Midseason MVPs: Keldric Faulk

Keldric Faulk has played an important role in Auburn's defense throughout the first half of the season. 

Faulk already performed quite well last season as a true freshman, playing in all 13 games and starting in eight. He stepped up to fill a big role when Mosiah Nasili-Kite, the starting senior defensive lineman for Auburn, suffered a season-ending torn bicep. 

This season, the sophomore from Highland Home, Alabama is playing even better than last year. He has started every game so far and is on track to outtackle himself, with 27 tackles in six games this season compared to 36 tackles in eight games in the 2023 season. He has already outperformed himself in terms of sacks, recording one sack last season and five sacks so far this season, and leads Auburn defense in sacks. 

"I can't say enough about Keldric Faulk and the leader he is, the young man he is. He's everything you want in an Auburn football player and an Auburn man, " said Hugh Freeze. "He just lays it all on the line like Jarquez [Hunter] does."

Alabama A&M: week one

In the season opener, Faulk recorded two tackles, the second most of the defensive linemen. He also had one sack, sacking Alabama A&M's quarterback Xavier Lankford for a loss of six yards, the most tackle-for-loss yards for any defensive lineman in the game. Auburn ended up winning this game 73-3, with Auburn's defense being key in keeping Alabama A&M to just a field goal. 

Cal: week two

In Auburn's loss to Cal, Faulk led the defense in almost every stat. He totaled a season-high eight tackles and two sacks, the most for Auburn's defense. He had three tackles for losses and ended the night with 13 tackle-for-loss yards. While Auburn lost this game, they only lost 14-21 thanks to Faulk and the defense limiting the Cal offense and making the game tight despite a struggling Auburn offense.

New Mexico: week three

With such a resounding victory for Auburn, Faulk didn't have to contribute as robustly as normal. Only tallying one tackle, his role lay in acting as a leader for his defense. He also recorded one pass breakup and two quarterback hurries, slowing down New Mexico's ability to keep up with the prolific Auburn offense. Auburn won the game 45-19. 

Arkansas: week four

Faulk didn't have a massive impact in this game, only making four tackles and zero sacks, which was still the second highest for any defensive lineman. The defense as a whole struggled to contain Arkansas's offense, leading to a 24-14 victory for the Razorbacks. 

Oklahoma: week five

Faulk had a fantastic showing against Oklahoma, recording five tackles and one quarterback hurry. Faulk and the Auburn defense did a great job holding the Sooners to seven points for the first half. Due to a pick six by Auburn's offense and a late field goal by Oklahoma, the Sooners pulled away with a 27-21 victory.

Georgia: week six

In the Tigers' first away game, Faulk shone with seven tackles, two sacks, and 16 tackle-for-loss yards, leading the team in all areas except for tackles. While Auburn lost 13-31, Faulk had an exceptional game. Faulk believes that he can deliver these performances, and setting goals for himself is a key part of his success.

"I had confidence coming into the game, me getting those two sacks was expected," said Faulk. "It was a goal I set before the game, so once I achieved the goal it was like that's what I'm supposed to do."

For Faulk and other starting players, the goal is to rest and recharge for the rest of the season during the bye week. 

"He needs an off week. He and Jay Crawford are beat up for sure and have to play a ton of snaps," said Freeze.  "Hopefully, he can get healed up and have an outstanding second half [of the season], but his leadership's vital to our team."