Early National Signing Day - 33 Days Away

[Zeek 16,657]

It sounds like a lot but it'll be here before you know it! Let's talk some recruiting, my thoughts on prospects, and what we still might need in the second wave of signings/transfer targets. I am going to try to make this a rather large post and will put any updates on recruiting here until ENSD. With that, feel free to share any tweets or intel that you hear!

I am using ON3 composite rankings for reference.

HS = HS signee

JC = Junior College

TP = Transfer Portal

 

Quarterback (1 HS 1 TP)

4* Walker White - Committed to Auburn on February 3rd, 2023

Spoiler

A big point of emphasis for the Arkansas signal caller this season was limiting turnovers (an issue in the past). He did that by having only 6 interceptions this season which was down from 10+ the prior two; of those 6 three came in the final game where he was trying to play hero ball. Coming in at 6'4" and 220 lbs. he already has desirable measurements. He throws a pretty spiral but does so fading away too much for my liking which likely keeps his completion rate from being a little higher. Still, he can stand in the pocket and deliver a strike under pressure. His escapability is okay. While he isn't going to be breaking ankles, he is fast enough to make a run for a positive play when it breaks down. His size and speed make him a legitimate red-zone threat if defenses forget to account for his legs. Their accuracy and decision-making will have to improve before he can be a reliable QB1... I know some were thinking he has a shot to start year one but I don't think he is that type of prospect.

It is worth noting who else heavily pursued White. Clemson, Ole Miss, and Arkansas viewed him very highly on their boards.

Additionally, you'll see that I need one transfer quarterback. I think if Thorne finishes the season on his current trajectory he will return and repeat as our starter. That said, there are some portal quarterbacks we viewed as better options than Thorne that might be options again. At the very least we need a serviceable backup with Robby Ashford likely leaving and I don't think Holden will ever get an opportunity here to shine - just isn't a scheme fit.

 

Running Back (0-1 HS)

4* Kevin Riley - Committed to Miami - from Northport, AL

4* David Eziomume - Committed to Clemson - from Kennesaw, GA

Spoiler

I don't think any of our current running backs leave. If that is the case, then there really isn't a need for a high school running back in this cycle. Unfortunately, by the time we know for sure what Hunter plans to do it'll be too late to take either of these backs. Riley is someone we have liked but I don't think he was ever one the staff was in love with. Eziomume is someone we really like but flipping him from Clemson (even with he current state of things) is very difficult.

Should we take a RB in this class then I believe that tells us something about Hunter's plans. Parting ways with Phat was likely the first sign we didn't have a tremendous amount of room here.

Wide Receiver (4-5 HS 1 TP)

5* Perry Thompson - Flipped to Auburn from Alabama on July 29th

4* Bryce Cain - Committed to Auburn on June 13th

4* Malcolm Simmons - Committed to Auburn on July 29th

5* Cam Coleman - Currently Committed to Texas A&M

2025 5* Ryan Williams - Currently Committed to Alabama

4* Ny Carr - Currently Committed to Miami

NR JuCo Deion Smith-Holmes, MS

Spoiler

I don't think our own staff expected to be in a position to possibly have three 5* receivers (Thompson, Williams, and Coleman) with another two 4* commits (Cain and Simmons). The need is there but this would be a truly insane receiver class for Auburn.

It does feel like it's either Williams or Coleman instead of possibly landing both. Now, if there were a way to take both I think Auburn would but that's a crowded class. Alabama's beat have felt extremely confident about keeping Ryan Williams the entire time; while Coleman seems like easier pickings after the departure of Fisher.

What wouldn't surprise me is to see Aubur take another experienced receiver from the portal. Young talent is exciting but Hooks and Fairweather could legitimately be gone after this year leaving Auburn with a bit of a leadership/experience void. The offense opening up in recent games and successfully completing some deep targets has helped make us seem more appealing to pass catchers.

Not going to get into film on these guys. They are all ballers. I do think if you have Williams in the bag you take him because Coleman is insanely unpredictable and a little eccentric.

Tight End (1-2 HS)

3* Martavious Collins - Committed to Auburn but expected to mutually part ways

4* Kylan Fox - UCF Commit

4* Michael Smith - South Carolina Commit

4* Amir Jackson - Florida Commit

4* Roger Saleapaga - Orem, Utah

4* Caleb Odom - Alabama Commit

Spoiler

Collins isn't enough of a receiving threat so look for Auburn to move on from him soon. Also, we expect almost our entire TE group to return next year. That makes this spot not nearly as pressing as it could have been.

