Ten to Remember: No. 8

Spring ball is little more than a month away. With so many players returning from last year’s team, the faces and names will largely remain the same. Here is a look at the 10 under-the-radar players fans should know/remember going into spring practice.

No. 10
LB Jessel Curry

No. 9
RB Dontae Aycock

No. 8
DE Craig Sanders

Auburn proved early on that it had a chance to put together a strong recruiting class. The lingering question centered on the program’s ability to compete against Alabama for in-state prospects.

Craig Sanders helped the Tigers provide an answer when he switched his commitment from the Crimson Tide to Auburn on Sept. 30.

Sanders should be more than just a recruiting pawn. He has a chance to make an immediate impact since he enrolled early and is already on campus. Sanders, along with LB Jessel Curry, are the only two early enrollee high-school prospects.

With Sanders coming from Class A Ariton, there were some doubt about his ability. He responded by posting a solid week during the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game practices.

Here’s what Rivals.com’s Barry Every said:

“Sanders was one of the prettiest prospects on the Alabama squad. He may only be from a Class A school, but he possesses excellent overall athletic ability and a frame that may allow him to grow into a defensive end that could play weak side or strong side. He finished the game with three total tackles, a TFL, and a pass breakup. With him graduating early, do not be surprised if he ends up having an impact for Auburn as a true freshman.”

Auburn will enter the spring in search of a new starter at defensive end. Antonio Coleman graduated and Antoine Carter is expected to move to weak-side end. Sanders will have steep competition, but could work his way into the playing rotation as one of the top four ends.