Having two solid corners in 2024 didn’t stop Auburn football from adding a potential impact player out of the transfer portal.

Former Miami (OH) corner Raion Strader transferred to Auburn in December, joining a defensive back room that already featured proven players such as Kayin Lee, Jay Crawford and Champ Anthony.

Strader isn’t just another body or depth piece either. He was a First Team All-MAC selection with Miami (OH) in 2024 and a Freshman All-American in 2023.

“He’s going to be a guy that grasps the playbook and continuing to trend in that direction and just can make a good transition and just help us win,” said Auburn cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff at the beginning of spring practice.

Strader has the physical tools and skillset to play as a boundary corner at Auburn, despite the Tigers returning their two starters at that position. Spring practice has been somewhat of an adjustment period for Strader, but the competition within the room is still ongoing.

While Strader said there will always be competition, it doesn’t affect the closeness of the group, something his position coach said already exists despite the new additions.

“It’s a brotherhood,” Strader said. “We push each other, and it’s always going to be a good vibe in there.”

Strader describes himself as a press man corner, a play style that he said plays into defensive coordinator DJ Durkin’s system. When asked about his strengths as a player, Strader mentioned his IQ, physicality, length, ball skills and willingness to tackle.

Those traits are positives for any cornerback room, even one that already has proven starters like Auburn’s.

“He’s got a good skill set,” McGriff said. “It’s like anything, when you come into a new environment, you’ve got to adjust. But he’s gravitating and trending in the right direction.”

Not only does the adjustment have to do with being in a new system, but adjusting to a different level of college football. While Strader was a standout player in the MAC, he’ll face a different caliber of receiver in the Southeastern Conference.

Despite the adjustment, Strader isn’t lacking any confidence, as he’s already received his first taste of what the SEC has to offer when facing Auburn’s receivers in practice.

“We got a group of great guys, like group of big, physical guys, can go get the ball. So, you really can’t take a play off, and it’s really made me better since I’ve been here,” Strader said. “But as far as matchups, I got me every time.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m