Despite the widespread doubt about Auburn football having success in head coach Bryan Harsin’s second year on the Plains, there’s no question that there are some extremely talented Tigers on the roster.
Ahead of the upcoming season, five different Tigers were named to pre-season award watchlists, including Owen Pappoe, Derick Hall, John Samuel Shenker, Nick Brahms, and Tank Bigsby. All four are expected to declare for the NFL draft following 2022.
Senior linebacker Owen Pappoe was one of 51 linebackers named to the watchlist for the Butkus Award, which recognizes linebackers that consistently play off the ball in the traditional two point stance. Pappoe was a team captain last year, but was unfortunately held to just five games due to an injury. Now back for his senior season, Pappoe is expected to lead the Tigers’ defense to greatness.
Senior edge rusher Derick Hall has been named to the Nagurski Trophy watchlist, an award presented to the nation’s best defender. Hall is one of 85 defenders put on the list by the Football Writers Association of America, which chooses the National Defensive Player of the Year.
Senior tight end John Samuel Shenker has been named to the watchlist for the 2022 John Mackey Award, presented each year to the best tight end in college football. After his record-breaking season in 2021, Shenker could further emerge as a star in 2022.
Nick Brahms, senior center, was named to the Rimington Trophy watchlist for the third straight year. Brahms, along with 39 other centers from around the country, are finalists to be the best center in college football in 2022.
Lastly, one of the most recognizable names on the Auburn football roster, Tank Bigsby was named as a candidate for the Doak Walker Award, which recognizes the top running back in the nation each year. Bigsby is posed to have a huge impact for the Tigers in 2022 with an expanded role and a stronger run game.