Auburn Football: 5 reasons the Tigers will contend in 2019
3. Secondary depth & experience
It is a sign of the strength and depth of a unit to be viewed as favorably as Auburn’s secondary, despite losing their top player from a year ago. Jamel Dean was drafted in the third round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and this unit is still strong and experienced.
On the back end, seniors Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas form what could be the best safety duo in the conference. With a linebacking core that sees some turnover, it will be extremely valuable to have two veteran players right behind them, and also the aforementioned elite defensive line in front.
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The cornerback position isn’t quite as ironclad as safety, but it still instills confidence. Senior Javaris Davis and junior Noah Igbinoghene should be the leaders, and players like Smoke Monday and Jamien Sherwood will be in the rotation as well.
Auburn has always been talented, but defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has taken that talent and applied it almost as well as anyone could. Just a few seasons ago, the Tigers had a perennially shaky secondary. Now, it will be one of the most reliable units on this team.