Auburn EDGE Jaquez Wilkes could quickly become a household name

Auburn freshman Jaquez Wilkes was known as a star on the offensive side of the football during his high school days. Now on the Plains, he will take on a new identity as a pass rusher on defense.

Will his transition from brusing runner to quarterback bully be an easy one? One analyst believes so, and Auburn fans could see his progress very quickly.

CBS Sports college football writer Brad Crawford believes Wilkes will be a household name by the end of the season, which is why he included Wilkes in his "SEC freshmen to watch in 2026" list.

Crawford believes that not only Auburn fans will know Wilkes' name by season's end, but so will the rest of the country.

Coaches have been impressed with (Wilkes') maturity and ability to process the game, traits that often determine whether young pass rush-linebacker hybrids see the field early. Wilkes also has the versatility to help on special teams while earning defensive snaps. By the second half of the season, he could be one of Auburn's most dependable young defenders.

Wilkes competed in three AHSAA Class 1A State Championship games during his time at Wadley High School, with his 2024 game against Maplesville being his most notable. He broke several records in the win over Maplesville by scoring 30 points and five touchdowns, which is the most by a 1A player in AHSAA Super 7 history. His 312 rushing yards in the game were the second-highest in Class 1A state championship history. One of his runs, a 79-yard touchdown rush, was the third-longest touchdown run in a 1A state championship game.

However, his 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame is more suited for an EDGE rusher in the SEC. Crawford believes the speed Wilkes developed as a running back in high school will translate to the position, as his "sideline-to-sideline speed" will be crucial to success as a young pass rusher.

The Tigers could quickly see a return on investment from their top 2026 signee as the EDGE position will be an area to watch for Auburn this season, following the departures of first-round pick Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford to the NFL. Wilkes will compete for a spot in the rotation alongside returning players Joe Phillips and JJ Faulk, as well as transfers DaShawn Womack and Nate Johnson.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn EDGE Jaquez Wilkes could quickly become a household name