Behind Bigsby, Auburn’s highest-rated recruit in the 2020 class was Georgia defensive end Zykeivous Walker. Walker was a top-100 prospect and number three strongside defensive end in the country according to 247Sports and can come in make an impact from day one.
The Tigers lost an incredible amount of talent on the defensive line this offseason and while you can’t expect to replace Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson easily, Walker has the talent to see the field early and often.
At 6-foot-4 and nearly 270 pounds, Walker has fantastic size for a pass-rusher. Not only that, but Walker was also a track and basketball letterman in high school so it’s clear he’s not all power.
Despite the losses, Auburn should be able to reload the defensive line fairly well. Players like Big Kat Bryant. Tyrone Truesdell, Coynis Miller Jr. and Daquan Newkirk are all expected to have larger roles this season. However, despite those players being upperclassmen, only Bryant and Truesdell have significant starting experience.
While the depth is there for Auburn on the defensive line, there’s not a ton of proven talent so Walker could be that guy who comes in and impresses coaches enough to rise up the depth chart.