Latest news: Maryland transfer seventh year senior superstar
Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers added to their roster on Thursday morning by announcing the signing of former Maryland linebacker Fa’Najae Gotay from the transfer portal.
Signed and ready to WORK ✍️
Welcome to Auburn, @fa_gotay!
🏠 Fort Myers, Florida
💥 Linebacker pic.twitter.com/4qgPMYZdIV— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) July 11, 2024
According to On3 Sports, Fa’Najae Gotay entered the transfer portal on June 10 after spending six years with the Maryland Terrapins. Upon joining Auburn, he will utilize his COVID year of eligibility, marking his seventh year in college football. Gotay’s extended eligibility stems from a redshirt year in 2018, after playing in only four games as a freshman, and a medical redshirt in 2021 due to a season-ending injury in Maryland’s opener.
During his career at Maryland, Gotay accumulated 133 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. His most productive season came in 2023, when he appeared in all 13 games, recording 44 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He capped off the season with a standout performance against Auburn in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, leading his team with six tackles.
Originally a 3-star recruit from North Fort Myers, Florida, Gotay chose Maryland over offers from Arkansas, Appalachian State, Illinois, Liberty, Missouri, Ole Miss, Tennessee, UCF, and others.
Gotay is Auburn’s second transfer linebacker this offseason, joining former Duke linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr., who also has one year of eligibility remaining. Together, they bring valuable experience to Auburn’s linebacker corps, which includes returning players Eugene Asante, Austin Keys, and Robert Woodyard, as well as talented freshmen Demarcus Riddick and DJ Barber.