2021 Recruiting Board (Finished 5/19/21)

[tinman 305]

9 hours ago, ellitor said:

y'all shoot me now...

It's got to be intentional on his part, right?  Can't be that bad at reading comprehension.

[tinman 305]

12 minutes ago, tinman said:

It's got to be intentional on his part, right?  Can't be that bad at reading comprehension./retention.

 

[ellitor 33,108]

31 minutes ago, tinman said:

It's got to be intentional on his part, right?  Can't be that bad at reading comprehension.

I think he likes having a little fun with me which is cool.

[WarEagle2423 357]

This says we now have 84 of the 85 scholarship spots filled, barring any further attrition. This would mean that we could only add 1 more, unless another leaves/loses their scholarship. Is it a pretty safe assumption that we’ll see some other players leave this offseason? 

[dilligas 581]

15 minutes ago, WarEagle2423 said:

This says we now have 84 of the 85 scholarship spots filled, barring any further attrition. This would mean that we could only add 1 more, unless another leaves/loses their scholarship. Is it a pretty safe assumption that we’ll see some other players leave this offseason? 

Is Christian Tutt not returning?  When he removed himself from the portal I had assumed he was coming back.  

[W.E.D 11,070]

Swore there was a ton of talk of Brahms leaving to go start his flying career.  Is he going through winter workouts?

[ellitor 33,108]

1 hour ago, WarEagle2423 said:

84 of the 85 scholarship spots filled

@WarEagle2423 He's 1 off. Bill Taylor is on scholly but Nate does not have him listed.

1 hour ago, WarEagle2423 said:

Is it a pretty safe assumption that we’ll see some other players leave this offseason? 

We have 4 spots in the class. If we find 4 guys we like 4 on roster now will leave,

[ellitor 33,108]

51 minutes ago, dilligas said:

Is Christian Tutt not returning?  When he removed himself from the portal I had assumed he was coming back.  

@dilligas Unlikely. Word is he had dealings with an agent after the Iron Bowl so I don't think he could come back to AU or any college even if he wanted to.

[ellitor 33,108]

45 minutes ago, W.E.D said:

Swore there was a ton of talk of Brahms leaving to go start his flying career.

@W.E.DHe is after he gets his Master's Degree.

45 minutes ago, W.E.D said:

Is he going through winter workouts?

Yes. All per Keith a few days ago.

[W.E.D 11,070]

22 minutes ago, ellitor said:

@W.E.DHe is after he gets his Master's Degree.

Yes. All per Keith a few days ago.

Hmmm.  I hope someone can push him or Friend can get something out of him that the other staff couldn't 

[ellitor 33,108]

Just now, W.E.D said:

Hmmm.  I hope someone can push him or Friend can get something out of him that the other staff couldn't 

Agreed. Word is if Council can make a full recovery he may end up at C replacing Brahms.

[W.E.D 11,070]

57 minutes ago, ellitor said:

Agreed. Word is if Council can make a full recovery he may end up at C replacing Brahms.

Yeah, I'd be shocked if can play this season after an ACL tear in late October. It's unfortunate 

[aubiefifty 16,822]

Auburn recruiting snapshot: 2021 class overview

ByKeith Niebuhr Feb 21, 9:19 AM

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Let's take a closer look at Auburn's 2021 class ..

During a unique early signing period for Auburn in December, which began just three days after Gus Malzahn was fired as coach, the Tigers had 12 signees. One of them (Oklahoma tight end transfer Grant Calcaterra) later ended up at another school.

On National Signing Day Part II in February, first-year coach Bryan Harsin added seven new signees.

Saturday, the Tigers picked up one more commitment when 4-star defensive end Dylan Brooks, who Tennessee let out of his National Letter of Intent on Friday, gave his verbal to Auburn.

Right now, Auburn has the No. 20 recruiting class from 247Sports. That's up 28 spots from when the month of February began.

With slots still left to fill, this class isn't finished. However, transfers do not count in the rankings so 20th may be as high as Auburn can go.

Here's a snapshot of where things stand with the Auburn class ….

