Following the 2023 season, Hugh Freeze was tasked with retooling an Auburn secondary that lost many key contributors.
One way he did that was by signing Texas transfer Jerrin Thompson out of the transfer portal in January.
Thompson brings a veteran presence to the secondary, playing in 49 games with 31 starts across four seasons at Texas. His time there drew praise from his former teammate and Second Team All-Big 12 defensive back Jahdae Barron.
“Jerrin will forever be my brother,” Barron said. “Sky is the limit for him. I told him I’d bet all money on him. I can’t wait to see what he does and what he produces and helps Auburn as an organization.”
Thompson had a career high three interceptions during the 2023 season along with 38 tackles and seven pass deflections. He had a career high in tackles the previous season with 82.
“He’s had a great attitude. That’s why we brought him here, we felt like he could help,” said Auburn co-defensive coordinator Charles Kelly in March.
Thompson also has experience playing various positions in the secondary. Being able to bring in a veteran player with Thompson’s versatility was another strength that Kelly mentioned.
“Being able to play nickel, being able to play safety, that gives you a lot of.. It creates more opportunities for you as a playcaller to be able to do certain things when you have confidence you can do those things,” Kelly said.
Freeze applauded Thompson’s leadership since first arriving at Auburn, mentioning that it didn’t take long for him to become one of the leaders of the group.
“He’s been a leader and he hasn’t been here long,” Freeze said in February. “He’s vocal. He’s played at a high level at a good program. I think he’s going to be really invaluable for us back there being able to play multiple positions and help lead us.”
Thompson is one of three defensive back transfers coming to Auburn this season, joining Alabama transfer Antonio Kite and Colorado transfer Jahquez Robinson. They will look to fill holes left by the likes of DJ James, Nehemiah Pritchett, Jaylin Simpson, Zion Puckett and Donovan Kaufman.