Jan 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team Highlight defensive end Byron Cowart (99) rushes the quarterback during the second half of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Team Highlight defeated Team Armour 46-6. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Second, Solidify the Defensive Line
It’s no surprise that three of the biggest fish still in Auburn’s recruiting pond are defensive linemen.
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The Tigers graduated five seniors from last year’s D-Line two-deep, and a couple of others played the 2014 season out of position because of depleted depth due to injuries – specifically in an attempt to replace Carl Lawson, who missed the season with a torn ACL.
Furthermore, the defense struggled mightily under former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. The Tigers have allowed 31 points or more in seven straight games against FBS opponents and two players shared the team lead with 3.5 sacks apiece. Not ideal to say the least.
Therefore, Malzahn, Muschamp, T-Rob and Thompson have one of the great carrots at their disposal to dangle in front of highly-touted defensive line recruits: playing time. If Byron Cowart, CeCe Jefferson, Terry Beckner, Jr. Prince Tega Wanogho, Jr. want to see the field as true freshman, doing so at Auburn is very realistic.
Next: Sign a Five-Star, Flip Two on Offense