Reflecting on Auburn’s 2024 Football Season’s Top Three Freshmen

As the 2024 football season unfolds, Auburn University is showcasing an exciting array of talent, particularly in the freshman class. Under the leadership of Head Coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn has made significant strides in recruiting, and several first-year players are already making their mark on the field. The 2024 season has been one of growth and transformation for the Tigers, with freshmen emerging as key contributors across various positions. While it’s early in the season, several rookies have stood out, showing the potential to be future stars in the SEC and beyond.

In this article, we’ll reflect on the performances of Auburn’s top three freshmen of the 2024 football season, analyzing their impact on the team, their potential going forward, and the role they might play in the program’s future success. These freshmen have already become integral pieces of the Tigers’ program and will likely help define Auburn’s football identity for years to come. As the season progresses, they’ll continue to develop, and the following athletes are expected to become pillars of Auburn’s football team.

1. Jeremiah Cobb – Running Back

One of the most exciting freshmen for Auburn this season has been Jeremiah Cobb, a highly touted running back who came to Auburn with big expectations. Cobb, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, was ranked as one of the top running back recruits in the country and quickly turned heads with his explosive speed, vision, and strong running style. His impact on Auburn’s offense has been immediate, and he’s already proven to be a game-changer for the Tigers.

Why Jeremiah Cobb Is One of Auburn’s Top Freshmen

Cobb’s success as a freshman has been driven by his well-rounded skill set and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. While the SEC is known for its physical play, Cobb has shown a knack for breaking through tackles, making defenders miss in the open field, and staying patient behind his offensive line. His agility and quickness allow him to make plays on the perimeter and break long runs when he finds daylight.

In the early part of the 2024 season, Cobb has demonstrated his ability to accelerate through holes in the offensive line, and his explosive first step has allowed him to gain significant yardage in short bursts. His vision and field awareness have been top-notch, helping him identify the right lanes and make defenders miss in one-on-one situations. As a freshman in the SEC, this level of maturity and football IQ is impressive.

While he’s made an impact as a traditional running back, Cobb’s versatility is perhaps his most promising trait. He’s capable of catching passes out of the backfield, which adds an extra dimension to Auburn’s offense. Whether it’s making defenders miss in the open field or running with power between the tackles, Cobb is shaping up to be a key player for Auburn as they look to solidify their run game.

The Future for Cobb at Auburn

Looking ahead, Cobb’s future with Auburn is incredibly promising. As he continues to develop and get acclimated to the speed and physicality of the SEC, he has the potential to become one of the top running backs in the nation. His ability to impact both the run game and the passing game makes him a valuable asset for Coach Freeze’s offense, which will rely on a balanced attack. Cobb will likely emerge as Auburn’s featured back in the near future, and his development could help elevate Auburn’s offensive performance as they challenge for SEC titles and beyond.

2. Keldric Faulk – Defensive End

Another freshman who has quickly garnered attention is Keldric Faulk, a standout defensive end from Montgomery, Alabama. Faulk came to Auburn with tremendous expectations, having been ranked as one of the top defensive line recruits in the nation. His combination of size, athleticism, and motor makes him an ideal fit for Auburn’s defensive front, and he’s already made his presence felt on the field.

Why Keldric Faulk Is One of Auburn’s Top Freshmen

Faulk’s ability to impact games from the defensive line has been evident from the start of the 2024 season. As a freshman, he’s displayed remarkable strength and speed off the edge, which has allowed him to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays. In his early appearances, Faulk has demonstrated a natural ability to read the offensive line and anticipate the play, showing off his instincts and football IQ.

One of Faulk’s standout traits is his relentless motor. Whether it’s chasing down the quarterback or tracking down ball carriers from behind, he never gives up on a play. His athleticism and quickness allow him to change direction on a dime and close down space on fast-moving plays, which has made him a difficult matchup for opposing offenses.

