Auburn Pro Day: Former Tigers shine

Impressing pro scouts in hopes of landing NFL roster spots, former Auburn football players shared their observations of their former teammates who will compete for the Tigers this fall.

by Jeff Shearer
Auburn Pro Day: Former Tigers shineAuburn Pro Day: Former Tigers shine
Austin Perryman

Eugene Asante at Auburn's Pro Day

AUBURN, Ala.  Eugene Asante may be leaving Auburn for the NFL, but Auburn isn’t leaving him.

During Auburn’s Pro Day Monday at the Woltosz Center, Asante sought to set an example for his former teammates during drills and tests.

“When we were in the weight room doing the vertical, I saw all the guys inside Coach Dom’s (head football strength & conditioning coach Dom Studzinski) office,” Asante said. “To me, I’m thinking I’ve got to make these guys proud. They’re looking to us to set the foundation. I’ve got to make them proud in how I perform today.

“We leave behind guys who truly care about football, who love the game and want to do well for Auburn to represent this university in the right way, and the university deserves that.

“I’m extremely grateful for what this university has done for me, the opportunity, the platform, the everlasting friendships, not just with my teammates but with the Auburn family.”

One of 18 former Tigers participating in Pro Day, Asante sought to further increase his draft stock after the Senior Bowl and NFL combine, when his 4.48 40-yard dash made him the second fastest linebacker.

“I think I opened up some eyes,’ Asante said. “But I’ve always got a chip on my shoulder. I feel like a sleeper in every room I walk into.”

Jarquez HunterJarquez Hunter

Intent on displaying his pass catching skills, all-SEC running back Jarquez Hunter, who ranks fourth in program history with 3,371 rushing yards, reflected on his Auburn legacy and how his consistent productivity prepared him for the pros.

“Getting a chance to play early,” Hunter said. “Showing people what I can do on the field. I’m behind a lot of great running backs who played here and played in the NFL. I feel like that’s a great accomplishment. I can come in and do that as well.”

Like Hunter, Jalen McLeod knows his on-field performance at Auburn will comprise most of his resume, but the personal touch matters as well.

“I let the film talk for itself,” said McLeod, who led Auburn with eight sacks last season and totaled 31 tackles for loss in his two seasons on the Plains. “They want to see how smart my football IQ is, and I’ve been showing it, and then my personality. They already got to see me on tape, they just want to see how I am as a person.”

“A guy who’s unselfish, a great teammate,” defensive tackle Philip Blidi said. “I’m willing to go above and beyond. I’m going to a team to win. That’s something I bring to the table, an edge, a lot of grit.”

While their sights are set on playing on Sundays, the former Tigers plan to stay connected to their alma mater.

“They’ve got a lot of talent in that room,” Hunter said of Auburn’s running backs. “I know they’re going to compete. I know they’re going to work hard. I feel like they’re going to do really well this season, just being competitors and be the best they can be.”

“You’re in good hands with Coach Durkin,” McLeod said of Auburn’s defense. “They’re older, they’ve got experience. It’s going to be a dominant defense.”

“A lot of young guys who are still hungry,” said Jerrin Thompson of the Tigers’ secondary. “I love playing with these guys, I wish I had another year to play with them. They’re going to keep developing, getting better and putting AU right where we need to be.”

“We’ve got the guys who came in. We’ve got the young guys stepping up,” said KeAndre Lambert-Smith of Auburn’s receivers. “They look different. They look more confident. I’m telling them, ‘Y’all are about to be the best in the country.’ They’ve got some depth, then they’ve got the great coaches. I feel like they’re in good hands and they’re definitely going to run college football.”

With the 2025 NFL Draft now less than a month away in Green Bay, Wisconsin April 24-26, all the aspiring pros from Auburn ask for is a shot.

“All I’m looking for is an opportunity to showcase my ability,” Lambert-Smith said. “When I get the call I’m going to do the rest.”

Catching on: Former Auburn receiver KeAndre Lambert-SmithCatching on: Former Auburn receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith

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