Auburn is getting set to open the season, and one of the ways to do that is to decide on team captains.

The Tigers did that on Tuesday when they announced that John Samuel Shenker, Owen Pappoe and Derick Hall. Auburn is set to open the season on Sept. 3 at home against Mercer.

It’s the second straight season for Pappoe as team captain, as the former 5-star recruit has developed into a key player since he was a starter on the defense as a freshman. He’s trying to bounce back from an injury-shortened 2021 season. Pappoe sat out the spring following offseason surgery to be able to return this season.

Shenker and Hall represented Auburn at SEC Media Days last month, and have grown into leadership roles in the program.

Hall last season led Auburn in tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (9) as a second-team All-SEC honors last season. He was among the key defenders who chose to return for the 2022 season and bounce back from the 6-7 record and disappointment of last season.

Shenker last season set the program’s single-season records for receptions (43) and receiving yards (413) at the position.