Auburn football: USA Today names Zakoby McClain #3 SEC LB, Owen Pappoe #10

While the list was predominantly made up of members of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn football had several representatives on USA Today’s SEC LB rankings (via Tuscaloosanews.com), which was the latest entry in the network’s ongoing reveal of their top players at each position grouping for the 2021 season.

Two Tigers made the list, with Zakoby McClain and Owen Pappoe coming in at #3 and #10, respectively.

The pair has been receiving accolades all offseason following a dominant 2020 campaign that saw the pair both land in the top 25 in tackles. These latest rankings just reinforce the individual efforts put forth during a down year on the Plains for every facet of Auburn football besides the run game, LB room, WR room, and secondary.

For McClain’s #3 ranking, Josh Vitale, formerly of the Montgomery Advertiser, sees his numerous snubs as fuel for future success:

"3. Zakoby McClainAuburn, senior inside linebacker (107 points, 1 first-place votes)McClain did not earn All-SEC recognition despite tying for first nationally with 113 tackles to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a pass breakup. He has a huge chip on his shoulder."

As for Pappoe, it’s the combination of his physical attributes plus the new head honcho on the defensive end that has him bullish on his junior year:

"10. Owen PappoeAuburn, junior inside linebacker (52 points)Pappoe ranked eighth in the SEC with 93 tackles and used his versatile skill set to tie for the team lead with four sacks. Coordinator Derek Mason is the type of coach who could turn the freak athlete into a household name on defense."

As we get closer to the start of the 2021 season, more rankings like these will remind readers why rumors of Auburn football’s demise are greatly exaggerated. 

The Tigers have world class athletes on both sides of the ball, and a new coaching staff that could well raise their ceiling even higher.