At the college level, when a player receives his flowers, it is usually universally agreed on by a number of individuals who have observed the same traits out of him.
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When an underclassman does it, it tends to be more impressive, and that’s exactly what Eric Winters is doing for the Auburn Tigers as a sophomore.
The product out of Enterprise, Alabama started just one game in the 2025 season, but found his way onto the field in all 12 contests, notching 33 total tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack as a true freshman.
Now, despite safeties coach and co-Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks saying there was not anybody truly separating themselves in the safety room in the early going, Winters is being talked about as someone who is gaining attention both as a leader and a safety with size at 6-foot, 215 pounds.
“(Eric) is starting to be a little more vocal,” Banks said. “He’s a big kid. He’ll be one of the bigger safeties in the country and he’s playing that way.”
In a group that is full of talent with guys like Sylvester Smith-Reed, Newboy Fegans, Champ Anthony and more, it is easy for anybody with the team to pin one another as just another player and that they match what the team is looking for.
Being one of the bigger guys in terms of size and weight combination, he catches the eye of everyone every single day.
Fegans is one of those players who notices that size, but he also recognizes the raw ability of his sophomore teammate.
“He’s very smart, physical, big, a guy that can make crazy plays and he comes up and shows up to work every day,” Fegans said.
Ever since Alex Golesh was named the head coach at Auburn, he has preached that in year one he wants the team to find an identity and be a physical and violent football team.
On Wednesday, the Tigers will strap up in full pads and go to work with full intensity, testing each player that much more.
Banks said without hesitation though that he likes the way Winters chooses to play, and with his size, he is optimistic for what Winters can do not only in 2026, but beyond.
“He’s playing with some violence,” Banks said. “A slot blocking him should be a mismatch for us, and you’re starting to see that. I’m excited for him.”
For Winters, playing at Auburn and in the SEC is a “dream come true.” Now, he’ll look to continue the early momentum he’s built and climb as a leader, despite being just a sophomore in a loaded secondary.
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
