Auburn Tigers Football: 5 Defensive Players Poised for a Breakout Season

Auburn had the benefit of starting spring practice with the deepest roster they have carried since Gene Chizik’s arrival. With the talent that is stacked on the defensive side of the ball, finding players poised for a breakout season is not hard to do.

Auburn has faced a few injuries already this spring, with the defensive line losing Gabe Wright to a foot injury and Kenneth Carter being held out before spring began.

What that has done is open the door for other players to shine and the Tigers coaches are expecting it to happen. Looking closely at the defense, here are five players poised for a breakout season.

Angelo Blackson: DL

Angelo Blackson came to Auburn with little to no fan-fair. After all, how often to top recruits come from Delaware?

Blackson checked in at Auburn weighing 325 pounds. That was huge for a freshman, but that weight helped him earn time on the field last year, gaining invaluable experience.

Blackson has trimmed down his weight, and gotten in much better shape in the offseason. He is now listed at 317 pounds, and told Charles Goldberg of al.com “I’m faster, stronger in the weight room. I feel like I improved my game, but still have a long way to go.”

What Blackson recognizes is the speed and strength that is in the SEC, and how he must be better than ever to compete at that level. Blackson is a huge, athletic body that will see the field in game one.

Blackson is receiving invaluable reps while his teammates are down with injury. Blackson will use that experience to make himself one of the breakout players of the year for the Tigers. 

Devaunte Sigler: DL

Devaunte Sigler is another Auburn defensive lineman that has come on strong this spring. Sigler is a talented and athletic big man that could see time as a transition player that bounces from the inside to the outside consistently.

Sigler has a unique speed and athleticism for his size, giving the Tigers coaches options. Again, the injured teammates from the defensive line are getting all the mental reps they could want, but Sigler is joining Blackson in the breakout player spot.

Sigler has the tools to be a very special defender up front for the Tigers this fall. With his work ethic and ability, look for Sigler to be on the field early and often this fall. 

Chris Davis: CB

This is a borderline choice as a player that will break out this season. Davis has already had an impact for the Tigers on the field, but he was still a part of one of the worst defensive secondaries in school history. His experience doesn’t paint a picture of success.

Davis is a very aggressive corner that will look to anchor one of the starting positions this fall. Davis will be a rising junior with his leadership being just as crucial as his on-field play.

All of the intangibles are there for Davis to be one of the best cover corners in the SEC this season. Look for DB coach Willie Martinez to turn around the Tigers secondary, starting with the hard hits of Chris Davis. 

Ryan Smith: S

Ryan Smith had one of the most crucial hits of the Tigers season in 2011. Smith lowered his shoulder on the goal line against Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf and denied the Bulldogs a score with no time left on the game clock.

After that one play, he seemed pretty non-existent from the spotlight, which could serve as a positive point considering how bad the Tigers played in the secondary a year ago.

This season the Tigers will be looking for aggressive safeties that are willing to fly to the football and apply the hardest strike possible on the ball-carrier. Smith carries that mentality.

Under the guidance of new secondary coach Willie Martinez, Smith will flourish and will see more of the field this season than most expect. Smith needs to work on his pass-coverage skills, but his athleticism, size and tenacious play earn him a spot on the breakout list. 

Robenson Therezie: CB

Robenson Therezie is a bit of a transition type player. Therezie has the hips to be a quality cover corner, but also the vision and hard-hitting mentality that fit a safety.

Currently, Therezie is looking to earn time at corner or nickelback, but don’t be surprised if he makes a transition to safety.

Therezie was electric a year ago for Auburn on special teams, landing some of the best hits of the season for the Tigers in coverage.

The Tigers are returning to an aggressive, fast-attacking defense under DC Brian VanGorder with the secondary playing a crucial part in the success of the defense. Guys like Therezie will help make the new Auburn defense one of the best in the country.

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