NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Auburn's 2024 defense received a boost this month when two of its leaders announced their intentions to remain on the Plains next season.
Meet 'Asante and Keionte,' the defense firm that seeks to represent Auburn's prospects of making the expanded 12-team playoff a year from now.
Auburn's leading tackler with 84 stops, linebacker Eugene Asante and defensive back and punt returner Keionte Scott will provide productivity and leadership for the 2024 Auburn Tigers.
"I want to build something special here," said Asante, referencing previous Auburn SEC championship teams from 2004 and 2010. "I really do believe we could do something like that. I'm working toward that personally and I'm going to demand that out of the team."
Asante ranks No. 7 in the SEC averaging seven tackles per game. He's one of four players in the conference with at least 80 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks.
"This offseason we're going to put our best foot forward and be the best we can be for Auburn. This place deserves that. The fans deserve it," said Asante, who's led the Tigers in tackles in five games this season. "I want to win and I think we can do that and be a historic team. I'm grateful to be back to build this thing for next year."
Eugene Asante (left) and Keionte Scott both scored touchdowns this season
'Asante and Keionte' don't just prevent the other team from scoring, they also produce points themselves. Scott returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown vs. Arkansas while Asante returned a fumble 67 yards for a touchdown against Texas A&M.
"I'm really glad that people like Keionte and Eugene are coming back to help lead us," Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said. "They'll be great for our young kids as two great leaders and captain-material guys who can help set the culture for our defense next year. I'm thrilled that they're back."
After considering entering the NFL Draft, Scott chose to return for his third season at Auburn for athletic, academic and professional reasons.
"The chance to excel," said Scott, who's made 41 tackles and two tackles for loss this season while returning 12 punts. "I feel like I have some more in my tank to get better. I had some more to show."
Switching from nickel to cornerback allows Scott to showcase his coverage skills, while completing his Auburn University degree will make him a first-generation college graduate.
"Being able to get back on that island," Scott said. "That was my first home. I'm very excited to get back outside and get back on Key Island. I'm looking forward to being able to show my versatility this year. I'm excited to get some sideline help and get my eyes on the ball.
"Being able to walk across the stage and get my degree is good for me and my family. I'm trying to be the first one in my family to do so.
"I believe in what Coach Hugh Freeze is building. I'm 100 percent bought into it. I want to be able to say I was a part of turning the program over."
With cornerbacks Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James opting out of the bowl game to prepare for the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft, Scott will mentor a less-experienced secondary Saturday at Nissan Stadium.
"We've seen some younger guys really step up. Everybody understands what has to happen now," Scott said. "You're seeing some guys elevate."
Auburn's opponent in Saturday's TransPerfect Music City Bowl, the Maryland Terrapins, will also feature players looking to optimize their opportunity after teammates opted out of the game, including Taulia Tagovailoa, the Big Ten's career passing leader.
"We're looking at it as a chance to showcase our DB room," Scott said. "We're excited to see if we can gel together during these practices and be able to play to the standard of the room."
Leaders in 2023, 'Asante and Keionte' hope to earn a bowl victory to give Auburn a winning record in Freeze's first season, further building on the momentum established with last week's top 10 recruiting class.
"It starts with this bowl game," Scott said. "Some of the leaders are talking about different ways we can get it set earlier. We want to gel in the spring; that way we're going into the season together as one, understanding what the standard is and everything that needs to be done to generate the outcomes we want."
"It's going to be a great challenge and we're excited," said Asante, who participated in the 2021 Orange Bowl at North Carolina before transferring to Auburn. "It's momentum leading into next year. Those types of things help you develop confidence into the next season.
"Even for the young guys who haven't gotten reps all season, playing in a bowl game can really propel them into next year. So lay it on the line for your brothers and play the best game you can play."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer
