Auburn offensive line coach Jake Thorton and the Tigers have added a pair of experienced offensive tackles from the power-four ranks; Xavier Chaplin from Virginia Tech and Mason Murphy from USC.
Chaplin, a left tackle coming from Virginia Tech with two years of eligibility remaining, started every game the last two seasons for the Hokies and received an honorable mention from the All-ACC selections following the season.
The 6-foot-7, 323 pound offensive tackle recorded 607 snaps last season and 813 snaps during Virginia Tech’s 2023 campaign. Chaplin helped pave the way for the nation’s 22nd ranked rushing offense – 189.8 yards-per-game – while allowing just five sacks allowed two seasons ago.
Alongside Chaplin, Murphy – a right tackle – transfers to Auburn from USC with one year of eligibility remaining after appearing in every game for the Trojans over the past three seasons.
Murphy, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, recorded 817 total snaps this past season after starting every game for USC. The offensive tackle recorded five starts in each of the two seasons prior. The Trojan’s 2022 offensive line was selected as a Joe Moore Award Semifinalist.
Chaplin and Murphy both officially signed with the Tigers Tuesday morning joining returning tackle Dillion Wade in the position room. Thorton and Auburn still await the decision of if Jeremiah Wright will return for another season of action.
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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.
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