EARLY ENROLLEES: 6 -- Dematrius Davis, QB; Kamal Hadden, CB; Ahmari Harvey, S; Lee Hunter, DT; Landen King, TE; Garner Langlo, OT/OG.

ALSO SIGNED IN DECEMBER: 5 -- Armani Diamond, CB; Ian Mathews, DE; Tobechi Okoli, DE; Hal Presley, WR; Marquis Robinson, DT.

SIGNED IN DECEMBER: 7 -- Cayden Bridges, S; Tar'varish Dawson, WR; Juwon Gaston, S; Jarquez Hunter, RB; Andrew Leota, DE (transfer); Colby Smith, OT; Joko Willis, LB.

COMMITTED: 1 -- Dylan Brooks, DE/OLB.

CLASS RANKING: No. 20 in the country; No. 8 in the Southeastern Conference. Transfers (see Leota) don't count in the rankings.

SPOTS LEFT: All told, the Tigers can have about 25 new additions in 2021 ... Right now, Auburn has 18 signees plus Brooks, but you also have to count punter Oscar Chapman, who played on the team last year as a blue shirt. That means he counts against the 2021 numbers -- not those from 2020. That puts Auburn at 20. Add it up and Auburn has about five remaining sports open.

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(Photo: 247Sports)

 

QUARTERBACK

Signed: 1 -- 4-star Dematrius Davis (early enrollee)

Committed: 0

Spots to fill: 0-1

The 411: The Tigers signed Dematrius Davis in December (he enrolled at Auburn earlier this year) and backup Grant Loy will use the NCAA's free year of eligibility to return for the 2021 season. That said, Auburn might take a transfer -- if he's a player with real value. Keep an eye on former Oregon starter Tyler Shough. As we recently reported, Auburn has been in contact with him and there seems to be some interest on both sides. He would have three years of eligibility remaining.

The signing of Davis, 51-3 as a high school starter, obviously is big. But Loy's return might be even more significant in the short term because he has college starting experience and was starter Bo Nix's backup in 2020.  The No. 8 dual-threat quarterback nationally in the industry generated 247Sports Composite, Davis went 51-3 as a high school starter. In his final season, he was 177-of-252 passing for 3,553 yards, 37 touchdowns and 4 interceptions with 121 carries for 876 yards and 22 touchdowns as North Shore went 14-1, losing only to eventual state champ Austin Westlake in the Class 6A Division I semifinals.

 

RUNNING BACK

Signed: 1 -- 3-star Jarquez Hunter

Committed: 0

Spots to fill: 0-1

The 411: Starter Tank Bigsby returns. So does Shaun Shivers. Now, Hunter has signed and he'll arrive this summer. That's three -- but don't forget about Devan Barrett. A valuable backup in 2017 who later moved to defensive back, he's returning to running back this spring. If all goes well, he'd have two seasons left. That makes four.

Five backs on scholarship would be ideal but you can live with four. 

The staff getting eyeballs on this group the spring will be a factor, also. Will it like what it sees in a few weeks? It's possible the Tigers could exit the spring wanting another veteran player here. Or just another body, period. 

We were told recently that Auburn probably would not recruit Tennessee signee Cody Brown, who was released from his NLI. But if the staff feels the numbers still are two low, could Brown get another look? We'll see.

There's a lot to be determined. In recruiting, things always are fluid.

 

 

 

 

TIGHT END

Signed: 1 -- 3-star Landen King (early enrollee)

Committed: 0

Spots to fill: 0

The 411: The tight ends room is in great shape. Who'd have thought we'd ever say that? King is a high-level high school recruit who had a big prep career in Texas. He finished with well over a thousand yards combined receiving yards his final two seasons at Humble Atascocita High. Listed at 6-feet-5 and 220 pounds, King is arguably the most underrated member of the 2021 Auburn recruiting class. Harsin recruited him when he was coach at Boise State.

 

 

RECEIVER

Signed: 2 -- 4-star Tar'varish Dawson; 4-star Hal Presley.

