Auburn football: 3 positions in need of extra depth ahead of 2021 season

Auburn football area of need #2: Offensive Line

While Bo Nix’s mediocre performance last season is pretty widely talked about, we can’t forget that the offensive line in front of him needs to shoulder some of the blame. The majority of starting returnings will be seniors this season, and most of the backups, too. With only two class of 2021 signees for the O-Line, the level of need jumps up significantly at the position.

Will Friend and Bryan Harsin are currently in the midst of recruiting battles for key class of 2022 offensive recruits Jacob Hood and Eston Harris Jr., but what is their plan for this fall?

This late in the game, it’s likely that they’ll be depending on their eight returners from last year, both to improve and to adjust to Friend’s new, more pro-style offensive scheme. Brodarius Hamm, Nick Brahms, and the other returners have to step up and improve this year.

Joining the O-line room this fall is Colby Smith, a 3-star OT signee out of Reidsville, NC. Tigers will also have access to Brandon Council, who will return from a knee injury that caused him to miss out on most of last season. If Will Friend can figure out how to fit together all the puzzle pieces, the offensive line could really come together in 2021.