The Auburn football offensive line could be quickly turning into one of the strong points of the team in 2023. Although the o-line was more of a weak link last season, struggling in an offense that lacked identity, the right pieces could be added this year to make substantial improvements.
The Tigers added three offensive lineman to the squad during the first portal window in former Western Kentucky OT Gunner Britton, former East Carolina IOL Avery Jones, and former Tulsa OT Dillon Wade. Still, the coaching staff isn’t done recruiting.
Earlier this week, a second former player of Auburn offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery and former teammate of Dillon Wade has committed to the Tigers. Arkansas native Jaden Muskrat, who played opposite of Wade for Tulsa, committed to Auburn football on May 8.
Let’s Work!!! #WAREAGLE🦅 #Committed @CoachPMonty @CoachHughFreeze pic.twitter.com/HKeTIl8B0j
— Jaden Muskrat (@JadenMuskrat) May 9, 2023
The Tigers were considered early favorites in Muskrat’s transfer recruitment due to previous relationships with Wade and Montgomery. He was extremely impressed with the facilities on campus, and ended up choosing the Tigers over his home-state Razorbacks, per 247 Sports:
"“It was all of the coaches,” Muskrat told Auburn Undercover. “I’ve got Coach Monty and DWade. I love the campus, the fans from what I saw were crazy. I just love the campus. I feel like it would be the right thing for me.”"
247 Sports also reports that Muskrat is expected to play on the interior offensive line after playing as Tulsa’s starting tackle last season. He will have two years of eligibility left on the Plains and will add much-needed talent and depth to the position group.
Muskrat is the fourth spring transfer to join Auburn football following former Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne, former Ohio State wide receiver Caleb Burton, and former Appalachian State linebacker Jalen McLeod.