Auburn football‘s youth across the entire defense has the Tigers set up for seasons to come.

On the defensive line, Auburn has the perfect blend of star veterans and young talent. Headlined by defensive end Keldric Faulk, nose tackle Quientrail Jamison-Travis and defensive tackle Malik Blocton are expected to make huge leaps this fall.

“This spring has been fun. I have just been embracing my role as a leader and then trying to show the younger guys the right way to do stuff,” Blocton said. “I want to build up each other and for us to all be successful this season.”

The Tigers depth on the line will be loaded after signing Dallas Walker IV out of the transfer portal. They also signed three 5-star defenders in Malik Autry, Jared Smith and Jourdin Crawford. Not to mention, bringing back Zykeivous Walker and Amaris Williams.

Walker, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound nose tackle, spent the past two seasons at WKU, finishing last year with 45 tackles, four tackles for loss and an interception.

After going through his first spring with the Tigers, Walker broke down the biggest differences he’s seen after making the transition to the SEC.

“Coming from WKU we played a lot of three down, so we were playing a lot of blocks. And then here we play a lot of four down, so you have a lot of 2I and the 3-tech work,” Walker said. “The attack, react stance and stuff like that are all new. Just getting adjusted to the scheme, it hasn’t been too bad. I’ve been coming along well.”

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze took the time Thursday morning to share his thoughts on the DL and his standouts for the week.

“I think my niche is more of the high school ranks, and the ones you’re talking about whether it be [Jared Smith], [Jourdin Crawford], [Malik Autry] and [Darrion Smith]. I think those defensive linemen are going to be really good,” Freeze said Thursday.

“Obviously, they’re going to make some mistakes, just like Amaris Williams’ growth is exponential from last year to this year, and that’s just the way it is,” Freeze added. “They’re going to make some mistakes with all the adjustments that you have to make and the different things that offenses throw at you.”

Blocton added his assessment on the position group, highlighting the physicality all the young guys are playing with.

“[Jourdin Crawford] might be the strongest human I have ever seen with my own two eyes. He’s so strong and he plays so physical all the time,” Blocton added. “[Malik Autry], he’s probably the most advanced out of the ones we brought in. He really can go. [Darrion Smith], he’s probably the best pass rusher that we’ve brought in. He is really like that.”

Fans will get its first peak at the new look Tigers during Auburn’s A-Day Spring practice. It’s will take place Saturday at noon inside Jordan-Hare stadium.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at [email protected].