Auburn surprised some people in 2016 en route to a Sugar Bowl berth against Oklahoma.

The Tigers only went 8-5 (5-3 in the SEC), but they are returning several starters who should help them compete for an SEC title in 2017. And they think they’ve solved their ongoing quarterback issues with the arrival of transfer Jarrett Stidham.

In addition, the Tigers have several true freshmen who could earn playing time early. Here are five who have a shot to make an impact in 2017.

1. Chandler Wooten

Position: LB

Height: 6-2

Weight: 225 pounds

Skinny: Wooten, a 3-star prospect, was by no means Auburn’s most highly rated recruit in the 2017 class. That hasn’t stopped him from making a positive impression on the coaching staff since arriving on the Plains in January.

“He made some plays the first two days that don’t look like a freshman getting ready for his prom,” defensive coordinator Kevin Steele told oanow.com when asked about Wooten’s progress this spring.

It’s looking like the 6-2 225-pound linebacker from Kennesaw, Ga., might have a chance to push for playing time at one of the outside linebacker positions. It’s not likely that he will start considering Auburn returns starters Tre’ and Darrell Williams.

Still, look for Wooten to have a chance to earn a role on special teams and see some snaps on defense at some point in 2017.

2. Markaviest Bryant

Position: DE

Height: 6-4

Weight: 226 pounds

Skinny: Unlike Wooten, Bryant was one of the stars of Auburn’s 2017 recruiting class. The 4-star defensive end from Cordele, Ga., chose the Tigers over Alabama, Georgia and LSU.

Bryant won’t enroll until the summer, but he is fully expected to make an impact at some point in 2017. The former Under Armour All-American has nice burst off the edge, and his athleticism should allow him to compete for snaps at the Buck linebacker position vacated by former standout Carl Lawson.

At only 226 pounds, Bryant needs to add weight and strength this summer if he wants to be more than a pass-rush specialist early in his career. If he can manage to get to 235-240 pounds, he would give himself a better chance to make a more complete impact in 2017.

3. Calvin Ashley

Position: OT

Height: 6-6

Weight: 310 pounds

Skinny: Ashley won’t enroll at Auburn until the summer as well. Similarly to Bryant, Ashley has the talent to make an early impact despite his late enrollment.

Ashley was a 5-star prospect who was the No. 6 rated offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class. At 6-6, 310 pounds, he already has the ideal size for an SEC offensive tackle. With Austin Golson’s move from right tackle to center last season, Auburn struggled to replace him.

On top of that, starting left tackle Robert Leff graduated, so Ashley should have every chance to earn a starting spot early on. The only thing that could put a hitch in that development would be the potential addition of Cal grad transfer Aaron Cochran.

Cochran is a 6-8, 350-pound mammoth who appeared in 28 games with 16 starts for Cal. Ashley has more talent than the former 3-star, but Cochran’s experience could play a factor if there is a competition in fall camp.

4. Malik Willis

Position: QB

Height: 6-1

Weight: 185 pounds

Skinny: Jarrett Sitdham is the Auburn quarterback who has received all the hype, but Willis has shined in the early portion of spring practice.

Willis wasn’t a highly rated recruit coming out of Atlanta, Ga., but the former 3-star athlete has made strides since arriving in January.

“He’s a stud, there’s no doubt about it,” center Golson told Auburn Undercover when asked about Willis. “He’s going to be really good. He kind of reminds me a lot of Nick Marshall.”

That’s high praise for the true freshman considering the type of impact Marshall had on Auburn’s offense in 2013 and 2014. There is no guarantee that Willis will even see the field in 2017. If he continues to impress like he has in spring practice, however, it is possible.

5. Bill Taylor

Position: LS

Height: 6-4

Weight: 235 pounds

Skinny: This is strictly speculation, but Bill Taylor is an extremely talented long-snapper. The Tigers have Ike Powell returning for one more season, so it’ll be tough for Taylor to earn playing time.

Still, Taylor was the N0. 2 overall long-snapper in the country according to 247Sports. He was suppose to blue shirt for the 2017 season, but coach Gus Malzahn decided to bring him on board after seeing him snap live.

That speaks volumes for Taylor’s chances of earning playing time in 2017. Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear his name at any point in his Auburn career.

That would just mean that he was doing his job effectively.