During the 2018 regular season, 50 players saw their first action in an Auburn uniform. Of those, 21 were true freshmen and another 15 were redshirt freshmen. That’s a lot of new faces, many of whom figured significantly in the Tigers’ season, proving that there’s always room and a need for great talent and potential.

True freshmen accounted for 206 of Auburn’s 339 points scored this season (60.8 percent). They tallied 21 of the Tigers’ 40 touchdowns (52.5 percent). Leading that charge was kicker Anders Carlson, who accumulated 80 points this season. Wide receivers Anthony Schwartz and Seth Williams accounted for 36 and 30 points respectively, and RB JaTarvious Whitlow added another 30 points.

Williams, a true freshman, led the SEC and ranked ninth nationally in yards per reception (19.96).

That large class of first-time players should help pave their way into the 2019 season, but at the same time, that doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for newcomers. Still, here are five recruits who can help Auburn immediately in 2019. Quarterback is the most glaring need given Jarrett Stidham’s recent announcement that he’s turning pro, but we’ll spread it out a little bit here as we near Early Signing Period (Dec. 19-21).

1. QB Bo Nix

Rank: 4-stars

Why he’ll play immediately: Let’s get right to the Tigers’ biggest need. Unless Auburn lands a big-name graduate transfer, the next Tigers’ quarterback will come from an increasingly larger number of young prospects who are already on the roster or soon will be. Nix is at the top of the list in the latter category. At 6-1 1/2 and 207 pounds, Nix is the No. 1-ranked dual-threat QB in the country.

Recently named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Alabama, Nix led his Pinson Valley High School team to a second consecutive state championship game appearance. He will be one of a handful of quarterback prospects with a real chance of playing meaningful minutes if the Tigers can’t lure the aforementioned big-name player to The Plains.

2. OLB Owen Pappoe

Rank: 5-stars

Why he’ll play immediately: The top-ranked outside linebacker in the 2019 class, by 247Sports.com, Pappoe is a 6-0, 210 wrecking ball with 4.47 speed. It would be no big surprise to find him roaming the box for Auburn in 2019. Starting LBs Deshaun Davis, Montavious Atkinson and Darrell Williams are all seniors and their backups are either freshmen or sophomores. Look for Pappoe to commit to working toward making an immediate impact over next spring and fall. He played both inside and outside in high school and totaled 112 tackles (79 solo) in his senior season.

3. WR Jashawn Sheffield

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Rank: 4-stars

Why he’ll play immediately: Auburn senior WR Ryan Davis not only leaves a hole to fill at his regular position, but also a void that needs replacing as a punt returner. The versatile Sheffield could be the one to take over those duties. The 6-1, 178-pounder helped Frederica Academy to the Georgia Independent School Association Class 3A state title, totaling 167 yards and 2 touchdowns rushing and receiving on just 8 touches.

4. TE Tyler Fromm

 Rank: 3-stars

Why he’ll play immediately: Brother of Georgia starting QB Jake Fromm, Tyler is a big target (6-5, 225) who can not only block but also catch the football. He could give Auburn junior TE Sal Cannella some competition at the position. Slowed by a shoulder injury this season, Fromm have proven his worth. Over the previous two seasons the Warner Robbins, Ga., product caught 78 passes for 1,072 yards and 10 touchdowns.

5. DE Jaren Handy

Rank: 4-stars

Why he’ll play immediately: Already at 6-5 and 278, Handy could become a valuable commodity on the Tigers’ defensive front, especially if he moves inside where DT spots are up for grabs. With senior Dontavius Russell departing and junior Derrick Brown looking like a possible first-rounder, Auburn will be thin at the position in 2019.