Auburn Football: 3 players poised to break out in 2020

After losing their top two pass rushers from last year in Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown, the Tigers will need a new pass rusher to step up. Big Kat Bryant will be coming into his senior season with the Tigers after spending the previous two as a reserve.

This past season, Bryant accounted for 16 total tackles, six solo tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception in 12 games. Bryant has played in 27 games in his career at Auburn while accumulating 39 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

Bryant will likely be starting at the Buck position, which is the hybrid position of a pass rusher at defensive end and outside linebacker. The Tigers have had pass rushers fluctuate on which player creates the most impact in tackles for loss and sacks within the past few seasons. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will have Bryant as a strong-side end/linebacker in most situations and could have sophomore Derick Hall as the weak-side end.

Senior Tyrone Truesdell is the only primary starter returning for Auburn this upcoming season and could be playing the interior defensive tackle. Bryant will be valued as a leader with Truesdell but he will also be relied on as leadership for the defense because of his experience.