Hugh Freeze praises Keldric Faulk as ‘incredible voice’ and ‘most accountable guy’ on defense

DALLAS, Tex. — Keldric Faulk is the youngest player Auburn has ever taken to SEC Media Days.

There’s a reason for that, as the sophomore has staked his claim as team leader and fantastic representative for the Tigers’ program, head coach Hugh Freeze said on Wednesday at a speaking engagement and on Thursday at media days.

“There are a lot of deserving people, I felt like,” Freeze said. “From Connor Lew, to Jayson Jones, to Keionte Scott, there are good choices. When you evaluate people and you see a team react to the way a person leads and talks, he has captured that defensive line and really become the voice. In our eyes, Keldric has earned it. Whether it’s academics, nutrition, work ethic, vocal leadership, speaking up to say this is the standard, he’s been as consistent as anyone if not more. We felt like he earned it.”

Freeze continued, “Keldric has an incredible voice that people listen to. He’s wise for his age. His work ethic is incredible. I think it sends a message that this guy does everything — he is the most accountable guy we have on the defensive side to this point.”

The honor to represent Auburn at media days certainly wasn’t an opportunity taken lightly by Faulk.

“It means a lot,” Faulk said. “It shows that I’m becoming a leader on my team, and I’m leading the right way on my team.”

Faulk played significant snaps as a true freshman at Auburn. He finished his first year with 36 tackles and a pass breakup. Now, he enters the 2024 season seeing his name tossed around on some preseason All-SEC lists.

“Mentally a lot is required,” Faulk said. “You’re going out there every Saturday playing against some of the best players in college ball,” Faulk said. “A lot of people say the SEC is like the mini-NFL. You have so many NFL Draft picks and NFL prospects you’re playing against every week, have you to play with your A-game. You have to practice like it’s your last. Mentally it takes a lot out of you, and physically probably even more.

“My advice is it can be done. It’s nothing that is impossible to do. Yeah, it’s going to be hard because you are coming from playing high school ball where you’re better than most everybody on the field. Now you’re playing against people that are better or as good as you. Now you just have to work ten times harder to become that player you want to be. Once you become that player, you get seen, and now you stepping on the field.”

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