In the ever changing world of college football, Hugh Freeze and his staff spent the early part of the offseason filling holes and making adjustments to their fluid roster situation – the new norm of the sport.
The Tigers brought in nine new transfer players, alongside 21 high school commitments, to join Auburn for the upcoming 2024 season.
Here is a breakdown of each transfer portal addition for the Tigers:
Robert Lewis
Position: Wide Receiver
Previous School: Georgia State
Career Stats: 1,019 yards, 10 TDs, 11.3 yards per catch
Lewis brings veteran experience after a standout season with Georgia State, where he amassed 877 yards and seven touchdowns on 70 receptions in 12 games. His record-breaking performance against Charlotte saw him rack up 220 yards on six catches, surpassing all but three of Auburn’s top receiver’s total yards for the entire 2023 season.
Hailing from Covington, Georgia, Lewis had multiple offers from notable programs before choosing Georgia State. Now, he aims to contribute his skills to Auburn’s receiving unit, which struggled in the air last season, ranking 122nd out of 133 FBS teams with an average of 157.1 yards per game. Standing at 5 feet, 11 inches, Lewis adds depth and experience to a group that seeks improvement and aims to capitalize on his dynamic playmaking abilities.
Sam Jackson V
Position: Wide Receiver
Previous School: California
Career Stats: No collegiate stats as a wide receiver.
Former Cal player Jackson V joined Auburn’s 2024 class as a wide receiver, bringing two years of eligibility. Jackson V, who played quarterback for Cal last season, will face his former team when Auburn clashes with the Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in September 2024.
Standing at 5 feet, 11 inches and weighing 195 pounds, Jackson V transitions to his new role after playing against Auburn in 2023, where he passed for 129 yards for Cal. As a rising junior, Jackson V brings versatility and experience to the Tigers’ offense, poised to make an impact in the upcoming season.
Rico Walker
Position: Tight End
Previous School: Maryland
Career Stats: 4 receptions, 27 yards, 6.8 yards per catch
Standing at 6 feet, 4 inches and weighing 248 pounds, Walker, a former four-star recruit, adds depth with his versatility and three seasons of eligibility remaining. Originally from Hickory, North Carolina, he recorded four receptions for 27 yards in eight games during his time at Maryland.
Rated as the No. 209 overall recruit and the No. 12 athlete in the 2023 class by 247Sports, Walker brings promise and potential to Auburn’s roster. With Walker’s arrival, Auburn aims to strengthen its tight end options and enhance offensive versatility for the upcoming seasons.
Percy Lewis
Position: Offensive Line
Previous School: Mississippi State
Career Stats: Played in 25 games and had 8 starts at Mississippi State
The transfer offensive lineman from Mississippi State, boasting experience from 25 games with eight starts during the 2022-23 seasons, has joined Auburn. Throughout his senior season, he demonstrated reliability and skill, primarily at left tackle, allowing only two sacks and four hurries while aiding the offense in both rushing and passing performances.
Prior to his time at Mississippi State, he spent two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, where he played in 12 games.
Gage Keys
Position: Defensive Line
Previous School: Kansas
Career Stats: 15 solo tackles, 26 total tackles
From Hilliard, Ohio, the 6-foot-5-inch, 290-pound player adds physicality and versatility to Auburn’s defensive line, having previously played for both Minnesota and Kansas.
In his 2023 season with the Jayhawks, Keys showcased his abilities with 21 tackles, including 13 solo tackles, and recorded four quarterback hurries in 12 games. As a graduate transfer with two seasons of eligibility remaining, Keys follows in the footsteps of former Kansas teammate Marcus Harris.
Trill Carter
Position: Defensive Line
Previous School: Texas
Career Stats: 22 solo tackles, 49 total tackles
Carter’s journey showcases his impact on the field, starting 33 games at Minnesota before transferring to Texas, where he contributed to the team’s Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff berth. Standing at 6 feet, 2 inches and weighing 300 pounds, Carter has demonstrated effectiveness both as a 3-tech defensive tackle and nose tackle, recording impressive stats such as 10 tackles for loss and five sacks in his career.
A native of Leesburg, Georgia, Carter’s commitment addresses Auburn’s need for defensive line reinforcements following the departure of Harris to the NFL Draft. With Carter joining Keys as another portal pickup, Auburn’s defensive front gains depth and experience crucial for the upcoming season.
Dorian Mausi Jr.
Position: Linebacker
Previous School: Duke
Career Stats: 20 career starts and 1,659 snaps
In his final season at Duke, Mausi Jr. demonstrated his prowess with 61 tackles, including a standout performance of 14 tackles against Florida State. Over his career, he consistently contributed on the field, recording tackles in multiple games each season and showcasing versatility with his ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays.
A graduate of Detroit Jesuit High School, Mausi Jr. was recognized as a three-star prospect and the No. 57 outside linebacker nationally before joining Duke. His addition addresses Auburn’s need for defensive depth and adds a seasoned playmaker to its linebacker corps.
Antonio Kite
Position: Defensive Back
Previous School: Alabama
Career Stats: None
Kite’s decision marks a rare transfer from Alabama to Auburn, with only Corey Grant making a similar move back in 2011. Despite limited playing time at Alabama, Kite, a 6-foot-1 redshirt freshman, arrives at Auburn with high expectations, having been a unanimous four-star prospect and being highly ranked nationally.
During his time at Anniston High School, Kite earned recognition as a top prospect in Alabama and showcased his potential as a standout defensive back. With Auburn losing key players to the NFL Draft, including safeties Jaylin Simpson and Zion Puckett, Kite’s arrival provides an opportunity for him to make an impact alongside new co-defensive coordinator Charles Kelly, who played a significant role in his recruitment to Alabama.
Jerrin Thompson
Position: Defensive Back
Previous School: Texas
Career Stats: 176 tackles, 5 interceptions and 23 pass breakups
Honored as an honorable mention All-Big 12 player, Thompson brings extensive experience from playing in 49 games with 31 starts for the Longhorns over the 2020-23 seasons.
During his high school career at Lufkin High, he earned numerous accolades, including all-state and three-time all-district honors, demonstrating his versatility and talent as a standout athlete. Notably, he played a pivotal role in his team’s success, contributing to district titles and playoff appearances.
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Patrick is a junior from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2022.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @patrickabingham
