A name keeps surfacing in conversations I’m having around Auburn's football program this spring. Sure, we’re hearing Byrum Brown plenty. As well as some of the USF wide receivers that followed him.
Another name that keeps popping up - Arlis Boardingham.
The journeyman tight end from Bowling Green—by way of Florida—has quietly emerged as a player making strong impressions during Auburn's pre-spring workouts. And in Alex Golesh's offense, where the tight end position is arguably more critical than anywhere else in the SEC, that matters more than most realize.
Photo: Auburn Athletics
The Spring TE Projection
If you're looking for a prediction on how this shakes out by August, what was discussed on Locked On Auburn.
TE1: Jake Johnson - The most experienced, proven option.
TE2: Jonathan Echols - The South Florida connection and existing chemistry with the offense gives him the edge.
TE3: Arlis Boardingham - Rising fast, making impressions, and could absolutely win the TE2 job if he stays healthy and continues progressing.
Wild Card: Ryan Ghea - "Ryan Gee is sneaky. I think he's a good player. There's a reason why I reached out to him last year to have him on a few times. I think he's going to be a good player at Auburn. It might be more in 2027, but they seem to make him a priority down the stretch there."
