Who took the most snaps for Auburn in 2023?
The Auburn Tigers have wrapped up another regular season. While we wait on the kickoff of Auburn’s bowl game, let’s look back at some of Auburn’s key players.
Auburn finished 6-6 in the first season under Hugh Freeze, and is preparing now to play in its first bowl game since the 2021 season. When looking back at participation stats from Pro Football Focus, we learned that 83 players took at least one snap this season. Offensively, the Tigers were on the field for 786 plays while Auburn’s defense was on the field for 790 plays.
Who were the most consistent players for the Tigers this season? Here is a look at Auburn’s top players based on snap counts according to Pro Football Focus.
Kam Stutts
Total snaps: 526
A noticeable trend with this list is that it is filled with linemen. Kam Stutts kicks off the list by seeing the field for a total of 526 plays during the regular season. Stutts appeared in all 12 games for the Tigers, splitting his time between right guard, right tackle, and left guard. He spent most of his time at right guard, where he played in 500 of his 526 total snaps.
Marcus Harris
Total snaps: 534
We head to the other side of the line for our No. 9 player, Marcus Harris. Harris spent more time on the defensive line than anyone else this season, taking 43 more snaps than the next guy in line, Jalen McLeod. Harris made the most of his snaps, as he ended the regular season by leading the team in sacks (7.0) and tackles for loss (11.0).
Rivaldo Fairweather
Total snaps: 534
Auburn’s leading receiver in production is also Auburn’s top receiver when it comes to snap counts. Tight End Rivaldo Fairweather caught 33-of-45 passes thrown his way for 349 yards and six scores. He recorded an additional 123 yards after catch and dropped six passes this season.
Izavion Miller
Total snaps: 537
We jump back into the pool of offensive linemen by discussing one of Auburn’s most consistent linemen, Izavion Miller. Miller, otherwise known as “Too Tall”, played all but one of his 537 snaps at right tackle this season, with one snap being played at tight end. Jaden Muskrat also saw plenty of time at the position by registering 164 snaps.
Zion Puckett
Total snaps: 587
Zion Puckett, just like two others on this list, barely came off the field for Auburn in 2023. In coverage, Puckett allowed 20 passes to be caught out of the 29 thrown his way, and he allowed four touchdowns while picking off two passes.
Payton Thorne
Total snaps: 623
Despite playing in a quarterback rotation for most of the season, Payton Thorne found a way to make it onto the field for 79% of Auburn’s offensive plays. Thorne passed for 1,671 yards and 15 touchdowns during the 2023 regular season. He was also pressured 80 times and sacked 29 times this season.
Jaylin Simpson
Total snaps: 651
Jaylin Simpson has been vital to pass coverage this season, which explains why he has been on the field so much. Receivers have caught 61.5% of passes while being covered by Simpson for just 155 yards and a touchdown. He has also picked off four passes and broken up four more.
DJ James
Total snaps: 692
Four cornerbacks have taken at least 290 snaps this season, with D.J. James leading the way with 692 snaps. He has made 38 tackles, missing just eight. He has also allowed just 32 balls to be caught in 51 opportunities.
Gunner Britton
Total snaps: 724
One of Auburn’s top needs last season was on the offensive line. Hugh Freeze found a solid contributor in Gunner Britton. Britton was a solid piece to Western Kentucky’s front before making his way to the Plains and has been productive at three positions this season: left guard, left tackle, and right tackle.
Dillon Wade
Total snaps: 739
It is easy to see why Philip Montgomery pursued Dillon Wade out of the transfer portal last season. He was productive as a member of Montgomery’s offensive line at Tulsa and has been just as reliable at Auburn. He was on the field for 94% of Auburn’s offensive plays this season, spending 736 snaps at left tackle. He also played three snaps at right guard.
