Now that spring practice has come to a close after A-Day festivities on Saturday, the focus for the Auburn football coaching staff returns to recruiting. Prospects from all over the country are in the process of setting up official and unofficial visits, and today the spring transfer portal window opens.
While the Tigers' staff will be looking to add some pieces to the roster, they also have to make sure that their current players stick around. Auburn football had a big haul during the first transfer portal window, headlined by former Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold and former Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. Still, there are some additions that could be made, according to head coach Hugh Freeze.
"Positions you never will turn down, interior D-Linemen, or pass rusher, or some guys with experience," Freeze said, per The Montgomery Advertiser. "I really like our young linebackers. Could we use one that has some experience? If one's available, probably so. And never turn down a great cover guy, either. I think offensively, we're pretty set — provided, obviously, we've got to retain our roster, too."
The Tigers have only one upperclassman in their linebacker ranks, and that is junior Robert Woodyard, alongside sophomore Demarcus Riddick and redshirt freshman DJ Barber. Sophomore Xavier Atkins transferred to the Plains from LSU ahead of the spring, and incoming freshmen Bryce Deas, Elijah Melendez, and JJ Faulk enrolled early in January.
While there is plenty of depth in the group, the younger players could benefit from a seasoned veteran in their position group similar to how the receivers benefitted from KeAndre Lambert-Smith last season and will hopefully benefit from Eric Singleton Jr. this year.
For now, it seems the Auburn football coaching staff will keep their eyes on the portal for guys who would be a good fit on the Plains and will primarily focus on recruiting defensive transfers.