Spots to fill: 0-1

The 411: Auburn signed five talented receivers in 2020, then added a couple 247Sports 4-stars in Presley and the speedy Dawson this cycle. So numbers wise, the Tigers appear fine. And, there appears to be a good bit of talent. What Auburn lacks is a lot of experience .After losing Seth Williams, Anthony Schwartz and Eli Stove, there aren't many veterans at this position on the roster.

During spring practice, Harsin, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and receivers coach Cornelius Williams will be able to properly assess things. If they exit spring ball comfortable here, okay. But if they think a veteran may need to be added to give the group more experience, the Tigers could look to the transfer portal. All we're really saying is, don't rule that option out. Again, though, talent wise this group appears to be fine.

 

 

OFFENSIVE LINE

Signed: 2 -- 4-star Colby Smith, OT; 3-star Garner Langlo, OT

Spots to fill: 2-3 

The 411: Even after signing six here in the 2020 class, having only two signed isn't ideal. And that's putting it as kindly as we can. We fully expect the Tigers to work hard to bring in some transfers -- they need one or two tackles and probably one inside player.

The Tigers don't need any more developmental guys right now. They have enough of those. What's needed is immediate help at tackle -- and maybe even someone who can push for a starting spot inside. Harsin's staff pursued Harvard guard/center transfer Eric Wilson, but he ultimately picked Penn State. But that tells you the Tigers see a need inside -- not just at tackle. That said, the bigger need clearly is at tackle, where Auburn has to get better moving forward. Even though the Tigers return numerous starters up front, they simply have to improve -- a lot -- in this area, especially in pass pro. Everyone knows it. Tackle transfers can either earn starting spots -- or push those already at Auburn to be better. Either way, it's a win-win.

This is another situation where the staff can use spring practice to truly understand the depth of its needs.

As Harsin pointed out Feb. 3, he has several months to fill in the blanks. And, recent history tells us many of the top offensive line transfers didn't hit the market until after spring practice. 

 

 

DEFENSIVE TACKLE/ENDS

Signed: 4 -- 4-star DT Lee Hunter (early enrollee), 4-star DT Marquis Robinson, 3-star DE Tobechi Okoli, 3-star DE/DT Ian Mathews.

Spots to fill: 0

The 411: Even though Auburn lost some talent from 2020, there is plenty returning and the Tigers did really well here in the 2021 cycle. Hunter, a tackle, already is on campus and could be a contributor in Year 1. The return of tackle Tyrone Truesdell, who could have left for the NFL, also is significant. He's a multi-year starter. Colby Wooden is a bona-fide stud. Jaren Handy is another player with potential. Now, go back to the 2020 class and you find more players who should have major roles this fall. One is tackle Zykeivous Walker, who played a lot in Year 1. Tackle Dre Butler, who had health issues last season, is primed to make a jump. Ditto for redshirt freshman Jay Hardy, another tackle with a really high upside. We expect a lot of these players to see time at both tackle and end.

Depending on how he grows, Brooks could play end. For now, we're listing him at an outside backer/edge rusher.

 

 

 

EDGE/OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

Signed: 1 -- Northwestern transfer Andrew Leota, OLB

Committed: 1 -- 4-star Dylan Brooks, OLB/DE

Spots to fill: 0-1

The 411: Auburn returns some young talent in Derick Hall and Romello Height -- and added Leota, a transfer from Northwestern who was solid for the Wildcats. In fact, he was third-team All-Big Ten in 2020. So we expect him to be a major contributor in 2021. Additionally, Cameron Riley is a talented young player to watch. He can line up at multiple linebacker spots. The question is, does Auburn have enough pass push on the current roster? Spring practice should give defensive coordinator Derek Masonand Co. an idea. Should Auburn see a major need there, it could seek another transfer. But our best guess is, the Tigers might be okay for now.

 

 

 

INSIDE LINEBACKER

Signed: 1 -- 3-star Joko Willis

Spots to fill: 0-1

The 411: After signing three backers in 2020 and now Willis, Auburn doesn't have a huge need here, but potentially could still add a veteran Willis, a prospect from Independence Community College (Kan.), is the No. 2 junior college inside backer in the country for the 247Sports Composite. He's also a product of Troup High in LaGrange, Ga. He will have four years of eligibility at Auburn.

