Two Auburn Tigers freshmen, linebacker Malik Blocton and receiver Bryce Cain, have impressed in camp and could crack the 2-deep depth chart heading into the 2025 season.

As the Auburn Tigers gear up for the highly anticipated 2025 football season, all eyes are on the roster battles unfolding in summer workouts and preseason camp. With Hugh Freeze entering a pivotal year at the helm, player development and depth will be critical to Auburn’s competitiveness in a restructured and even more unforgiving Southeastern Conference. While much of the attention has been focused on big-name transfers and established veterans, two true freshmen — linebacker Malik Blocton and wide receiver Bryce Cain — are quietly forcing their way into the conversation.

Both Blocton and Cain have been standout performers throughout spring practice and early summer workouts. Coaches and teammates have praised their maturity, athleticism, and rapid adaptation to the college game. Now, as the depth chart begins to take shape, these two first-year Tigers are making a serious case to crack the two-deep rotation and contribute meaningful snaps this fall.

Let’s take a deeper look at who they are, what they bring to the table, and why they might play big roles sooner than expected.

Malik Blocton: Homegrown Talent, SEC Ready

Background and Recruitment

Malik Blocton didn’t have to travel far to become an Auburn Tiger. The Pike Road, Alabama native was one of the top defensive prospects in the state and a high-priority target for Auburn’s 2024 recruiting class. Rated as a 4-star linebacker by most major recruiting services, Blocton committed to Auburn over offers from Florida, Texas, Penn State, and others.

What made Blocton’s recruitment even more special was the family connection. His older brother, Marcus Harris, was a standout defensive lineman for Auburn from 2021 to 2023. That lineage and familiarity with the program gave the younger Blocton an early understanding of the expectations and culture on the Plains.

But make no mistake — Malik isn’t riding anyone’s coattails. He’s earning his spot the hard way.

Physical Tools and Playing Style

At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Blocton already has an SEC-ready frame as a true freshman. He’s explosive off the snap, plays with controlled aggression, and has shown advanced instincts in both run support and zone coverage during practice.

What separates him from many other freshmen linebackers is his football IQ. Coaches have noted his quick grasp of defensive schemes and ability to make adjustments on the fly. Linebackers coach Josh Aldridge has said that Blocton “plays like a redshirt sophomore, not a freshman.”

During spring practices and 7-on-7 scrimmages, he stood out for his ability to diagnose plays, fill gaps, and even drop into coverage to break up passes. That kind of versatility is exactly what Auburn needs in a linebacker unit that has some question marks after graduation and transfer losses.

Path to the Two-Deep

Auburn’s linebacker corps is in flux. While veterans like Eugene Asante and Austin Keys are expected to lead, there’s room behind them for young talent to earn rotational roles. Injuries, sub-packages, and the grind of the SEC season often force teams to go deep into their linebacker bench — and Blocton looks like a player who can step in without a drop-off.

His early enrollment gave him a leg up, and by all accounts, he’s seizing every opportunity. Don’t be surprised if he earns second-team reps early in the season, with a chance to work his way into starting minutes by midseason.

Bryce Cain: Speed, Swagger, and Immediate Potential

Background and Recruitment

Bryce Cain might not have had the same recruiting hype as some of Auburn’s other 2024 signees, but he’s quickly proving that stars don’t always tell the full story. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, Cain was a late riser in the recruiting process. Initially considered a borderline Power Five prospect, his senior season turned heads as he racked up touchdowns and explosive plays at a breakneck pace.

Freeze and Auburn’s offensive staff saw something special — a combination of elite quickness, route-running polish, and fearlessness after the catch. They made a strong push late in the process, and Cain committed despite overtures from several SEC rivals.

Now on campus, he’s already becoming a fan favorite and a coaching staff favorite, too.

Skill Set and Fit in the Offense

Cain’s most obvious asset is his speed. Clocked at sub-4.4 in the forty-yard dash during offseason testing, he gives Auburn a vertical threat and yards-after-catch weapon that the offense sorely lacked in 2024.

At just 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Cain won’t outmuscle defensive backs, but his ability to separate at the line of scrimmage and accelerate through routes makes him a nightmare to cover one-on-one. He’s also shown toughness in traffic and reliable hands — two traits that often separate productive freshmen from those who take a year to adjust.

Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery has indicated that Cain is being considered for multiple roles — as a slot receiver, occasional outside speed threat, and even a gadget player on reverses and jet sweeps. His versatility is unlocking creative options in the playbook.

Competition and Opportunity

The Auburn receiving corps is one of the most improved position groups heading into 2025, thanks in part to transfer additions and the development of returning players like Cam Coleman and Ja’Varrius Johnson. Still, Cain is carving out a role for himself.

In open practices, he’s been seen taking second-team reps, often working with Jackson Arnold and the first-team offense in certain tempo drills. His timing with the quarterbacks and ability to create separation have drawn praise from the coaching staff and teammates alike.

Cain may not start Week 1, but he’ll almost certainly be on the two-deep — and don’t be surprised if he breaks out as one of the Tigers’ top three receivers by season’s end.

Hugh Freeze’s Philosophy: “If You’re Good Enough, You’re Old Enough”

One reason both Blocton and Cain are being given legitimate shots to play early is Hugh Freeze’s core belief in playing the best guys — regardless of class. Throughout his career, Freeze has been known for identifying and developing young talent, often giving freshmen meaningful roles when they prove themselves.

That’s a departure from some programs that rely heavily on upperclassmen by default. At Auburn in 2025, competition is king, and both Cain and Blocton have competed at a high level since stepping on campus.

Freeze has emphasized the importance of building a “player-led team,” and that process starts with empowering young athletes to take ownership of their development and roles. For Cain and Blocton, that approach is paying off — and Auburn is reaping the benefits.

What This Means for Auburn’s 2025 Outlook

In a year where depth will be more important than ever — particularly in a grueling SEC schedule that now includes Texas and Oklahoma — having freshmen who can contribute is a major asset.

Blocton adds badly needed depth at linebacker, especially in rotational sets and special teams. His ability to spell starters without a major performance drop gives Auburn more flexibility on defense.

Cain gives the offense a true home-run threat, something that’s been missing in recent seasons. He’ll stretch defenses, open up the middle for tight ends and backs, and give Jackson Arnold a security blanket in short and intermediate routes.

More importantly, the rise of these freshmen sets the tone for Auburn’s future. It shows that the talent being recruited under Freeze isn’t just future potential — it’s game-ready now.

Final Thoughts: Rising Tigers in the Making

Every year, a few true freshmen across college football rise faster than expected and leave an immediate mark. At Auburn in 2025, Malik Blocton and Bryce Cain are leading candidates to do just that.

They represent the new era of Auburn football — fast, competitive, and fearless. As they continue to push veterans for playing time and make their mark in fall camp, don’t be surprised if both names become staples on the depth chart by the time the Tigers kick off against their season-opening opponent.

In a program hungry for impact players and playmakers, Cain and Blocton are answering the call — not just as future stars, but as present-day contributors.