During the offseason, the Auburn football program lost several players via the transfer portal. Many of the additions were expected, such as quarterback Robby Ashford, but a handful were key players who left unexpectedly.
Now, two former Auburn football players will reunite for the 2024 season at a same transfer destination. Linebacker Cam Riley and safety Donovan Kaufman have both transferred to North Carolina State. Kaufman was the first to commit to NC State in early January, but Riley, a graduate transfer, did so at the end of February.
Over three seasons on the Plains, Kaufman had 109 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and six forced fumbles. Riley played four seasons with the Tigers, finishing with 120 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two deflected passes.
Jayson Jones has high respect for new defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams.
The Auburn football program underwent several personnel changes during the summer, including the departure of defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Vontrell King-Williams, who served as a defensive analyst with the Tigers the previous season and under Hugh Freeze at Liberty, was promoted to the on-field position.
King-Williams will coach the Tigers’ defensive tackles, while Josh Aldridge, the former linebackers coach, will now coach the defensive edge. According to experienced defensive lineman Jayson Jones, one of Auburn’s top DL contributors last season, it was a move that all of the players desired.
“Everyone knows him,” Jones told Auburn Undercover. “I know and adore him. You can ask anyone, even those outside of the job, and they will tell you that Vontrell and the energy he brings are loved. Everyone wanted him, and I wanted him. I said it. We have him now, and I am eager to be mentored by him.”
Jones went on to remark that having King-Williams to encourage and challenge their squad every day motivates the position group to play even harder. The Tigers are now in the midst of spring workouts, which will conclude with A-Day on April 6.
