Redshirt freshman linebacker D.J. Barber is facing high expectations, as some departures on the Auburn Tigers’ defense could lead to a starting role for the Alabama native.
Eugene Asante and Jalen McLeod Out, D.J. Barber In
Linebackers Eugene Asante and Jalen McLeod are moving on from the Tigers in favor of the NFL Draft, and both are present at Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama. Auburn insider Zac Blackerby spoke with Asante, who said one thing to Blackerby: “D.J. Barber.”
Barber is a 5’11, 219-pound redshirt freshman who entered the program as a high school state champion with the Birmingham-area Clay-Chalkville Cougars. However, due to the seniority in front of him, he saw limited reps throughout the 2024 campaign.
As a senior at the preps level, Barber tallied 152 tackles with two sacks, eight tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and an interception. He was also a team captain for the championship team.
Barber collected 45 tackles as a junior, including 12.5 TFLs, eight sacks, and two interceptions.
Post high school, he ranked among the top 40 prospects in Alabama by 247Sports, On3, ESPN, and other recruiting publications.
Is Barber the Savior of Coach Huge Freeze’s Job?
Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze has produced a lackluster 11-14 record. When asked about the coach’s job thus far, CBS Sports Josh Pate said that Auburn’s program has to prove that it can compete with others in the SEC.
“I thought he inherited a pretty bad situation roster-wise. So, it was going to take some time,” Pate stated.
KEEP READING: College Football Recruiting — Tide Turns As Auburn Runs the State of Alabama
The Tigers have brought in quarterback Jackson Arnold, an Oklahoma transfer, to lead the offense, but time will tell if Barber can become a young star for the defense.
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