Auburn set to host experienced Pac-12 transfer for visit
On Wednesday, Jeffrey Lee of Auburn Live reported that the Tigers will be hosting UCLA defensive lineman transfer Odua Isibor. His visit is set to begin on Thursday on the Plains.
If there is one word to describe Isibor, it is experienced. The native of Phoenix, Arizona spent a total of five years in Westwood. His career with the Bruins began in 2017. This was ultimately the lone year where he didn’t play exclusively.
As a freshman, he would redshirt. After the 2017 season ended, he would go on to play in 42 of the next 43 games that the Bruins played. Over the course of his final four seasons, he accumulated 56 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Although his stats may not seem too glaring, he still had 14 starts as a Bruin. Ten of those starts came at outside linebacker, while the other four came on the defensive line. It goes to show that Isibor is very versatile. The coaching staff could use him in different roles whether it be off the edge or along with the interior.
He was projected to be a starter on the defensive front for Chip Kelly in his final year of eligibility. In a turn of events, he will now utilize his sixth and final year of eligibility elsewhere. His mentality on the field and in the locker room should not be taken lightly. I look for the Tigers to make him a priority regardless of what his role may be for Bryan Harsin’s team.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers will return several key pieces along their defensive front. Several of those being Derrick Hall, Colby Wooden, Marcus Harris, and Zykeivous Walker. However, they also brought in Oregon transfer Jayson Jones. It is unclear as to what the Tigers’ plans may be for Isibor if he were to commit.
However, it is crucial to have depth along the defensive line, especially in one of the tougher conferences in all of college football — SEC. A veteran and experienced transfer like Isibor is something the coaching staff and Auburn faithful would appreciate. This will be something to keep an eye on closely as he makes the trip to the Plains for his visit.
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