2022 Auburn football preview: Edge
The edge group is one of the most interesting positions on Auburn’s roster.
Derick Hall and Eku Leota have proven they are productive players in the SEC and are likely headed to the NFL after this season.
The concern is the lack of depth behind them, the Tigers have just three scholarship players behind them. Western Kentucky transfer Marcus Bragg, redshirt freshman Dylan Brooks, and Joko Willis, who is transitioning from linebacker.
With Hall and Leota leading the way there is no concern about the production of the group, but if either one of them were to suffer an injury then things could get dicey for Auburn.
Departed
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T.D. Moultry (graduated)
Romello Height (transfer)
Projected Starters
Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics
Derick Hall
He is perhaps the most important player on the defense and is one of the team’s leaders. Coming off of a 9.0 sack season he is looking to break the all-time Auburn record of 11.5 sacks set by Nick Fairley in 2010 and there is no reason he can’t do that.
Eku Leota
He is undoubtedly Auburn’s No. 2 player at edge and he gives the Tigers a great tandem of pass rushers. Entering his second season of SEC play the Northwestern transfer is looking to have double-digit sacks and that is a reasonable goal.
Returning Players
Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics
Dylan Brooks: He was Auburn’s top recruit last season but never saw the field. Due to the attrition at the position that will certainly change this season and the defense will need him to carve a role out for himself. He needs to continue to bulk up but he has the frame and athleticism to be an impact player.
Joko Willis: He spent last season and spring with the linebackers but is now going to play a “hybrid” role for the defense. A versatile player he gives the Tigers more depth and has the skill set to be a capable pass rusher but he is undersized at 6-foot-3 and 215-pounds.
Hayden Brice: Despite his status as a walk-on, Brice had plenty of reps in spring practice and could very well see the field this season.
Newcomers
Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics
Marcus Bragg: A transfer from Western Kentucky, Bragg will add experience and depth to a group that was extremely thin. He will be competing with Brooks for the No. 3 spot and while he should not be expected to light the world on fire, he’s a nice boost to the depth.
Projected two-deep
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Edge
Derick Hall, senior
Dylan Brooks, redshirt freshman
Edge
Eku Leota, senior
Marcus Bragg, senior
