As the Auburn Tigers gear up for the upcoming season, their focus on the transfer portal continues to be a crucial part of their strategy to bolster the roster. After a successful venture into the portal in the previous season, head coach Hugh Freeze is once again on the lookout for talent that can address specific needs within the team. Here are five players currently in the transfer portal that could prove valuable for the Tigers in the 2024 season:
1. **OL Davion Carter (Memphis):**
– Carter, regarded as one of the top offensive guards in college football by Pro Football Focus, boasts impressive stats from the 2023 season, finishing with a PFF grade of 79.4, ranking 11th nationally. His prowess in pass blocking, with a grade of 87.2 in 522 passing snaps, makes him a standout candidate for the Tigers’ offensive line.
2. **WR Raymond Cottrell (Texas A&M):**
– Standing at six-foot-three and weighing 210 pounds, Cottrell is a promising freshman receiver from Texas A&M. Despite a limited role in his first college season, his high school performance showcased his potential with 46 receptions for 651 yards and touchdowns. Currently, he ranks as the No. 2 receiver in the transfer portal, offering the Tigers a valuable asset.
3. **OL Easton Kilty (North Dakota):**
– Kilty, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound left tackle from North Dakota, started every game for the Fighting Hawks. With offers from schools like Auburn, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State, Kilty presents a solid option for an Auburn team looking to reinforce its offensive line, especially with the departure of several linemen due to graduation.
4. **QB Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina):**
– McCall, a fifth-year senior quarterback from Coastal Carolina, caught Auburn’s attention in the previous off-season. Despite opting to return to Coastal for another season, McCall has once again entered the transfer portal. His impressive track record includes over 10,000 passing yards, 88 touchdown passes, and three consecutive Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year awards.
5. **DB Upton Stout (Western Kentucky):**
– Stout, a defensive back from Western Kentucky, is emerging as a potential hidden gem in the transfer portal. With notable improvements in his numbers since transferring, Stout earned praise from Pro Football Focus, receiving a defense grade of 83.2, a coverage grade of 80.7, and a run defense grade of 82.5. Despite his height at five-foot-nine, Stout has proven himself as one of the better defensive backs in the C-USA.
As Auburn navigates the transfer portal landscape, these five players could play pivotal roles in shoring up key positions such as offensive line, receiver, quarterback, and defensive back for the upcoming season. The pursuit of these talents reflects the Tigers’ commitment to strategic recruitment and addressing specific needs within the team.
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