*.**+*NFLNews

‘Extremely gifted’: Auburn cornerback JC Hart pairing physical skills with football IQ

AUBURN — Stacking up physically hasn’t been a problem for Auburn football cornerback JC Hart.

The redshirt freshman arrived on the Plains with the length (he stands 6-foot-2) and strength (he sits at about 200 pounds) to one day be a contributor for the Tigers. He was rated by the 247Sports Composite as a three-star recruit and the No. 701 overall prospect in the Class of 2023, but his speed and build intrigued coach Hugh Freeze, who wasn’t sure if Hart would be a defensive back or receiver at the college level.

Hart has settled in at cornerback, and it seems his opportunity for playing time has arrived sooner than later. With DJ James and Nehemiah Pritchett off to the NFL, the Tigers need to replace both of their starting CBs from last season. Keionte Scott and Kayin Lee will get the first crack at it, but they can’t play every snap.

Auburn lost some CB depth this offseason when redshirt freshman Colton Hood transferred to Colorado and redshirt freshman Tyler Scott suffered a season-ending ACL injury during summer workouts. That leaves Hart competing with Alabama transfer Antonio Kite and true freshman Jay Crawford to be the first CB off the bench.

It’s still a close race that’ll continue through preseason practices, but Hart has been doing what he can to put himself in the best position possible.

NEWCOMER: Texas experience serving transfer Jerrin Thompson well in Year 1 with Auburn football

‘I FEEL WAY BETTER’: Pieces finally coming together for Auburn football OL Jeremiah Wright

“He’s been working every single day,” Lee said of Hart. “You can tell he’s in the film room and on the field. He’s working.”

Lee and Champ Anthony, the expected starter at nickel, were both asked Monday which of their teammates had improved most from the spring. Each of them had the same answer.

“JC Hart,” Anthony said. “Real long guy….


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/extremely-gifted-auburn-cornerback-jc-090754882.html

Author : The Montgomery Advertiser

Publish date : 2024-08-09 09:07:54

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Check Also

SW FL Week 7 Roundup: Naples, South, Immokalee, Gulf Coast, Gateway, Oasis, Dunbar notch wins

A roundup of Southwest Florida high school football games played on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. …

..........................%%%...*...........................................$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$--------------------.....