The Auburn football team should be looking forward to getting 2020 underway. The last time the Tigers were on the field in live game action, they lost 31-24 to Minnesota in the Outback Bowl. It’s a new season with a series of new faces, however.

Gus Malzahn and the rest of the coaching staff will look to replace most of the starters along the offensive line, defensive line and secondary. So while critical players such as Bo Nix, Seth Williams and Christian Tutt return, the opportunity awaits for several breakout performers.

Who might some of those potential breakout players be? Well, you can find 5 candidates below. These players are either emerging full-time starters or a full-time starter expected to take the next step this season.

1. Jamien Sherwood, Safety

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This spot could have gone to fellow starting safety Smoke Monday. Jamien Sherwood was ultimately the choice, however, after being a rock-solid rotational player behind Jeremiah Dinson over the past 2 years.

In 2019, Sherwood produced 43 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 5 pass breakups and 1 quarterback hurry. Now in a full-time role, those numbers should look even more impressive this season.

Auburn could finish with one of the SEC’s top safety duos if Sherwood and Monday live up to potential.

2. Brodarious Hamm, OL

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The offensive line has been less-than-stellar over the past couple of seasons, but with the departure of 4 starters, there is a chance to hit the reset button.

Austin Troxell and Keiondre Jones will be a significant part of that reset. More important, Brodarious Hamm is one who has the confidence of the coaching staff. At 6-5, 312 pounds, he has the size and strength needed to play on the interior if needed, but more likely, he’ll get a shot at right tackle replacing Jack Driscoll.

As strange as it might sound, the protection up front for Bo Nix could be better in 2020 despite the enormous turnover. If that happens, expect a Hamm breakout to be a significant driving force.

3. Owen Pappoe, LB

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As a true freshman, 5-star linebacker Owen Pappoe showed signs of being a future star. What he lacks in size (6-1, 219), he makes up for with top-notch athleticism, playmaking ability and a good feel for the position.

K.J. Britt will continue to be the field general of the defense with a future in the NFL. Still, Pappoe’s potential to be an effective player against the run, in coverage and as an off-ball blitzer could eventually make him a more prized prospect when draft-eligible.

Pappoe finished his first year on The Plains with 49 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 4 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

With the losses along the defensive line and in the secondary, the linebackers will be the most experienced position group on defense. Pappoe and Britt with team up with Zakoby McClain and Chandler Wooten to give the Tigers a formidable group.

4. D.J. Williams and Tank Bigsby, RB

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It was difficult to narrow this spot to 1 running back. With new offensive coordinator Chad Morris, Auburn is expected to deploy a committee approach in its backfield, and that committee will include D.J. Williams and true freshman Tank Bigsby.

Williams gave a glimpse at what he could be with the lead role against the eventual national champions, LSU: 15 touches (13 carries, 2 receptions) for 151 yards.

That promise has to excite fans, but Bigsby is the type of talent that will almost certainly command a role out of the gate. Coming out of Hogansville, Ga., he was rated as the No. 39 overall prospect, No. 4 running back and No. 6 player from the state, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

With a powerful lower body, above-average vision and enough home run speed, Bigsby has the overall makeup of a SEC running back. He will work well in tandem with Williams and others like change-of-pace option Shaun Shivers.

5. Derick Hall, Buck LB

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Derick Hall is going to be a vital part to Auburn’s success in 2020. The emerging Buck linebacker is heading into his second season, but he has enough promise that the coaching staff will feel comfortable moving Big Kat Bryant to the defensive end position vacated by Marlon Davidson.

Hall is not overly big (6-3, 230), but his potential as an exterior pass-rushing threat is gigantic. His presence as a full-time starter — he saw a couple of starts last season, including against Alabama — is important to monitor considering most of the Tigers pass rush came from the interior last season.

With Davidson, Derrick Brown and even Nick Coe out, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele will be looking for a new set of impactful players along Auburn’s defensive front. Hall can — and will — be one of the pieces to the puzzle.