2 Auburn defensive linemen announce plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal
Auburn’s defensive line took a significant hit Sunday as two starters announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
Big Kat Bryant, who SEC coaches named second-team postseason All-SEC, was first to announce he would be entering the portal. He shared a note on Twitter thanking former head coach Gus Malzahn, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and position coach Rodney Garner for their support during his time on The Plains. Bryant wrote, “I have decided it is in my best interest to enter the transfer portal in order to weigh my options for this upcoming season…”
Most players who publicly enter the portal end up leaving the program, though they have the option to withdraw and rejoin the team. Bryant, who was limited by injury at times during the season, recorded 17 tackles, 3 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries.
Fellow senior defensive lineman Daquan Newkirk made it clear that he’ll be leaving Auburn, concluding his note with “one last time, War Eagle!!” This season, Newkirk had 28 tackles, including 3 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 3 quarterback hurries.
Forever in my heart, war eagle🦅 pic.twitter.com/9PBJ7QyjNI
— Daquan Newkirk (@holdthat_2) January 10, 2021
WDE……🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/4BRI5Pcolz
— BigKat Bryant (@BigKat) January 10, 2021
Losing Bryant is a tough one.
If not for Covid he would be out of eligibility anyway. Now with more DT’s in this class that will free up Wooden and Walker to play their true positions instead of having to play inside so much.
I know, but he was so much a Tiger. I would rather see him go pro. He is a good player and a good Tiger. That is why I did not say he was going to be a huge loss, just a tough one.
It hurts to see him leave, after all he’s been through with Auburn.
I don’t think anyone was expecting him to come back anyways.. he just drafted. Most probably thought he was going to the NFL
UGA IS WHERE HE NEEDS TO BE!!!!! Both of them need to come be NFL DRAFT CHOICES NEXT SEASON WITH THE #1 DEFENSE IN THE COUNTRY!!!!
THEY BOTH FIT AT UGA UGA UGA UGA UGA UGA!!!! No need to join the Alabama enemy. Just join the team that is putting them in the league left and right. That’s going to CRUSH FLORIDA & ALABAMA!!!!
Big Cat you should have been a dawg and we still need you both!!!! Don’t leave the SEC. HELP START A NEW DYNASTY!!!!!!!
UGA IS WHERE YOU BELONG!!!!! Owen Papo however you spell it. Same thing. Come on home to UGA!!!! COMMIT TO THE G AND BE GREAT!!!!!!!!!
PS. Arik Gilbert to. We miss you at LSU, so come home and be great!!!! Guarantee you JT Daniels will throw you that ball!!!!
King Negan
Wow. This was sad to read. Get a life.
Agreed…
Butthurt! That should tell you about the starte of the program before Malzahn left! Buddy buddy with no discipline, and it showed on the field!!!!
Looking real good on the plains.
I agree with your name. Therefore, I think this is a good thing for Auburn. Get rid of those who don’t want to be there.
Really don’t consider these 2 a loss. Bryant never played to his potential anyway and like some of y’all said we would have lost them anyway this year if not for Covid. I wish them the best but Auburn don’t need anyone that ain’t all in anyway.
Big Kat transferring makes no sense to me. Why transfer and start over after being a starter or at least getting significant playing time for 3 years? With that being said, I won’t be losing any sleep over it. Dude didn’t do anything all year. Sure he was injured, but 17 tackles? Come on. Now he wants to jump ship after a coaching change. He won’t be missed.