We are continuing our PFF countdown of one of Auburn’s top 40 players. Today, we are going through numbers 36 all the way down to 33, looking at what these players have produced thus far according to PFF numbers. This countdown doesn’t include any freshmen, as they haven’t had an opportunity to get PFF grades.
#36: Jay Hardy, DL (Transfer – Liberty)
At number 36, we have Jay Hardy, the transferred defensive lineman back for his second stint with Auburn. Jay originally was with the Tigers, transferred out, played elsewhere at Liberty, and is now back.
Looking at his numbers from last season (113 snaps), he rated 59.3 overall, 59.7 in run defense, 76.9 as a tackler, and had a 59.2 pressure rate. What I see here is a guy who’s a good internal run stopper. He’s going to be a solid rotational piece for that defensive front, particularly against run-heavy teams like Vanderbilt or Texas A&M. His ability to make an impact on first and second down, or even third and short, will be crucial.
#35: Izavion Miller, OL (Senior)
Moving to number 35, we have offensive lineman Izavion Miller, a guy who’s had an up-and-down career, mostly due to injury.
This season, he had 571 snaps, an overall PFF grade of 61.1, a pass blocking rate of 61.1, and 61.8 in run blocking, with four penalties last season. He’s going to be counted on at the offensive tackle position. It was clear Auburn struggled when Miller wasn’t healthy. His first season from Juco was inconsistent due to injury, but he did a much better job in his second season. Auburn needs more consistency and availability from him. He’s currently battling Mason Murphy (Who was #39 on the list) for the right tackle spot, and I do believe Murphy might have a slight edge due to Miller’s injury situation.
# 34: Dallas Walker, DL (Transfer – Western Kentucky)
Next up at number 34 is Dallas Walker, the transfer from Western Kentucky, who started his collegiate career at Texas A&M.
Last season, in 486 snaps, he had a 62.6 overall PFF rating, 59.9 in run defense, 56.2 as a tackler, and 62.4 in pressure rate, with no penalties. At 6’3″ and 327 pounds, he is, in my opinion, the most natural nose tackle Auburn has with experience. While I initially had Jamison-Travis penciled in as the presumptive starter at nose tackle, I think Dallas Walker is going to challenge him for that spot. I, particularly, like his ability to get pressure as an interior defensive lineman. I think Dallas Walker can be an immediate third-down contributor, especially on third and long, as an interior pass rusher.
#33: Sylvester Smith, Defensive Back (Sophomore)
Rounding out today’s list at number 33 is Sylvester Smith, a defensive back who played the majority of his snaps at safety last season.
He had 438 snaps last season, with an overall PFF grade of 62.9. Against the run, he was 67.7, a 56.7 tackler, and 60.3 in coverage. Smith isn’t without criticism, especially around his tackling numbers; he just wasn’t really great as a tackler in space last year. He is good in coverage and rarely out of position, but he hasn’t been making a lot of plays. I expect him to be challenged at the safety spot, even by true freshmen, as I believe Kaleb Harris has firmly locked up the other safety position. Sylvester Smith has work cut out for him, but his experience gives him a potential nod going into the season. He’ll need to prove he can be a sideline-to-sideline safety, especially if Auburn goes to more single-high looks
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The countdown continues every Monday as we move toward Auburn’s top 40 players for 2024. Catch the full video breakdown on YouTube and the Auburn Express podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