Additionally, Faulk’s pass-rush skills are already impressive for a freshman. He’s able to use his size and strength to shed blockers, and his quick first step allows him to get around tackles to pressure the quarterback. His ability to consistently get into the backfield has been a critical asset to Auburn’s defense, and he will likely continue to be a disruptive force in SEC play.

The Future for Faulk at Auburn

Faulk is expected to be a cornerstone of Auburn’s defense for the next several years. As he continues to grow and refine his pass-rush technique, he could develop into one of the most feared defensive ends in the SEC. His combination of size, speed, and determination gives him all the tools to succeed at the next level. If Faulk can continue to develop his strength and technique, he could become a game-wrecking force who plays a major role in Auburn’s defensive scheme.

Furthermore, Faulk’s presence on the defensive line could allow Auburn’s defense to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which would greatly benefit the team’s overall defensive performance. With his potential, it’s not out of the question to see Faulk as an early-round NFL Draft pick down the road, especially if he continues to build on his freshman season.

3. Perry Thompson – Wide Receiver

In an offense that has been working to find consistency and develop an identity under Hugh Freeze, Perry Thompson has emerged as one of the most exciting freshman wide receivers for Auburn in recent memory. Coming out of Mobile, Alabama, Thompson was one of the most highly ranked wide receiver prospects in the country, and he has quickly demonstrated that he has the talent to make an immediate impact in the SEC.

Why Perry Thompson Is One of Auburn’s Top Freshmen

Thompson’s ability to contribute to the passing game has been evident in the early part of the season. Standing at 6’4″ and possessing impressive speed and agility, Thompson offers a huge target for quarterbacks. His size and athleticism allow him to dominate in contested catches, especially in jump-ball situations, where his reach and leaping ability help him come down with passes in difficult spots.

As a freshman, Thompson has also shown the ability to run crisp routes and create separation from defenders. His balance and acceleration off the line of scrimmage have allowed him to get open on deep routes and make explosive plays down the field. He’s already developed chemistry with the quarterbacks, and his understanding of Auburn’s offensive schemes makes him a reliable target in both short and long-yardage situations.

Beyond his raw athletic ability, Thompson has shown an excellent work ethic and maturity for a first-year player. Despite his natural talent, he’s committed to learning the playbook and improving his skills, which has allowed him to earn more playing time as the season has progressed. His determination to improve will be key to his continued success as he adjusts to the physical demands of the SEC.

The Future for Thompson at Auburn

Thompson is shaping up to be a future star at Auburn. His combination of size, speed, and hands makes him an ideal fit for Auburn’s passing game, and he will likely become a focal point of the Tigers’ offensive attack in the coming years. As the offense continues to grow under Coach Freeze, Thompson’s development will be critical in expanding the passing game and creating more opportunities for explosive plays.

If Thompson continues to develop at the rate he has shown so far, he could very well be one of the top wide receivers in the SEC in the near future. His potential to stretch the field and make game-changing catches is immense, and he could be one of the top playmakers for Auburn for the remainder of his career. The Tigers will need to rely on his production in the future to elevate their offense to the next level.

 The Bright Future of Auburn’s Freshman Class

The 2024 season has already been an exciting one for Auburn football, thanks in no small part to the incredible impact of freshmen like Jeremiah Cobb, Keldric Faulk, and Perry Thompson. These young players are not only contributing immediately but have the potential to become the cornerstones of Auburn’s program for years to come.

Cobb’s versatility and explosive running style, Faulk’s dominance on the defensive line, and Thompson’s big-play ability in the passing game are just the beginning. As they continue to grow and develop under Coach Hugh Freeze’s leadership, Auburn’s future looks incredibly bright. The contributions of these freshmen, along with others who are still emerging, will help define Auburn football’s success as they look to challenge for SEC titles and compete on the national stage.

In short, the 2024 freshman class represents a new era of talent for Auburn University, and the program is in good hands moving forward. If these players continue to develop as expected, Auburn

’s football program could soon be among the top teams in college football once again.