5 Auburn players who raised their stock during preseason camp

By Peter Rauterkus | prauterkus@al.comPreseason camp was more important than ever for Auburn this season.The final portion of preparation for a season is always meaningful, but that’s especially true when you have a brand new staff and over 60 new players. That was Auburn’s situation this offseason.It meant a number of players went into camp with something to prove, and some stood out more than others.With that said, here are five players that improved their stock the most during preseason camp.Jacob Strand, OLStrand may be the only player who went from an afterthought during spring practice to a starter by the end of preseason camp.His quiet spring wasn’t necessarily his fault, though, as injuries limited him. Strand was back to 100 percent by the time camp started and his versatility stood out to the coaching staff.An Oregon State transfer, most of his previous college experience came at tackle, but Strand has now emerged as Auburn’s likely starter at left guard. Miami transfer Deryc Plazz was consistently the first team option at that position in the spring, but a strong camp has turned the tide in Strand’s favor.Gavin Jenkins, CBJenkins was always a player the staff thought highly of. He was one of just two defensive players that came with head coach Alex Golesh from South Florida and was a priority in the portal despite playing a limited role last season.At 6-foot-2, Jenkins’ length is the first thing that stands out about him. Cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Van Dyke constantly compliments his ball skills as well, which comes from playing both offense and defense in high school.Jenkins might not be a starter this season, but it’d be a surprise if he didn’t find some kind of role in the secondary. He’s somebody that could help shape the future of Auburn’s defense.Bryson Washington, RBExpectations were high for Washington when he transferred to Auburn from Baylor this offseason. Injuries and conditioning issues made for a slow start to life on the Plains, though.AUBURN, AL - August 11, 2026 - Auburn Running Back Bryson Washington (#30) during a fall camp practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin PerrymanAustin PerrymanWashington’s talent has never been questioned. He rushed for over 1,000 yards at Baylor and 2024 and just under 800 last season. Getting him in shape and adjusted to the offense have been the two biggest hurdles.Washington made progress on those fronts during camp and will likely be an important part of the rushing attack this season, even if he’s not Auburn’s first choice running back.Christian Neptune, WRComing with Golesh and the offensive staff from USF, there were never many doubts about what Neptune could do. He contributed as a true freshman for the Bulls last season and became an important player in the slot.Like others on the list, though, injuries limited him in the spring. He began camp in a non-contact jersey, but has returned to full speed over the past few weeks.True freshman DeShawn Spencer became a player to watch in the slot during the spring, but Neptune has started to step up again since camp started. That doesn’t mean Spencer won’t have a role – the staff remains high on him – but Neptune is the more experienced and trustworthy player having spent more time in the system.Da’Shawn Womack, EdgeWomack didn’t have to battle injuries during the spring and has always been expected to have a big role. Among the edge rushers, though, his name has been mentioned constantly throughout camp as a top performer.The Ole Miss transfer brings three years of SEC experience to Auburn’s defense after playing his first two seasons of college football at LSU. His numbers never popped at his previous two schools, but he was a consistent presence off the edge for the Rebels last season.Womack was arrested over the summer on a charge of reckless endangerment, but Golesh said the punishment was handled internally, and he never missed any practice time. After a good camp, he’s expected to start up front for the Tigers this season.Peter Rauterkus is an Auburn Sports Reporter for AL.com covering football, basketball and all things Auburn sports. He joined AL.com in July 2024. Prior to joining the sports staff at AL.com, Peter spent time...