Fox, I think, is an easy flip target for Auburn if they really want him.

Amir Jackson is one to watch. He is TE1 in this class if you ask me. Just depends if Auburn wants to wait and try to make that happen or just take a more sure thing in Fox.

I don't see Saleapaga or Odom being viable targets at this point in time.

Offensive Line (5 HS/TP/JC)

4* DeAndre Carter - Committed to Auburn on August 3rd, 2023

3* Favour Edwin - McDonough, GA

4* Coen Echols - Currently Committed to Texas A&M

NR JuCo Seth Wilfred - Snow College

NR JuCo Jayven Richardson - Hutchinson, KA

Spoiler

I think we land Carter, Edwin, Echols, and two JuCo options. If we can do that we might afford ourselves the ability to be more picky in the portal. Honestly, Echols is a guy that some have put on the same level as Lew in terms of preparedness for college. Carter is solid just needs to transform his body a bit.

The staff views Edwin higher than his ranking.

Richardson is being pursued by some major teams. Wilfred not so much but our staff likes him. I think we're looking at these guys since they provide more years of eligibility.

Defensive Line (4-5 HS)

4* TJ Lindsey - Committed to Auburn on August 12th, 2023

3* Malik Blocton - Committed to Auburn on July 8th, 2023

3* Dimitry Nicolas - Committed to Auburn on August 25th, 2023

4* Jeremiah Beaman - Alabama Commit

5* LJ McCray - Florida Commit

Spoiler

I think Auburn finishes with four here not five. The goal is one of Beaman or McCray and man both are huge fish to land. Conventional wisdom said we had a better shot with Beaman but we've never gotten to where we are actually confident. There is a huge surge right now with McCray who staff actually views as one of the best defenders in this class regardless of position.

Linebackers (4 HS)

5* Demarcus Riddick - Auburn Commit

4* Joseph Phillips - Auburn Commit

3* D'Angelo Barber - Auburn Commit

4* Jamonta Waller - Auburn Commit

Cornerbacks (2 HS)

4* Jalyn Crawford - Auburn Commit

4* Jalewis Solomon - South Carolina Commit

Spoiler

Our young guys at this position have played well. Losing DJ will stink but we like Crawford. The Solomon saga is honestly such a weird and crazy situation. He is one that I would be concerned is a transfer risk based on his waffling so far. I don't hate the idea of entertaining a transfer or JuCo product here if there is one good enough.

Safeties (4-5)

4* A'Mon Lane - Auburn Commit

4* Kensley Faustin - Auburn Commit

3* Kaleb Harris - Auburn Commit

3* JuCO Laquan Robinson - Auburn Commit

Spoiler

I think Laquan can start right away. After that I'm not sure about the rest of the class. Safety is going to be an interesting position for Auburn next year depending on how things pan out.

 

[HAPvsOA 287]

2 hours ago, Zeek said:

It sounds like a lot but it'll be here before you know it! Let's talk some recruiting, my thoughts on prospects, and what we still might need in the second wave of signings/transfer targets. I am going to try to make this a rather large post and will put any updates on recruiting here until ENSD. With that, feel free to share any tweets or intel that you hear!

I am using ON3 composite rankings for reference.

HS = HS signee

JC = Junior College

TP = Transfer Portal

 

Quarterback (1 HS 1 TP)

4* Walker White - Committed to Auburn on February 3rd, 2023

  Reveal hidden contents

A big point of emphasis for the Arkansas signal caller this season was limiting turnovers (an issue in the past). He did that by having only 6 interceptions this season which was down from 10+ the prior two; of those 6 three came in the final game where he was trying to play hero ball. Coming in at 6'4" and 220 lbs. he already has desirable measurements. He throws a pretty spiral but does so fading away too much for my liking which likely keeps his completion rate from being a little higher. Still, he can stand in the pocket and deliver a strike under pressure. His escapability is okay. While he isn't going to be breaking ankles, he is fast enough to make a run for a positive play when it breaks down. His size and speed make him a legitimate red-zone threat if defenses forget to account for his legs. Their accuracy and decision-making will have to improve before he can be a reliable QB1... I know some were thinking he has a shot to start year one but I don't think he is that type of prospect.

