Remember the name: Auburn Jack linebacker Stephen Sings V creating buzz in fall camp

Published Aug. 12, 2023, 6:00 a.m.
By Ainslie Lee |
The Jack linebacker spot in Ron Roberts’ defense is crucial.
Though similar to a typical edge rusher, the Jack linebacker is multidimensional. While they’re no stranger to the pass rush, they’ll also be asked to drop back into coverage from time to time.
Again, it’s a pretty critical role to hold.
Coming into the fall, the big names you heard surrounding the position were Vanderbilt transfer Elijah McAllister, true freshman Keldric Faulk and Appalachian State transfer Jalen McLeod.
From time to time, Liberty transfer Stephen Sings V would emerge, but it was primarily McAllister, Faulk and McLeod that were in the discussion.
And then fall camp happened.
Roberts decided Faulk might be better fit at defensive end, which opened the door for Sings to make some noise in the Jack linebacker room. And boy has he.
“Stephen is physical. He’s a physical player,” said Auburn defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett. “He’s going to work extremely hard. You won’t have to tell him to work. He works hard and he’s going to be physical. You can expect that every single practice, every single day.”
Out of the high school ranks, Sings, now a junior, was rated as a 3-star weakside defensive end by 247Sports.
Initially committed to Virginia Tech, a mix of academic setbacks and the coronavirus pandemic resulted in Sings losing his scholarship offer.
But Auburn linebackers coach Josh Aldridge, who previously held the same post under Hugh Freeze at Liberty, knew talent when he saw it.
“I recruited Steve,” Aldridge said. “We swooped in at Liberty and got him before anybody else signed him. He’s a Power 5 football player.”
And if recent viewing windows of fall camp are any indication, Sings might have the opportunity to be a Power 5 football player this fall.
Recently, Sings has been splitting first-team reps with McLeod.
“Steve is just so genuine and grateful. He works so hard. You’re gonna see a crazy motor,” Aldridge said. “You watch him and Jalen — regardless of their athletic ability, they play so flippin’ hard, both of them. It’s fun to watch. You’re gonna get a high motor guy and a guy who is going to leave it all out there every Saturday.”