Former Vanderbilt defensive back Donovan Kaufman staying in the SEC, announces transfer to Auburn
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A month after entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Vanderbilt defensive back Donovan Kaufman has made his decision regarding where he will continue his college football career.
Kaufman will be following his former head coach to Auburn, as the defensive back plans to reunite with Derek Mason on The Plains. Kaufman announced his decision on Wednesday.
Kaufman started as a true freshman last fall for the Commodores but managed to play in just two games before suffering a season-ending injury against LSU. During his limited time on the field, Kaufman registered 15 tackles and had one pass breakup.
In addition to starting in Vanderbilt’s secondary last fall, Kaufman also returned kicks for the Commodores. He signed with Vanderbilt as a member of the 2020 recruiting cycle out of Archbishop Rummel in New Orleans.
“It’s always got to be about the next man up,” Derek Mason said last season after Kaufman went down due to injury. “The next man up right now is Brendon Harris. Donovan is a different type of player, as most of you got to see in a small game sample. He’s different in what he brings to the table. He’s an impact player.”
Here is Kaufman’s bio from the official Vanderbilt team site:
As a Freshman (2020)
• Two games played
• 15 tackles, one pass breakup
• Five kickoff returns for 137 yards (27.4 yards/return)
• Five tackles during collegiate debut in season opener at No. 10 Texas A&M
• Team-high 10 tackles, 58-yard kickoff return vs. No. 20 LSUThe Kaufman File
• Four-star prospect by Rivals
• Ranked among top 200 players in nation by Rivals
• Top 500 national prospect by 247Sports
• Regarded among the top senior safeties in the nation
• Led prep squad to 13-0 record and Louisiana Division I state championship game as a senior
• 304 tackles, eight interceptions, 23 sacks and 11 forced fumbles as three-year starter
• 99 tackles (62 solo), six tackles for loss, four quarterback sacks, four interceptions, three fumble returns and blocked kick as a senior
• Class 5A Division I state title game MVP
• 11 tackles, game-sealing interception, 95-yard kick return for touchdown, rushing score, forced fumble and fumble recovery
• 2019 5A Defensive Player of the Year
• 2019 all-state first team
• 2019 New Orleans Metro Player of the Year
• 2019 all-region first team
• 2018 all-region first team
• 12.3 yards/rush and two touchdowns in limited role at running back
• 66 tackles, seven quarterback sacks, two interception returns for touchdown as a junior
• Varsity letters in football, baseball, basketball, soccer, track and wrestling
• Born and raised in New Orleans
• Son of Issac Kaufman and Donyell Green
• Four siblings: Ikea, Issac, Lela and Raneca
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
