When it comes to Auburn football’s offense, there are several question marks lingering ahead of the 2021 season. However, the defense is set to be the heart of the team, loaded with talent and experience.
The Tigers may be well on their way to having one of the best defenses in college football this season. With former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason leading the ranks and plenty of top-dollar returners, the group is slated for success.
One member of the Tigers’ defense–Colby Wooden–made infamous Twitter user Big Game Boomer’s list of the top 50 edge rushers this season. Wooden landed at #48 and was the only Auburn football player to be named on the list.
Top 50 Edge Rushers In College Football This Season pic.twitter.com/sOr0dlB4U7
— Big Game Boomer (@BigGameBoomer) August 23, 2021
Wooden red-shirted his true freshman season, but in 2020 he earned the starting defensive tackle spot. He racked up 42 total tackles, 4 sacks, and lead the team in tackles-for-loss with 9.5 on the season.
As usual, college football fans were pretty outraged with the list. The most popular point to be angry about was the fact that Will McDonald of Iowa State was #42 on the list despite leading the nation in sacks last season:
I feel like there aren’t 41 players better than the dude who led the nation in sacks last season https://t.co/PL7a49FoOl
— Cyclone Larry (@CycloneLarry69) August 23, 2021
Will McDonald IV should be 40 spots higher. He did lead the nation in sacks last year. https://t.co/yW1Z3EiLRe
— Cory Böeckman (@C_Boeckman) August 23, 2021
But also, recent Auburn-UCF transfer Big Kat Bryant landed at #25 on the list, which confused everyone seeing as he has only 30 career solo tackles in four years. In two seasons, including one in which he played only four games, Wooden has 21 career solo tackles. Auburn football’s Derick Hall has 24 solo tackles in two seasons.
Colby Wooden is preparing to have a big season no matter where he lands in Big Game Boomer’s rankings.