We’re taking a look at each position group as Auburn prepares to open spring practice on Feb. 27. The eighth of an 11-part series looks at the linebackers.

Transfers Austin Keys (Ole Miss) and DeMario Tolan (LSU) are set to lead a group of linebackers at Auburn. Tolan had 10 total tackles, and two quarterback hurries last season. Keys completed the 2022 season with 39 total tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.

Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner have the most experience playing for Auburn as returning players. Riley had the second-most tackles on the team last season with 66 and 3.5 tackles for loss. Steiner posted 46 tackles last season at Auburn.

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Riley and Steiner hope to step up without team-captain Owen Pappoe, who is entering the 2023 National Football League Draft.

Josh Aldridge is the new linebackers coach. He came with Freeze from Liberty, where Aldridge was the defensive coordinator.

Aldridge’s Liberty defense was first nationally in team tackles for loss, fourth in team sacks, 15th in passes intercepted, 19th nationally in third-down defense, and 25th in first-down defense.

“I’ve been fortunate to work for Coach Freeze the last four years and I’m appreciative to be joining him again at Auburn,” Aldridge said. “I look forward to helping Auburn build a defense that is physical, aggressive and competes for championships. The area surrounding the Plains is very familiar to my family and I can’t wait to hit the road in our footprint in search of Auburn Men.”

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Austin Keys and DeMario Tolan

Second String: Cam Riley/Wesley Steiner. Eugene Asante/Robert Woodyard

Third String: Desmond Tisdol/ Kameron Brown, Jake Levant/Powell Gordon

Departed: Owen Pappoe (NFL Draft)

Outlook: This is one of the more challenging units to evaluate at Auburn heading into spring camp. There are a lot of players with experience, but the production hasn’t been consistent. It’s also imperative to remember that the defense will change under new defensive coordinator Ron Roberts.

“You have to be multiple nowadays in college football and the SEC. You’ve got to have multiple (fronts). We can’t just sit in a front unless you have better players than everybody else,” Roberts told reporters during a press conference in February. “You can’t do that. Offensive coordinators will pick you apart. The skill level is too good. They’ll find a weakness. We’ll be multiple in what we do, but we will play with aggression. We will blitz. We will pressure. We will be an aggressive defense.”

Auburn’s linebacker room needs work. Don’t be surprised to see the Tigers active in the second portal opening after spring football.

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group