‘Sky’s the limit’ for Auburn true freshman defensive end

When Hugh Freeze was hired late last year as the head coach of the Auburn football program, his first priority was to create a respectable 2023 class, even though he only had a few months to do it.

One of the biggest early wins for Freeze was flipping one of the Tigers’ top prospects from Florida State. On early national signing day, 4-star defensive lineman Keldric Faulk flipped from the Seminoles to the Tigers and became the highest ranked recruit in Auburn football’s class of 2023.

As expected, Faulk made an impact for the Tigers quickly, and during spring practices several months ago Freeze already knew that the true freshman would have to step up for the team. The head coach noted that Faulk is a “phenomenal player” and that he would have to “play early.”

Fast forward to the 2023 football season. Three games into the season, Faulk’s presence on the field is only increasing week to week. Freeze said that the young DE had his best game against Samford last weekend, and he is only beginning to learn. The head coach also noted that the team needs Faulk to continue to improve and get better, something that he is completely capable of.

According to jack linebacker Jalen McLeod, who is looking to prove his worth against the Texas A&M Aggies this weekend, Faulk’s trajectory will only continue to go up, per Auburn Rivals:

"“I feel like Keldric’s got a bright future,” said junior Jack linebacker Jalen McLeod. “Making plays like that, you don’t really see that from kids at his age. He’s like 18 years old but he don’t feel pressure and that’s the biggest thing. Him making plays like that, that’s a big one for us because he’s contributing at a young age. From here on, sky’s the limit.”"

Keldric Faulk will get his next opportunity to take the field this weekend when the Tigers face off against Texas A&M at 11:00 a.m. from College Station.