K.J. Britt, a valuable starter in recent years, is gone, but everyone else pretty much returns. That includes returning starters Owen Pappoe and Zakoby McClain. You also have Chandler Wooten back. He opted out in 2020 but will play in 2021. He's another guy who can play multiple roles. TD Moultry, after having been at the buck, will return to linebacker in 2021. Auburn also has plenty of young talent here and those players gained some valuable experience in 2020. See Wesley Steiner and Desmond Tisdol.

Meanwhile, Auburn also is tracking some transfers.

 

 

DEFENSIVE BACK

Signed: 5 -- 4-star safety Ahmari Harvey; 4-star safety Juwon Gaston; 3-star corner Cayden Bridges; 3-star corner Kamal Hadden; 3-star corner Armani Diamond

Spots to fill: 0-1

The 411: Yes, Auburn has several players back. But in the secondary you can never have too many bodies. Last season, the Tigers battled injuries so increased depth is vital. Roger McCreary gives you one of the best corners in the SEC. Another corner, Jaylin Simpson, has flashed when healthy. Nehemiah Pritchett also has earned valuable snaps at corner. At safety, Jamien Sherwood is gone but veteran Smoke Monday is back and Chris Thompson and Eric Reed should see a boost in snaps. Ladarius Tennison could be the man at nickel. Even with all of these players returning, Auburn already is looking hard at the transfer market.

One player to watch is Dreshun Miller of West Virginia. A former 4-star corner, he entered the portal last week and the Tigers are very much in the hunt. Mississippi State is another team to watch. Miller is looking to find a place where he can start on Day 1.

 

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

Signed: 0

3COMMENTS

Committed: 0

Spots to fill: 0

The 411: Standout long snapper Kyle Vaccarella of Fairfield College Preparatory (Ct.) committed to Auburn as a preferred walk-on. Vaccarella is unrated by 247Sports, but owns a 6-star rating from Rubio Long Snapping, which specializes in evaluations for players at Vaccarella's position. Rubio ranks Vaccarella No. 2 among all long snappers in the 2021 class.

At this time, we don't think the Tigers will sign any kickers for 2021. But ... if we're reading the rules correctly, Chapman of Australia, who will be a "blue shirt," will count toward the 2021 scholarship totals. Per USA Today, "Blue shirt rules allow for unrecruited players to be awarded a scholarship at the start of freshman practice. This allows a team that may have too many commits to essentially borrow against their next year’s scholarship total. The rules are rather strict in regard to what is defined as being 'unrecruited.' That means there was no official visit taken by the athlete, the coach didn’t visit the athlete at home, there was no National Letter of Intent signed, and no form of athletic aid."

[Beaker 2,457]

Man,  I feel really good about this report and just hope this staff can develop players like Dye and his staff did. 

 

They just need to go into those living rooms and recruit, agin and agin and agin.  

" If we (they)  can do that, we will win our fair share."

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Beaker

[TigerHorn 1,353]

I think we can actually be over 85 due to the COVID situation. Can't recall where I saw that, maybe someone else has seen it? Could have more open spots than we realize. 

[dilligas 581]

2 hours ago, TigerHorn said:

I think we can actually be over 85 due to the COVID situation. Can't recall where I saw that, maybe someone else has seen it? Could have more open spots than we realize. 

Yes, each 2020 Senior that returns for another Sr. year is an exemption (Grant Loy, Tyrone Truesdale, etc.) so we can go at least to 87 if not more.

