Auburn football has officially added their second transfer from the Oregon Ducks in cornerback DJ James. His commitment comes after the Tigers secured defensive lineman Jayson Jones back in December.
Though former Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal may have lured these in-state recruits up to the pacific northwest the first time around, the Tigers have gotten them back home where they belong.
Since taking the reins of the Auburn football program a year ago, head coach Bryan Harsin has made an obvious effort to keep talent in the state of Alabama. Including transfers, Harsin has signed seven players from around Alabama to the 2022 roster with the potential for more on the way.
I’ma win and I got Ties Now, Ian Sparing No 🥷!
— DJ James (@Djames00x) January 16, 2022
I’m Home🔥 #WDE 🦅💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/jRXIhJAqEM
With Roger McCreary departing for the NFL, James has the chance to have a big impact on Auburn football’s roster come 2022. According to Cole Pinkston of Auburn Live, James plays with the demeanor of someone much larger than his size and was a key piece in the Ducks’ secondary last season:
"A lot of what James did for Oregon didn’t manifest stats, but rather bothered receivers and caused quarterbacks to hold on to the ball too long, or throw it away. Some of the receptions that were made against him were tight catches. If a receiver was going to have a shot against him in man coverage, they would have to make contested catches. Even if the completion is made, you applaud that kind of coverage as a defensive backs coach."
James started for Oregon in 2021 and recorded 46 tackles, four pass breakups, and two interceptions. After three years in Eugene, he will have two years of eligibility on the Plains.
Though Auburn football’s coaching staff has now added two Oregon transfers to the 2022 roster, it’s likely they’ll add a third before it’s all said and done.