Young Linebacker Embracing Larger Leadership Role on Auburn's Defense

Bryce Deas steps up as a vocal presence during spring practice for the Tigers

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured movements of a linebacker making a tackle on a football field, capturing the energy and intensity of the sport.Bryce Deas' emergence as a vocal leader among Auburn's linebackers could provide stability and direction for the Tigers' defense in 2026.Auburn Today

The Auburn Tigers coaching staff is looking to identify locker room leaders and culture-setters, and one of those new leaders has been linebacker Bryce Deas, who was just a freshman in 2025. Deas has been a highly vocal presence during practices so far, continuing Auburn's recent tradition of young linebackers stepping into prominent team roles.

Why it matters

With the influx of USF transfers and roster turnover, the Auburn coaching staff is focused on establishing a strong team culture and leadership. Deas' emergence as a vocal leader among the linebackers could help anchor the defense and provide stability as the team looks to make a push in 2026.

The details

Deas played meaningful minutes as a freshman, recording 12 tackles and two pass deflections. While he had the athleticism to play the position at a high level, his technique needed some work. However, Deas has clearly put in the work, as shown by the positive feedback from his teammates. 'It really allows me to have that confidence, you know what I'm saying, because coming in young, you know, young guys don't always have the confidence to lead,' Deas said.

  • Deas was a freshman in 2025.
  • Auburn is currently in the midst of spring practice in 2026.

The players

Bryce Deas

A linebacker for the Auburn Tigers who is emerging as a vocal leader on the defense as a sophomore.

Demarcus Riddick

A former Auburn linebacker who stepped into a prominent team role before suffering an injury last season.

Xavier Atkins

A junior linebacker for Auburn who was a First Team All-SEC selection last season.

Elijah Melendez

An elite athlete linebacker for Auburn who has been developing his technique this offseason.

Alex Golesh

The new head coach of the Auburn Tigers, who is focused on establishing a strong team culture and leadership.

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What they’re saying

“'Oh man, it's been great. I love to be watched, because, you know, it keeps me on my stuff, you know what I'm saying? Keeping the young guys right, it keeps me right naturally, so it's been great leading the young guys. I mean, we've got great, great young linebackers. Even just on the defense, we've got amazing young guys.'”

— Bryce Deas, Linebacker

“'It really allows me to have that confidence, you know what I'm saying, because coming in young, you know, young guys don't always have the confidence to lead.'”

— Bryce Deas, Linebacker

What’s next

The Auburn coaching staff will continue to evaluate the leadership and culture of the team throughout spring practice as they look to identify the key players who will set the tone for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Bryce Deas' emergence as a vocal leader among the Auburn linebackers is an encouraging sign for the Tigers as they look to establish a strong team culture and identity heading into the 2026 season. With several talented young players in the linebacking corps, Deas' leadership could help anchor the defense and provide stability during a period of roster turnover.