'They love Auburn': Senior tight ends lead Tigers

AUBURN, Ala. – In any other position group, fifth-year seniors Rivaldo Fairweather and Brandon Frazier would be the elder statesmen.

When the Auburn tight ends meet, Fairweather and Frazier rank second in seniority behind Luke Deal, who arrived on the Plains in 2019 and is in his sixth season with the Tigers.

“They mean the world to not only me and my family, but I know they love Auburn a lot,” tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua said of the time-tested Tiger trio. “The standard they’ve set in that room from the get-go, they’ve set everything for the guys in the future.

“I was very blessed to come into a room that had Brandon and Luke, then bringing in ‘Valdo and molding that group has been really good.”

Fairweather and Aigamaua arrived at Auburn before the 2023 season, with Rivaldo transferring from Florida International, and his position coach accompanying head coach Hugh Freeze from Liberty.

Fairweather set records in his first season on the Plains, leading Auburn with 38 catches for 394 yards and six touchdowns, breaking John Samuel Shenker’s mark of 33 tight end receptions in 2021.

After Fairweather’s first touchdown catch this season, a 26-yarder Saturday against New Mexico, he celebrated with an end zone leap, thrusting his arms by his sides as he landed, copying the post-goal routine of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. 

“That was for my older brother, his name is Ronaldo,” Fairweather said of the gesture. “He was in the military in Germany and last year, he wasn’t able to come to any games. This is his first year coming to games, so I told him I was going to hit that for him.”

Fairweather made three receptions for 37 yards and a TD on Homecoming, helping the Tigers improve to 2-1 with a 45-19 victory over the Lobos. 

“It was important,” Fairweather said. “We needed this big win to show that we’re in the SEC for a reason.” 

Frazier, after recording his first reception of the season against California, injured his foot against New Mexico and had surgery Tuesday.  

“That was really tough,” Fairweather said. “He’s a great tight end for our team. He’s going to be missed.”

“He will be out for an extended period of time, which hurts us,” Freeze said. “He was really playing at a high level for us, so that’s disappointing. I hate that for him, and I hope he can make it back for some key games down the stretch.”

After several seasons contributing primarily as a blocker and on special teams, Frazier made a greater impact in the passing game last season, making his first two touchdowns catches.

Even though he will be watching from the sidelines, Saturday’s Arkansas game carries extra meaning for Frazier, a native of McKinney, Texas, who originally committed to the Razorbacks before signing with Auburn and enrolling in 2020.

“Auburn’s been good to me,” Frazier said. “If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have come back for a fifth year. I’ve loved it ever since I’ve been here. I’ve loved the guys I’ve been here with throughout the years. I’m grateful for this place.”

When Frazier, a December 2023 graduate of Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, married former Auburn volleyball student-athlete Jackie Barrett in May, Deal was one of Brandon’s groomsmen.  

“The business school is top-notch. Everything Auburn provides, it’s a blessing,” Frazier said. “It’s a family atmosphere. Everyone’s truly invested in Auburn and all the sports.” 

While he recovers from surgery, Frazier will encourage his fellow tight ends, from veterans Deal and Fairweather to underclassmen Micah Riley and Rico Walker.

“’Valdo is a real threat to the defense, he can stretch the field, run routes and catch the ball,” Frazier said. “He’s made some plays I’ve never seen before. He can also get in there in the run game.

“Luke’s a leader, a two-time captain. He never misses a day, always consistent, speaking up when people need to get set straight. Two really good buddies of mine. I’m grateful for those guys.

“Off the field, they’re the same. Great people of character and great people to be around every day.”

Deal missed a few days during preseason camp, but his absence was not only excused, it was encouraged. On Aug. 14, Luke and his wife, Ansley, celebrated the birth of their son, Christopher James, named after Luke’s father, who passed away from ALS in 2022.

“They were very understanding,” Deal said. “My teammates have been helpful and supportive.”

The Deals hope to raise CJ in Auburn.

“We love Auburn,” Deal said. “That’s why I’ve been here for so long. We love this place, with so much extended family around you with the fanbase and Auburn people, there’s nothing like it. We’re very excited to bring our boy up in this environment.”

After not making any receptions last season, Deal caught his first pass of 2024 against New Mexico.
 
Tight ends accounted for half of Auburn’s four touchdown catches on Homecoming, courtesy of Fairweather and Riley. While the TD catches make the highlight reel, it’s the tight ends’ blocking that helps Auburn’s offense achieve the balance Freeze seeks.

“All week, we challenged the guys to take pride in doing the dirty work, and then when your number gets called, make the plays,” Aigamaua said after Auburn’s Homecoming win. “The guys answered the bell tonight. Proud of the way they showed up. They had a great week of practice.”

Three non-conference opponents have visited Jordan-Hare Stadium to this point. Southeastern Conference play kicks off Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT when Arkansas comes to town.

“Now it’s time for the big games,” Fairweather said. “Time to buckle up and great ready.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer