Auburn Football: 5 Newcomers to Watch for the Tigers in 2020
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
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The competitive nature of college football is unrelenting, especially in the SEC West. A trio of teams each season continues to fight for the right to play in Atlanta come December, and that invitation to play all begins with the hard work put in on the recruiting trail. Once again, Auburn’s staff got after it pulling in an amazing grouping of 2020 players, but only time will tell if any of the newcomers can help the Tigers claw their way past the likes of Alabama and LSU this season.
By traditional standards, a 9-4 season is very good. Adding context to the wins and losses, Auburn played against seven top-20 teams, four in the top-10, and took down in-state rival Alabama (48-45) along the way. Through the challenging schedule, the Tigers’ defense remained one of the elite groups in the nation holding squads to 337 yards per game on average. Auburn’s offense was less prolific than in year’s past, but still marched up and down the gridiron for 407 yards per game while posting 33 points each time out. But the entire team will have a different look next season with seven key defensive players off testing their skill in the NFL and with only one starter, center Nick Brahms, returning in the offensive trenches.
Auburn landed the country’s 11th best recruiting class a year ago and moved up to 7th with the Class of 2020 prospects. A pull from both classes will be needed, but which 2020 newcomers will have a chance to make an impact when the ball tees up on Sept. 5 for a home showdown against Alcorn State?
5 Auburn Newcomers to Watch in 2020
4-Star RB Cartavious “Tank” Bigsby (6-0, 209) – Callaway HS – Hogansville, GA
Even though freshman quarterback Bo Nix was not airing it out last season to open up running lanes, with all the senior starters in the trenches Auburn’s run game underperformed in 2019. The load was put upon the shoulders of JaTarvious Whitlow responding with 625 yards and nine touchdowns. It was shocking to see Whitlow enter the transfer portal in February, and with the addition of four-star running back Tank Bigsby, there may not be enough touches to go around in 2020. Bigsby is an ideal sized collegiate back at 6-0, 209-pounds, and has proven to be a workhorse back after rushing the rock 238 times in 2018 for 2,221 yards with 22 touchdowns at Callaway High School. He can also fill the all-purpose role out of the backfield as a more than adequate pass receiver. Bigsby was an early enrollee helping pave the way for playing time this season.
3-Star OT Kilian Zierer (6-7, 284) – College of the Canyons – Valencia, CA
The Auburn staff would not have reached into the junior college ranks for College of the Canyons offensive lineman Kilian Zierer if there was not an immediate need. At 6-7, 290, Zierer has the long arms to get into the chest of the defender, but hopefully used his time wisely this offseason adding mass to his frame to take on an SEC season. With four spots up for grabs, Zierer should challenge for a starting spot entering the spring game.
4-Star S Chris Thompson Jr. (6-1, 201) – Duncanville HS – DeSoto, TX
The Tigers have to find replacements for both Jeremiah Dinson and Daniel Thomas leaving an opportunity for four-star safety Chris Thompson. Thompson brings a wealth of playing experience with him heading to The Plains from Texas’ Duncanville High School. The Under Armour All-American collided against 6A competition helping his Panthers squad to the state title game against North Shore in 2019. Thompson earned his 36 scholarship offers as a run-enforcing safety. He could push for time at free safety, but most prove he can cover the slot. Extra time this offseason with linebacker’s coach Travis Williams should help.
4-Star CB Marco Domio (6-1, 172) – Blinn College – Brenham, TX
Most Power 5 programs do not like to bring on a junior college transfer unless he is coming in at the winter break. Marco Domio was so impressive during the 2019 season with Blinn College, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was okay waiting until the summer to get him. Domio is that rare corner with size and speed. He is not afraid to come up in run support either notching 26 stops in 2019 with two tackles for a loss and eight passes broken up. Domio could be the replacement for departed senior Javaris Davis.
4-Star DT/DE Deandre Butler (6-5, 275) – Independence JUCO – Independence, KS
With so many holes left open by the graduating class, more help is needed to compete in the SEC from the junior college level; add Deandre Butler to the list of hopeful impact players for Auburn in 2020. Butler was a beast for Independence tying for fourth in the nation with 11.5 sacks while netting 22 tackles for a loss and 66 total tackles. The hope is Butler can fill Marlon Davidson’s vacated position.
Recruiting Update
The War Eagles added some extra depth to the roster via the transfer portal landing two dual-threat quarterbacks to back up Bo Nix; Grant Loy (6-5, 223) from Bowling Green and Caylin Newton out of Buffalo. The biggest transfer addition, literally and figuratively, was Akron offensive lineman Brandon Council (6-5, 300). Council is capable of contributing to the team in 2020.
All 26 of Auburn’s commitments signed. The class was comprised of 16 four-stars and 10 three-star talents.
Photo credit: Twitter; Tank Bigsby with Gus Malzahn