Auburn's Jalen McLeod Lauds Freshman Amaris Williams, Sets 2024 Ambitions

When discussing freshman defensive end Amaris Williams, Auburn's Jalen McLeod didn't mince words.

"He’s that guy, I’m going to say it right now, he’s that guy," McLeod declared following Friday's practice.

Williams, a standout in Auburn’s highly regarded 2024 recruiting class, was rated as a five-star prospect by 247Sports and stood out as the top-ranked defensive player in the group.

During his senior year at Clinton High School in North Carolina, Williams recorded 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss, per MaxPreps. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 269 pounds, McLeod emphasized Williams' strength and power.

“He’s strong; a big meatball of power. He’s just strong. Like, he’s different,” McLeod remarked.

During Friday’s practice, Williams worked on defensive end drills with Keldric Faulk and Zykeivous Walker, taking reps in a traditional defensive end role.

Reflecting on Faulk's similar position as a freshman last year, McLeod highlighted both players' potential to become stars, despite their differences.

“I think they’re two different players, but they both can go on to (be) stars,” McLeod noted. “Amaris has just got to take that step and be in the film. And once he does that, man, he’s going to take off.”

Head coach Hugh Freeze mentioned at SEC Media Days the plan to use a rotation on the edge, giving Williams and others ample playing time.

Williams was one of five edge rushers Auburn signed, alongside fellow freshmen TJ Lindsey, Joe Phillips, Jamonta Waller, and Arkansas State transfer Keyron Crawford.

"He’s probably a better pass-rusher than me in my opinion,” McLeod said of Crawford. “He’s got a bag that’s different. He’s got a good get-off. He’s the prototype. Got the size and his size shows on the field, too.”

This praise is notable coming from McLeod, who ranked second on the team in sacks and tackles for loss last season.

Crawford, who had five and a half sacks at Arkansas State last season, plays the BUCK position for Auburn. Freeze has indicated he will also be part of the edge rotation.

McLeod, a key leader in the group, aims to remain healthy after dealing with injuries last fall. Maintaining his weight and health is crucial for him and the team's defense.

"My main focus is [to] make sure I’m in the right gap, my technique is sound, I bend strong at the point of attack. It’s just making sure I’m almost perfect every snap,” McLeod said. “I’m not going to always make the play; I can set people up so they can make the play too. That’s how we’ll be a better defense.”