Auburn’s freshman safety duo shines in spring practices, showcasing impressive skills and potential, signaling a bright future for defense.

As the 2025 college football season looms on the horizon, one of the most exciting storylines emerging from Auburn University’s spring practices is the rise of their talented freshman safety duo. With an ever-evolving college football landscape, teams are increasingly relying on young talent to make an immediate impact. For Auburn, the dynamic freshman safety tandem has quickly become one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring, showcasing impressive skills and offering a glimpse of what could be a dominant defensive backfield for years to come.

The significance of this duo goes beyond individual talent. Their success in spring practices could be a defining factor in the overall performance of Auburn’s defense in the upcoming season. As defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding and head coach Hugh Freeze focus on building a competitive and resilient defense, the emergence of two promising freshmen at such a critical position raises the profile of Auburn’s secondary, with the potential to reshape the Tigers’ defensive identity moving forward.

A New Era for Auburn’s Defense

Auburn’s defense has long been a cornerstone of their football program, known for its physicality, athleticism, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Over the years, the Tigers have fielded some of the most formidable defenses in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), regularly producing top-tier talent who go on to play at the professional level. However, the 2024 season saw some ups and downs for Auburn’s defense. While the team showed glimpses of brilliance, consistency was lacking, particularly in the secondary.

The cornerback and safety positions, in particular, were areas of focus during the spring practices. Despite possessing some talented upperclassmen, it was the freshmen safeties who garnered the most attention due to their ability to make plays and stand out in a crowded position group.

With defensive backfield play being essential for both stopping the pass and supporting the run, having two freshmen safeties who are capable of stepping up immediately has massive implications for Auburn’s defensive fortunes. If these two freshmen can continue their upward trajectory and solidify their roles, they could become the foundation for a new era of Auburn defense—one that is both explosive and opportunistic.

The Freshman Safety Duo: Who Are They?

Jordan Banks and Chris Mullins are the names that Auburn fans should get familiar with. These two freshmen have turned heads throughout the spring practices and have been credited with quickly adapting to the demands of college football. They arrived on campus highly regarded for their skill sets, and their performances during the spring have only amplified expectations.

Jordan Banks: The Playmaking Safety

Jordan Banks, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety from Atlanta, Georgia, was one of the top recruits in Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class. Banks is known for his outstanding football IQ, versatility, and leadership on the field. As a high school player, he was recognized for his ability to cover both the deep zones and play near the line of scrimmage, making him a dual threat in both pass coverage and run support.

In Auburn’s spring practices, Banks demonstrated an ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate throws, resulting in several interceptions during team drills. His ball skills were evident, as he seemed to always be in the right place at the right time, disrupting passing lanes and showcasing his natural instincts. Banks has shown that he can excel in both zone and man-to-man coverage, which makes him an asset in a variety of defensive schemes.

Additionally, Banks’ physicality is another standout trait. Despite being a freshman, he has shown an ability to tackle well in the open field, stepping up to support the run defense with authority. His ability to seamlessly transition between coverage and run support has made him a key figure in Auburn’s evolving defensive backfield.

Chris Mullins: The Dynamic Playmaker

Chris Mullins, another 6-foot, 195-pound safety, comes to Auburn from Birmingham, Alabama, and brings an aggressive, ball-hawking style of play to the safety position. Mullins, known for his quickness, athleticism, and hard-hitting ability, has proven to be a natural fit in Auburn’s defensive system. Much like Banks, Mullins’ ability to cover ground quickly and make explosive plays in both the passing and running game has impressed coaches and teammates alike.

During spring practices, Mullins stood out for his ability to disrupt passing routes, often making timely breakups and being in position to intercept passes. His aggressive nature on the field allows him to read offenses quickly, taking calculated risks to create turnovers. His physicality, however, is what separates him from many other young players. Whether it’s laying a big hit on a receiver across the middle or coming up to help with run support, Mullins is not afraid to play with an edge.

What also stands out with Mullins is his versatility. He has the speed to cover wide receivers down the field but also has the size and strength to step up in the box to help with run defense. His development as a safety has made him a key player to watch, and his ability to make an immediate impact cannot be overstated.

Making a Mark on Auburn’s Defense

One of the most important things to note about Banks and Mullins is their ability to complement one another in the defensive backfield. While both players possess individual talents, their combined skill set gives Auburn’s defense a newfound flexibility and depth. Schmedding’s defensive schemes could be bolstered significantly with these two freshmen safeties, especially if they continue to develop into key contributors for the team.

Auburn has often prided itself on a defense that attacks and disrupts, and with two safeties like Banks and Mullins, this could be the beginning of a new defensive philosophy for the Tigers. Both players are capable of dropping back into coverage, playing the run, or coming up to make big hits, giving Auburn an element of unpredictability in their defensive play-calling. This versatility could be a game-changer when it comes to limiting opposing offenses.

One area where the duo has shown particular promise is in their ability to play as ball hawks. Both Banks and Mullins have a nose for the football, and their ability to make plays in critical situations—whether it’s an interception, forced fumble, or pass breakup—can have a significant impact on games. With Auburn’s secondary often being the most vulnerable aspect of their defense, having two safeties who can turn the ball over will go a long way in helping the Tigers compete with some of the most high-powered offenses in the SEC.

Furthermore, their presence provides a sense of stability for the entire defensive backfield. When you have young players like Banks and Mullins stepping up and excelling early in their careers, it often boosts the confidence of the entire unit. Players like cornerbacks and linebackers can play with more freedom, knowing that the safeties are reliable in coverage and can help defend against the run.

Competing for Starting Roles

Despite their impressive spring performances, Banks and Mullins will have to continue working hard as they battle for starting positions in the fall. Auburn has several upperclassmen in the secondary, including experienced safeties who have been in the program for a few years. These veterans are sure to be formidable competition for the freshmen, and this healthy competition will only make the team stronger.

However, if Banks and Mullins continue to impress during summer workouts and fall camp, they may well earn starting spots in Auburn’s defense. The coaching staff has made it clear that positions will be earned, not given, and the freshmen will need to prove themselves in every aspect of the game.

Still, if they keep up their level of play, Auburn’s defense could see a significant shift in its dynamic. There is a very real possibility that both players could feature heavily in rotation even if they aren’t immediately starting, allowing the coaching staff to take advantage of their unique skill sets and athleticism in key situations.

The Long-Term Impact

While the 2025 season is the immediate focus, the development of Banks and Mullins has a long-term impact on Auburn’s defensive future. Building a strong, talented secondary is crucial in the modern game of college football, where passing offenses are constantly evolving. Auburn’s defensive coaching staff is betting on these young players to help return the program to elite status on the defensive side of the ball.

Should Banks and Mullins fulfill their potential, they will form the backbone of Auburn’s defense for the next few years, helping to sustain the Tigers’ competitive edge in the SEC. Their development could also attract future recruits, signaling to high school players that Auburn is a place where young talent can come in and have an immediate impact.