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Mar 29, 2024
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Football Preview: Secondary
The lack of depth in Auburn's secondary is a major concern for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The depth situation should improve as a few players get healthy and with the addition of incoming freshmen set to make a push for playing time in fall camp.

Despite being thin in the defensive backfield, the Tigers have some experience at the cornerback spot with Jonathan Jones and Joshua Holsey returning from last year's squad.
Jonathan Jones
Jonathan Jones
(Photo courtesy of AUTigers.com)

Jones had a breakout season in 2014, with 36 tackles, six interceptions and 17 passes defended. He was limited in the spring after undergoing foot surgery in the offseason.

Holsey has played at every position in Auburn's secondary, but he prefers corner where he'll start in the fall. The rising senior had 42 tackles and two pass breakups a year ago.

T.J. Davis missed the last few weeks of spring drills when he tore his ACL before spring break. He showed potential in limited action last season and will hopefully be healthy for the season opener to give the Tigers much needed depth.

Safety Tray Matthews, who sat out last year after transferring from Georgia, brings his physical play to the Plains. As a true freshman in 2013, Matthews had 36 tackles, one interception and a forced fumble.

Matthews and Rudy Ford as a duo at safety are expected to make plenty of hard-hitting plays in the fall. Ford, who led the Tigers with 93 tackles last season, also had three interceptions and a forced fumble.

Nick Ruffin is another option at safety, but he will be competing with Matthews and Ford for playing time. Last fall as a true freshman, Ruffin recorded nine tackles at cornerback and at the “star” rover spot.

Tim Irvin enrolled early and could play either nickel or safety in Muschamp's defense. Also in the mix are incoming freshmen Carlton Davis and Jeremiah Dinson.

Phil Marion

Coming August 24: Special Teams


Quarterbacks and Receivers

Running Backs and Offensive Line

Defensive Line

Linebackers