10 Auburn defensive players who improved their stock in spring

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T.D. MOULTRY

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Playing well as a true freshman, buck T.D. Moultry had a disappointing sophomore season in 2018, finishing with just 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 13 games. This spring the quick and powerful Moultry was back on display as he works for playing time at one of the deepest positions on the team. Because of his ability to get to the passer off the edge look for Moultry to be in the rotation in the fall once again.

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RICHARD JIBUNOR

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Even though he was undersized and playing through a sprained knee suffered during the season, Richard Jibunor gave a glimpse of what he could do last year with a pair of sacks and three tackles for a loss in just four games on defense. Weighing just 206 a season ago in his first year, the true sophomore is up to 223 pounds and is one of the most explosive players on defense. Relentless coming off the edge, Jibunor is a player who should be in the mix to rush the passer on third downs in the fall.

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CHANDLER WOOTEN

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Getting quality experience last season as a sophomore with Darrell Williams bothered by nagging injuries, linebacker Chandler Wootenheads into his junior year ready to take his game to another level. He showed that in the spring with his physical play and heads into the fall as a favorite to win the starting job alongside Kenney Britt. Injuring his knee in the A-Day game, Wooten should be able to return to workouts in a month and will be ready for fall camp.

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ZAKOBY MCCLAIN

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Much like Jibunor, linebacker Zakoby McClaingave a glimpse of what he can do as a true freshman last season despite being undersized. While he's still just 215 pounds, the Valdosta, Ga., native is a big hitter and has the speed to get downhill in a hurry. Pushing Wooten for a starting spot, McClain had a big spring and will be counted on heavily in the fall by Coach Travis Williams

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MICHAEL HARRIS

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Redshirting last season and seeing just a few minutes of playing time all season, redshirt freshman Michael Harris is listed at 6-3, 240 as the Tigers head into the summer. Another big hitter, Harris came on strong in the spring and should be able to provide more depth at a linebacker position replacing three seniors.

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CHRISTIAN TUTT

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Perhaps one of the most important players to step up in the spring was sophomore Christian Tutt. Playing mostly cornerback last season, Tutt had a solid first year for the Auburn defense, but with Jordyn Peters out because of a leg injury and Javaris Davis back to a full-time position at corner, Tutt was the main guy at the nickel position and had a big spring for the Tigers. With his ability to cover and built like a running back, Tutt should have no problems being physical in the fall.

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ROGER MCCREARY

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Pound-for-pound one of the strongest players on the Auburn roster, Roger McCreary got valuable experience at cornerback as a true freshman and enters his second season with the Tigers a much improved player following a strong spring. With Tutt inside McCreary is in line to be the important third cornerback for the Auburn defense, which means a great deal of playing time in 2019.

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DEVAN BARRETT

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Going into his second year as a defensive back after playing running back as a true freshman for the Tigers, redshirt sophomore Devan Barrett got some playing time last year, but was able to keep his year of eligibility. That's big after the way the Tampa native performed in the spring. Continuing to show good ball skills, Barrett continues to improve in coverage and has no problem being physical. Barrett should be able to provide valuable depth at cornerback in the fall.

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JEREMIAH DINSON

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It may seem crazy to have a fifth-year senior and a returning starter who has improved his stock, but that's exactly the case with Jeremiah Dinson at the safety position for the Tigers. With every passing month the former cornerback gets more and more mobility back and that means his coverage skills should be a plus for the Tigers at the position. One of the leaders on the defense, Dinson is primed to have his best year yet at Auburn.

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MALCOLM ASKEW

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Perhaps no player improved his stock more in the spring than redshirt sophomore Malcolm Askew. Unable to make a move in his first two seasons, Askew showed the ability to be a playmaker at the safety position and got some valuable reps with Smoke Monday out of action following shoulder surgery. Stepping up his physicality in a big way, Askew could be a player the Tigers can count on at the deep safety spot this fall.

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