Can Rising Star Keyron Crawford Emerge as Auburn’s Primary Pass Rushing Threat and Anchor the Tigers’ Defensive Front in 2024?
As Auburn football pushes deeper into summer workouts and the countdown to fall camp begins, the attention naturally shifts to positional battles and player development. For a defense looking to recapture its edge and identity under Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, one name keeps surfacing as a potential cornerstone for 2024: Keyron Crawford. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher may not have entered last season with much fanfare, but this summer, he’s become one of the Tigers’ most talked-about breakout candidates. The question now isn’t whether he’ll contribute—it’s whether he’ll become the de facto pass rusher Auburn desperately needs.
Last season, Auburn struggled mightily to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Tigers finished the year near the bottom of the SEC in sacks and quarterback hurries, and that deficiency directly impacted their ability to get off the field on third downs. While Auburn’s defense played sound fundamental football for the most part, the lack of a disruptive force off the edge proved costly in critical games.
Crawford, who saw limited snaps in 2023, flashed enough potential to intrigue the coaching staff. Now, after a spring filled with explosive reps, refined technique, and a reshaped frame, he enters the summer not only as a projected starter, but perhaps as the leading candidate to be Auburn’s top edge threat. For a Tigers program that has produced elite pass rushers in the past—like Carl Lawson, Derrick Brown, and Jeff Holland—the emergence of Crawford could be the difference between mediocrity and a top-tier SEC defense.
Physically, Crawford fits the mold. He’s long, explosive, and possesses the kind of first-step quickness that defensive line coaches drool over. But raw athleticism isn’t enough to excel in the SEC, where tackles are big, experienced, and technically sound. That’s why Auburn’s staff made Crawford’s development a priority during the spring and into the summer strength and conditioning program. Reports from within the program indicate that he’s added 12 pounds of lean muscle while maintaining his agility—a crucial step in his evolution as a full-time edge rusher.
More importantly, Crawford has started to develop a pass-rushing toolkit. While his 2023 film showed glimpses of a bull rush and occasional outside bend, he’s now working moves like the inside counter, swim, and spin into his arsenal. This versatility is what has Ron Roberts excited, as it gives Auburn more flexibility to design exotic pressures and disguise defensive intentions. Crawford’s presence off the edge also opens up possibilities for interior linemen and blitzing linebackers to capitalize on the chaos he creates.
Of course, being “the guy” comes with pressure. Auburn’s schedule is unforgiving, especially early in the year. Within the first month, the Tigers will face multiple offensive lines known for their cohesion and physicality. If Crawford is to truly ascend as the focal point of the pass rush, he’ll need to prove it not just in scrimmages, but against SEC-caliber opponents on Saturdays. The Tigers won’t have the luxury of easing into the season, and neither will Crawford.
Crawford’s role also takes on added significance given Auburn’s overall roster makeup. While the defensive interior features experience and depth, the edge group lacks proven production. The coaching staff brought in transfers and has some promising freshmen, but none appear ready to unseat Crawford as the lead dog. This puts even more weight on his shoulders—not only to perform, but to lead.
What makes Crawford’s potential rise even more interesting is his backstory. A lightly recruited three-star prospect out of Mississippi, he arrived at Auburn without much fanfare. Yet from the beginning, teammates and coaches noted his work ethic and drive. He’s been described as quiet but focused, someone who prefers to let his actions speak for him. That demeanor has made him popular in the locker room and increasingly respected as a potential leader on defense.
Leadership will be critical as Auburn attempts to find its defensive voice in 2024. Last year’s team had veterans like Marcus Harris and Eugene Asante setting the tone. With both players either gone or aging out of their roles, a new crop of vocal and example-setting leaders must emerge. Crawford may not be the loudest player in the room, but if he lets his play do the talking, the message will still be heard loud and clear.
Schematically, Auburn’s defense is also evolving to better fit its personnel. Ron Roberts’ system thrives on creating confusion and maximizing individual matchups. That approach requires at least one disruptive force who can beat a block consistently. In recent years, Auburn has had to rely too heavily on blitzing to generate pressure. If Crawford can win one-on-one battles, the defense won’t have to manufacture pressure—it will happen organically, allowing the Tigers to play tighter coverage on the back end.
Crawford’s development will also influence Auburn’s game-planning week to week. With a legitimate pass rusher on the edge, the Tigers can afford to be more aggressive with their coverage calls, take more risks on third downs, and potentially flip field position through negative plays. In an SEC where games are often decided by one or two defensive stops, having that game-wrecker on the edge could make all the difference.
The coaching staff isn’t shying away from raising expectations. Hugh Freeze has mentioned Crawford by name in media sessions, praising his dedication and hinting at a major role this fall. Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett has worked closely with him on technique refinement, emphasizing hand placement, leverage, and counter moves. The staff believes Crawford is close to putting it all together—not just as a contributor, but as a true force.
Still, the leap from “potential” to “production” is not guaranteed. Crawford will need to maintain consistency, handle the rigors of SEC play, and continue adding polish to his game. Injuries, matchups, and confidence can all influence whether a breakout year truly materializes. But if the summer is any indication, Crawford is checking all the boxes.
It also helps that he’s practicing against SEC-quality offensive linemen every day. Auburn’s offensive line, much improved from two seasons ago, provides Crawford with valuable reps against players who mirror the type of competition he’ll face this fall. Those battles, often away from cameras and headlines, are where Crawford is truly sharpening his skills. Teammates have taken notice, with multiple offensive players acknowledging him as a daily challenge in practice.
Looking ahead, Auburn’s defensive success in 2024 may hinge on the rise of players like Crawford. In an era when dynamic offenses rule college football, defenses need at least one player who can swing momentum with a single play. A strip sack, a pressure that forces an interception, or a tackle for loss on third down—those are the plays that change games. Auburn believes Crawford can be that kind of player.
The fans are starting to believe it too. Over the summer, Crawford’s name has appeared more frequently in fan discussions and preseason watch lists. If he performs well in the season opener and builds momentum from there, he could quickly become a household name not just in Auburn, but across the SEC.
For now, the Tigers will continue grinding through summer workouts, installing schemes, and preparing for a gauntlet of a schedule. But within those walls, there’s growing confidence that Keyron Crawford is ready. Ready to lead. Ready to dominate. Ready to become Auburn’s de facto pass rusher.
And if he does, the entire complexion of the Tigers’ defense—and their season—could change.
