Auburn football: Owen Pappoe expected to return in 2022

Just because the 2021 Auburn football season was a dud, doesn’t mean the program has begun its stint in the dark ages.

If anything, after two straight six-win seasons, the Tigers could be on the way out of them after the wins already this offseason.

Now, of course, off-field victories don’t always translate to the gridiron, but all indications point to Auburn returning as an experienced unit, forged in the fire of the past two seasons, that is ready to finally make good on all of head coach Bryan Harsin’s declarations.

Jordan-Hare Stadium will become the toughest place to play in the country. The Tigers will be able to compete in the SEC both on and off the field. In fact, they’ve already happened in spurts. Those spurts include a win over Sugar Bowl entry Ole Miss and a three-quarter shut out of National Championship entry Alabama on the Plains.

Why all the confidence in the Tigers after five straight losses to end the season, you may ask.

Well, in addition to seniors Derick Hall, Colby Wooden, and John Samuel Shenker all returning to a team that was already welcoming a strong recruiting class that includes Jeffrey M’Ba, Keionte Scott, Austin Ausberry, JaDarian Rhym, Marquise Gilbert, Robert Woodyard and Enyce Sledge, a man known as ‘The Freak’ will also tie up any loose ends left with Auburn…

LB Owen Pappoe will be returning to Auburn football in 2022

Justin Hokanson of On3 Sports indicated that Owen Pappoe will be back in orange and blue in 2022:

Pappoe played in just five games in 2021 due to injuries, but Pappoe was second to NFL-bound Zakoby McClain in tackles in 2020. With McClain gone, Pappoe’s tracking ability will be more than welcomed back to Derek Mason’s defense.