Auburn’s safety room hasn’t generated much noise this offseason, but that doesn’t mean it’s been quiet in camp.
The Tigers returned most of their key pieces, added experienced safeties coach Tim Banks, and entered preseason practice with a group that looks more stable than spectacular. That’s not a bad place to be. Auburn’s safeties were uneven a year ago, yet the room has enough returning production and enough flexibility to keep things interesting.
Banks, who spent the last five seasons as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator, met with reporters after Tuesday’s practice and pointed to two names right away.
“I don’t know about separating, but Eric Winters has done a tremendous job,” Banks said. “We’re playing him all over the field and he’s been awesome.
Champ Anthony has been really good. Every one of those guys has their spots that you would expect.”
Winters has been one of the early bright spots. The sophomore got a taste of action as a true freshman last season and showed why he came in as a former four-star recruit from Enterprise High School in Alabama. At 6-feet and 215 pounds, he brings the kind of size Auburn can lean on, and Banks made it clear the physicality is showing up on the field.
“He’s going to be one of the bigger safeties in the country, and he’s playing that way,” Banks said of Winters. “He’s playing with some violence.
The slot blocking him should be a mismatch for us, and you’re starting to see that. I’m excited for him.”
Anthony was the other player Banks singled out, and that fits with what Auburn has been dealing with for the past two seasons. Injuries have interrupted Anthony’s run, but when healthy, he gives the Tigers a veteran presence and a rare level of versatility. He’s played nickel and corner in addition to safety, and that kind of range matters in a secondary that wants options.
“He could easily slide out at corner and bring us some versatility there, as well,” Banks said. “He’s been banged up a ton. To finally see him healthy and hitting on all cylinders, it’s been awesome to see.”
That versatility is part of the bigger picture in Auburn’s defensive backfield. Banks said the staff has intentionally rotated players across multiple spots during camp, giving the group more ways to match up once the season starts.
That includes AnQuon Fegans and Sylvester Smith-Reed, two more contributors who can move around but have been limited early in camp. Kaleb Harris is back after starting each of the past two seasons and said he has also been cross training at multiple positions.
Auburn may not have an All-SEC safety who has clearly taken over the room yet, but the depth and flexibility are starting to stand out. For Banks, that’s the foundation he wants as camp rolls on.
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