Why Kayin Lee will break out for Auburn football in 2023

Soaring once more to our predictive series of who could be the breakout performer for Auburn football, while continuing with a focus on the freshman additions to the roster, however this time specifically those on defense, we ask again who could be Auburn football’s breakout freshman defensive performer?

Given that there are 12 impressive new additions to the defensive field with this year’s high school class, this decision was much more difficult. With additions like Keldric Faulk, Darron Reed, and Sylvester Smith all of whom could make an immediate impact in 2023, I would place my wagers on our newest addition to the defensive back room Kayin Lee.

Lee comes to the plains by way of Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Ga. After committing to the Ohio State Buckeyes on June 27th of 2022, he was obviously placed upon a high priority list for the coaching staff under Coach Hugh Freeze, as he was on campus for an official visit on December 2nd of 2022, shortly after Coach Freeze’s arrival. This flip was finalized after an official commitment to the Auburn Tigers on National Signing Day, December 21st 2022. One of the many flips of the fan dubbed Merry Flipmas season.

The 5-foot-11 181-pound corner back brings a lot to this vastly retooled Auburn defense. Lee shows quick and aggressive hands when in contact with receivers for ball possession, while also showing great skills with reading the play as it progresses. Lee also has shown to be an impressive open field tackler during his high school career. Tackling properly and remembering to wrap up his target.

Lee played predominantly with the 2nd team during Auburn’s A-Day game, moving one to think that Lee could likely be a key rotational corner back on the inside for the tigers immediately. This would give this young man ample opportunities to make a considerable impact as an incoming freshman. In closing, it is for these reasons that I would wager Kayin Lee as being the breakout freshman defensive performer this upcoming 2023 season.

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