Cody Sigler, Buddy Mathis Emerging as Key Pieces for Auburn's Defensive Line

The defensive line for the Auburn Tigers might be turning one of its biggest questions entering the season into a strength. And there are a couple of players who are starting to make that possible. The Tigers entered fall camp with some uncertainty surrounding the depth of their defensive line, especially on the interior. There was talent there, but it was fair to wonder how many players Vontrell King-Williams would actually feel comfortable putting on the field once the season started. That number continues to grow. King-Williams has said he would ideally like to have six, seven, or even eight defensive linemen ready to play this season. And Auburn might be getting closer to that. Dallas Walker is back for another season and has dropped around 30 pounds. Darrion Smith is up around 270 pounds and is being challenged to become more than just a situational pass rusher. Jourdin Crawford and Malik Autry have another year of development. Then there's Cody Sigler. The Arkansas State transfer continues to receive praise from just about everyone. King-Williams loves the competitiveness Sigler has brought to the room. Cole Skinner mentioned him as one of the defensive linemen making Auburn's offensive line better every day. Then Alex Golesh singled him out after Auburn's first scrimmage. Sigler was "all over the ball." People around Auburn are starting to understand what Sigler brings. In fact, on Sunday he and Xavier Atkins were named Preseason All-SEC honors from Sports Information Solutions. People around the SEC will find out pretty soon. Sigler might be the player that helps solidify the interior defensive line, something that is crucial inside a DJ Durkin led scheme, but Buddy Mathis may be the biggest surprise thus far of fall camp. Mathis transferred to Auburn after spending his freshman season at LSU and wasn't necessarily one of the first names mentioned when discussing Auburn's defensive line entering camp, but that's slowly changing.  The sophomore changed his body and continues to appear early in Auburn's defensive line rotation. His biggest challenge, according to King-Williams, was becoming comfortable with the playbook. Players like this will help King-Williams and Durkin have a deep and serviceable rotation without seeing a significant drop in production. Something that was certainly a legitimate question just a few months ago.  Although there is still plenty to figure out over the next few weeks and through the non-conference schedule, the defensive line seems to be in a great spot to begin the Golesh Era on the Plains.