Fly War Eagle
Fansided

Auburn football: 3 Tigers in line for big games in Week 1

By Cole McCauley

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 23: Running back D.J. Williams #3 of the Auburn Tigers stiff arms linebacker Jaleel Laguins #48 of the Samford Bulldogs during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Auburn, AL. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 23: Running back D.J. Williams #3 of the Auburn Tigers stiff arms linebacker Jaleel Laguins #48 of the Samford Bulldogs during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Auburn, AL. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Owen Pappoe #10 of the Auburn Tigers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Owen Pappoe #10 of the Auburn Tigers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

I expect big things out of Owen Pappoe next season. The former five-star recruit had a fantastic season in 2019 as a true freshman as he started every game for the Tigers.

Pappoe stands at 6’1″ and 222 pounds at the outside linebacker position and possesses NFL-level speed, instincts and tackling ability.

Last year, Pappoe recorded 49 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two passes defended and one forced fumble. I think Pappoe develops into an All-SEC caliber linebacker in year two and he should start the year strong off against UK.

The Wildcats ran the ball more times than any team in the SEC last season (44.08 attempts per game) and Pappoe’s ability to run from sideline to sideline and chase down even the fastest of players should allow him to rack up tackles in game number one.

Auburn’s returning linebacker core is one of the best in the nation and they could all have big games against a run-heavy Kentucky offense but I’m betting on Pappoe due to his athleticism and sheer talent.

If Auburn wants to stop the Wildcats’ rushing attack, they’ll need Pappoe on his game and I expect that to happen.

Home/Auburn Football