Auburn football: Incoming transfer expected to replace two-year starter

Auburn football is replacing a good deal of its offense in 2023, with many of the top producers at certain positions in recent years moving on to either the professional ranks or a professional career off the gridiron.

One player who fits the latter category despite being tabbed as a potential NFL tight end ahead of the 2022 season is John Samuel Shenker — who started every game but the South Carolina game in November 2021 the past two seasons.

Rivaldo Fairweather, a Florida International transfer at tight end who committed to the Tigers on December 22, is expected to step into the TE1 role. AL.com’s Nubyjas Wilborn forecasted Fairweather being a weapon in Hugh Freeze’s offense just as Shenker had been in Bryan Harsin’s:

"“John Samuel Shenker is leaving as one of the more productive tight ends for the Tigers after a six-year career on the Plains. Replacing the former team captain is a challenge that Freeze hopes Fairweather can address this season.”“Fairweather had 28 catches for 426 yards and three touchdowns during the 2022 season. He averaged 15.2 yards per reception. He played 22 games over three seasons for the Panthers and posted 54 receptions for 838 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 15.5 yards per catch.”"

Auburn football set to overhaul offensive line

The crown jewel of Hugh Freeze’s Auburn football recruiting has been his building of the Tigers offensive line in a way that was previously though unfathomable, dating back to the early years of Gus Malzahn.

In adding East Carolina center Avery Jones, Tulsa offensive tackle Dillon Wade, and Western Kentucky offensive tackle Gunner Britton, Freeze has added experience along the offensive line — with all three coming off seasons in which they started every game.

Don’t be shocked to see five new names along the OL in 2023, and also don’t be shocked when the run game has more room to breathe.