
“He made some freshman mistakes on a couple of alignment issues where he didn’t recognize formation and adjustment,” former Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said after Williams started against LSU in October.
The former five-star recruit played less than ten snaps per game most of last season, but didn’t play much defense at all after the LSU game until he saw an increased role in the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin.
In the bowl game, following Johnson’s departure, Williams played around 25 snaps on defense.
Overall, he had 16 total tackles in 2014, nine of them solo, and one quarterback hurry. It was a modest statistical performance, but given the change in defensive philosophy that comes with a new coordinator plus an added year of experience, Williams is poised to break out in 2015.
But he’ll need to study up to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Next: Justin Garrett