We are just three weeks away from the start of Auburn football’s spring practices.
With the hiring of defensive coordinator DJ Durkin—now one of the highest-paid coordinators in college football—Auburn’s defense is expected to reach new levels in 2025.
Last season, the Tigers ranked 28th nationally in points allowed per game and 31st in yards allowed per game.
Auburn tied for 44th in total sacks with 28, recovered five fumbles, ranked in the top 20 in rush defense, and recorded eight interceptions in 2024.
Much of last year’s defensive success came from newcomers, but the veteran leadership helped lay the groundwork for the upcoming season.
Here are the players expected to make the biggest impact on Auburn’s defense in 2025:
Keldric Faulk, DL
Considered one of the top players on Auburn’s roster, Faulk has established himself as the cornerstone of the Tigers’ defensive line.
He wrapped up last season with 45 total tackles and seven sacks, adding 11 tackles for loss to his sophomore campaign. This brings his career total to 81 tackles as a Tiger.
Faulk’s dominant performance against Kentucky, where he recorded three tackles and two sacks, earned him SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors. He also showcased his ability to take over games with back-to-back sacks and a team-high eight tackles against Cal.
Demarcus Riddick, LB
Riddick’s impressive freshman season—highlighted by 27 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble—has former Auburn players eager to see his growth in 2025.
“He’s super talented in terms of everything he brings to the game,” Eugene Asante said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He’s a fast, downhill type of linebacker, and I know he is going to blossom into a great player.”
His standout performance in Week 4 against Oklahoma, where he recorded five solo tackles and a sack, solidified his role in Auburn’s defensive scheme. Now, Riddick is set to be a key starter in 2025.
Malik Blocton, DL
In his college debut against Alabama A&M, Blocton made an immediate impact, recording three tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss.
Just three games later, he earned his first start against Oklahoma and never looked back. By the end of the season, he had tallied 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 4.0 tackles for loss.
“There were a lot of freshmen making an early impact on the defensive line,” KeAndre Lambert-Smith said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “You’ve got guys like Malik Blocton down there ready to prove to everyone he’s the real deal.”
Jay Crawford, DB
SEC All-Freshman selection Crawford became a starter midway through the season and finished the year with an impressive 78.3 coverage grade.
He recorded 15 tackles, seven pass breakups, and eight pass deflections. His first career interception came in a conference matchup against Kentucky, earning him spots on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week and 247Sports’ True Freshman of the Week.
“We went at it every day,” KeAndre Lambert-Smith said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I saw the potential in him, and I made sure to challenge him to keep him ready.”
Keyron Crawford, LB
The transfer outside linebacker showcased glimpses of his potential in Coach Durkin’s defensive scheme.
Although he was credited with just one tackle against Kentucky, he earned the highest defensive grade among Auburn players that week, according to Pro Football Focus. He also recorded three pressures and three quarterback hurries.
With 18 total tackles last season, Crawford is poised for a breakout year as one of the Tigers’ key returning veterans on defense.
Kaleb Harris, S
Harris wrapped up the season with 48 tackles and three pass breakups in the Tigers’ secondary. In his first Iron Bowl appearance, he made a statement with nine tackles and a forced fumble.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, KeAndre Lambert-Smith shared that he spent the most time with Harris and believes his sophomore season will grab attention.
“Kaleb is my guy, and he’s really mature for his age,” Lambert-Smith said. “We had conversations in the facility all the time, and he would always ask me questions to help with his development.”
Sylvester Smith, S
In six starts last season, Smith recorded 29 tackles and a 33-yard interception against Arkansas.
With the potential to line up alongside Harris and Crawford in the secondary next season, Smith will be a key player to watch during spring practices.
Champ Anthony, DB
Before suffering a season-ending leg injury, Anthony was on track to becoming a key contributor in the Tigers’ secondary.
In a standout performance against New Mexico, he led the team with six tackles and was named game captain, earning the trust of both his teammates and coaches.
