Spring preview: Auburn Wire staff expresses thoughts ahead of A-Day

JM: "When it comes to looking at the play-calling of the offense, I really would like to see it be disciplined and efficient. Sure, there will be a level of growing pains for the players learning the system, but I think with Brown being the leader it should function fluently."

Which returning player do you feel will step up this season?

TJ: "I'm excited to see Bryce Cain take the field on Saturday, as well as this season. He is one of the few who stayed around after Alex Golesh was announced as head coach, and made it clear that he had zero intention of testing the transfer portal waters despite not getting an adequate shot at playing time over the last two seasons. The kid deserves to have a big season, and I hope he gets it."

PJ: "Jeremiah Cobb has an opportunity for a big year. He showed what he is capable of last season rushing for 969 yards and five touchdowns. He should have a big season due to attention also being paid to quarterback Byrum Brown and Baylor transfer running back Bryson Washington."

JM: "For me and many others, Xavier Aktins is a guy who you have to believe is going to take a big leap into next season. In his sophomore campaign, he finished with 60 total tackles and nine sacks. Aktins has been in this Durkin led defense going on year three, so he will be looked at to be the guy getting to the quarterback and helping with the run defense."

Which transfer do you think will have the greatest impact this season?

TJ: "I feel that most people will answer this question with Byrum Brown, and they have a valid argument because the success of the team will ultimately hinge on him, but I will go with Andre Jordan Jr. The UCLA transfer has the chance to mesh well with Rayshawn Pleasant and Blake Woodby at cornerback, a position group that lost big names to the transfer portal with the coaching change. He allowed just 51% of covered passes to be caught last season, and brings the most experience to the unit among the transfers."

PJ: "It is kinda a cop out, but I believe it is Byrum Brown. If he can live up to expectations and what he did at South Florida, then Auburn should have a fun offense this season that will lead to a lot of wins."

JM: "It’s hard not to say transfer quarterback Byrum Brown, but to be different and shine a light on someone else, I’d say the transfer running back Bryson Washington. The former Baylor back rushed for 788 yards and 6 touchdowns with an average carry of 5.1 yards. We do not know who will have the starting job out of the running back room, but with his skillset of being a physical runner, I believe he makes a strong case to be that lead guy."

Who is your A-Day MVP prediction?

TJ: "I'm going with Xavier Atkins. He burst onto the scene last season, and I expect him to make a giant leap in 2026, starting on A-Day."

PJ: "It is going to be Byrum Brown. I feel like Alex Golesh and his staff will want to put on a show for the fans and Brown will have a big day throwing the football."

JM: "He is number 11 in your program, and that is the transfer wide receiver Keshaun Singleton from South Florida. I think his route-running ability and explosive movement can be what caps off the highlight reels from the weekend. His chemistry alongside Brown is going to show in their communication with one another."

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: Auburn Wire roundtable before A-Day