Eugene Asante, Jalen McLeod speak highly of Auburn football’s young linebackers

Few positions lost as much experience as linebacker did for Auburn following the 2024 season.

Between the inside and BUCK linebacker positions, the Tigers lost veterans such as Eugene Asante, Jalen McLeod, Dorian Mausi Jr. and Austin Keys. All four either started or played significant snaps in 2024 and had years of college experience.

Demarcus Riddick, Keyron Crawford and Jamonta Waller highlight the group that is returning, with Riddick and Crawford already playing large roles in 2024.

Riddick was a true freshman in 2024 and worked his way into the starting lineup during the second half of the season. He finished the year with 27 tackles and three sacks, specializing in spying the quarterback.

He’s expected to play a bigger role in the 2025 season, something that made him turn to his former teammate, Asante, for advice about leadership.

"He was like ‘Eugene, how do I handle this?’" Asante said at the Senior Bowl Tuesday. “I just gave him my advice and I said ‘Demarcus, God has equipped you with all the tools to be a great leader. Leadership is confrontational at times and don’t be afraid to make those tough decisions.’”

Asante was one of Auburn’s biggest leaders in 2024, being named a team captain and bringing experience to a unit that had seen nothing but change over the previous three seasons.

Auburn also has a handful of returners at BUCK linebacker in 2025, led by Crawford and Waller. Crawford saw the majority of the snaps behind McLeod, finishing the year with 22 total tackles and 26 pressures.

Waller is another prospect to monitor, missing most of his freshman season in 2024 due to injury.

“That injury didn’t set him back, it pushed him forward,” McLeod said of Waller. “He’s just coachable, and that’s what you want as a young player. He’s got a bright future, and he’s got everything coming his way. He’s just got to keep working and keep chugging at it every day.”

When asked about Auburn’s group of BUCK linebackers overall, McLeod had more positive things to say.

“Them boys hungry and ready to work. And they all piggyback off each other. They’re coachable, and they listen to one another,” McLeod said. “They know the task at hand. They’re good; the future is bright.”

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at prauterkus@al.com