[Zeek 16,657]

On 9/18/2020 at 1:12 PM, Zeek said:

Total Spots (Roughly 23-25)

Orange = Enrolled

Signed/Enrolled/Transfer(s)

4-star "Stud" Dylan Brooks

4-star CB Dreshun Miller - Transfer from West Virginia

4-star DT Lee Hunter

4-star S Ahmari Harvey

4-star QB Dematrius Davis

4-star DT Marquis Robinson

3-star TE Landen King

3-star OG Garner Langlo

3-star CB Kamal Hadden (JuCo)

3-star WR Tar'varish Dawson

3-star WR Hal Presley

3-star DE Tobechi Okoli

3-star OT Colby Smith

3-star S Juwon Gaston

3-star DT Ian Matthews

3-star RB Jarquez Hunter

3-star ILB Joko Willis (JuCo)

3-star CB Armani Diamond

3-star S Cayden Bridges

3-star DE Andrew Leota Transfer from Northwestern

*** Aussie Punter - Oscar Chapman counts towards this class as well ***

***Preferred Walk-On 3* OC Cort Bradley (does not count towards our total***

 

We have 20 new players in the 2021 class and punter Oscar Chapman counting in this class as well.

According to KN we have 3 spots left to fill that's the concrete number. That would either allow us to roll a spot to next years class (be able to sign 26) or possibly give a current walk-on or non-scholarship player a scholly. 

Edited February 24, 2021 by Zeek

[Hank2020 3,211]

19 minutes ago, Zeek said:

We have 20 new players in the 2021 class and punter Oscar Chapman counting in this class as well.

According to KN we have 3 spots left to fill that's the concrete number. That would either allow us to roll a spot to next years class (be able to sign 26) or possibly give a current walk-on or non-scholarship player a scholly. 

Can we not take more from Portal?

[Zeek 16,657]

18 minutes ago, Hank2020 said:

Can we not take more from Portal?

Nope, transfers count against the current class. We will take 3 more from the portal. A Vandy RB is currently being evaluated and I still believe we want two OL (probably OTs)

[McLoofus 35,182]

7 minutes ago, Zeek said:

Nope, transfers count against the current class. We will take 3 more from the portal. A Vandy RB is currently being evaluated and I still believe we want two OL (probably OTs)

There's been a lot of talk about another QB, so hopefully this means that Harsin and Bobo feel good about what we've got. 

[ellitor 33,108]

1 hour ago, Zeek said:

According to KN we have 3 spots left to fill that's the concrete number. That would either allow us to roll a spot to next years class (be able to sign 26) or possibly give a current walk-on or non-scholarship player a scholly. 

@Zeek Where do you get this logic? If we don't add anymore new players on scholly then next year we could sign 28.

ETA: I get what you are saying now but I interpret Keith's info differently. To me it means we have 3 spots left period, not limiting to 3 of 4 remaining spots. Likely means someone has gone on scholly this year we don't know about.

[Zeek 16,657]

14 minutes ago, ellitor said:

@Zeek Where do you get this logic? If we don't add anymore new players on scholly then next year we could sign 28.

ETA: I get what you are saying now but I interpret Keith's info differently. To me it means we have 3 spots left period, not limiting to 3 of 4 remaining spots. Likely means someone has gone on scholly this year we don't know about.

Ah, gotcha didn't think of it like that.

[Zeek 16,657]

31 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

There's been a lot of talk about another QB, so hopefully this means that Harsin and Bobo feel good about what we've got. 

Yeah I haven't heard much else about QBs but it would probably not be worth the spot right now. OL and RB seem more pressing. 

[auol72 188]

For you guys that know if this was a normal year and those three spots were filled with High School recruits, just say two more high 3* guys and one low 4* guy where would we sit in the composite if we are at no.20 now with our transfers and Chapman not counting at all in our composite score?

[Zeek 16,657]

Just now, auol72 said:

For you guys that know if this was a normal year and those three spots were filled with High School recruits, just say two more high 3* guys and one low 4* guy where would we sit in the composite if we are at no.20 now with our transfers and Chapman not counting at all in our composite score?

Good question. Let's take three Alabama kids that fit your criteria and see:

Let's say we took RB Jaylin White (3-star), flipped 4-star OT Rod Orr before he signed, and add another OT by flipping 3* OT Micah Pettus (none of this likely happens but just for a calculation).

We'd be sitting around 17th or so.