Auburn Football: 5 breakout players to watch for in 2018

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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 24: Dontavius Russell #95 of the Auburn Tigers works to recover a fumble by Leonard Fournette #7 of the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Dontavius Russell, DT

Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was more than relieved when tackle Dontavius Russell announced that he would be returning for a final season with the Tigers. He has been a staple on the line for the last three seasons and, much to many Auburn fans relief, there will be a fourth.

When he sent off his draft paperwork, looking for his potential grade, he was a fourth round pick. That wasn’t enough to get Russell out of Auburn just yet. He also wanted to be able to complete his degree, something that wouldn’t be possible leaving early for the draft.

Gus Malzahn is extremely high on Russell. “He is one of the best players in our league,” he said in an interview. “He has got great experience, plays the run extremely well, rushes the passer extremely well. Like I said, he is one our leaders. He is on my leadership committee and just a high character young man with a great family. He is an impact player.”

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Look for this kid to have a strong 2018 campaign as an anchor on the Tigers defensive line. If he continues at the strength of play he has been, he could easily be a first round pick at the end of his collegiate career. Russell sees big things in store for the Auburn defense and honestly, I do, too.

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