Auburn defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin may not hesitate to turn to the kids during the 2025 season.
As 247 Sports' Nathan King writes, Durkin could turn to DT Malik Autry and NT Jourdin Crawford in the defensive trenches this season.
"Regardless of position, though, Hardy and Ash will both be counted on to occupy snaps at defensive tackle. Auburn is looking for the sophomore Blocton to take another step forward this season, and Ash can serve as his running mate at that spot. Autry, a 5-star recruit in the 2025 class, is yet another exciting piece for the future, but Auburn did not want him rushed into things, either. That said, if Crawford and Autry are ready to roll right away and begin looking SEC-ready, DJ Durkin has shown no apprehension about playing true freshmen," King wrote.
Durkin led a top-20 unit during the 2024 season. While the offense was stuck in overdrive early and often last year, the defense kept the Tigers in games most expected them to take -- the Arkansas, Cal, and Oklahoma games coming to mind.
There's no guarantee things will change in 2025. Jackson Arnold's passing numbers were bleak last season.
There's hope that an improved receiving corps, with Eric Singleton Jr., Horatio Fields, and freshman Sam Turner adding to a talented group featuring Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons. The running game took a step back, though. Arnold may have to pick up some slack there if Derrick Nix's platoon doesn't adequately replace Jarquez Hunter's gaudy production.
Either way, there's a lack of certainty offensively, Durkin's unit taking a step back could mean more of the same for Auburn; which has lacked a winning season since the COVID-19-stricken 2020 season.
Can Hugh Freeze survive another year of "more of the same"?
We'll see why Freeze and Auburn's donors pay Durkin the big bucks. Or they'll stop doing it.