It is worth noting who else heavily pursued White. Clemson, Ole Miss, and Arkansas viewed him very highly on their boards.

Additionally, you'll see that I need one transfer quarterback. I think if Thorne finishes the season on his current trajectory he will return and repeat as our starter. That said, there are some portal quarterbacks we viewed as better options than Thorne that might be options again. At the very least we need a serviceable backup with Robby Ashford likely leaving and I don't think Holden will ever get an opportunity here to shine - just isn't a scheme fit.

 

Running Back (0-1 HS)

4* Kevin Riley - Committed to Miami - from Northport, AL

4* David Eziomume - Committed to Clemson - from Kennesaw, GA

  Reveal hidden contents

I don't think any of our current running backs leave. If that is the case, then there really isn't a need for a high school running back in this cycle. Unfortunately, by the time we know for sure what Hunter plans to do it'll be too late to take either of these backs. Riley is someone we have liked but I don't think he was ever one the staff was in love with. Eziomume is someone we really like but flipping him from Clemson (even with he current state of things) is very difficult.

Should we take a RB in this class then I believe that tells us something about Hunter's plans. Parting ways with Phat was likely the first sign we didn't have a tremendous amount of room here.

Wide Receiver (4-5 HS 1 TP)

5* Perry Thompson - Flipped to Auburn from Alabama on July 29th

4* Bryce Cain - Committed to Auburn on June 13th

4* Malcolm Simmons - Committed to Auburn on July 29th

5* Cam Coleman - Currently Committed to Texas A&M

2025 5* Ryan Williams - Currently Committed to Alabama

4* Ny Carr - Currently Committed to Miami

NR JuCo Deion Smith-Holmes, MS

  Reveal hidden contents

I don't think our own staff expected to be in a position to possibly have three 5* receivers (Thompson, Williams, and Coleman) with another two 4* commits (Cain and Simmons). The need is there but this would be a truly insane receiver class for Auburn.

It does feel like it's either Williams or Coleman instead of possibly landing both. Now, if there were a way to take both I think Auburn would but that's a crowded class. Alabama's beat have felt extremely confident about keeping Ryan Williams the entire time; while Coleman seems like easier pickings after the departure of Fisher.

What wouldn't surprise me is to see Aubur take another experienced receiver from the portal. Young talent is exciting but Hooks and Fairweather could legitimately be gone after this year leaving Auburn with a bit of a leadership/experience void. The offense opening up in recent games and successfully completing some deep targets has helped make us seem more appealing to pass catchers.

Not going to get into film on these guys. They are all ballers. I do think if you have Williams in the bag you take him because Coleman is insanely unpredictable and a little eccentric.

Tight End (1-2 HS)

3* Martavious Collins - Committed to Auburn but expected to mutually part ways

4* Kylan Fox - UCF Commit

4* Michael Smith - South Carolina Commit

4* Amir Jackson - Florida Commit

4* Roger Saleapaga - Orem, Utah

4* Caleb Odom - Alabama Commit

  Reveal hidden contents

Collins isn't enough of a receiving threat so look for Auburn to move on from him soon. Also, we expect almost our entire TE group to return next year. That makes this spot not nearly as pressing as it could have been.

Fox, I think, is an easy flip target for Auburn if they really want him.

Amir Jackson is one to watch. He is TE1 in this class if you ask me. Just depends if Auburn wants to wait and try to make that happen or just take a more sure thing in Fox.

I don't see Saleapaga or Odom being viable targets at this point in time.

Offensive Line (5 HS/TP/JC)

4* DeAndre Carter - Committed to Auburn on August 3rd, 2023

3* Favour Edwin - McDonough, GA

4* Coen Echols - Currently Committed to Texas A&M

NR JuCo Seth Wilfred - Snow College

NR JuCo Jayven Richardson - Hutchinson, KA

  Reveal hidden contents

I think we land Carter, Edwin, Echols, and two JuCo options. If we can do that we might afford ourselves the ability to be more picky in the portal. Honestly, Echols is a guy that some have put on the same level as Lew in terms of preparedness for college. Carter is solid just needs to transform his body a bit.

The staff views Edwin higher than his ranking.

Richardson is being pursued by some major teams. Wilfred not so much but our staff likes him. I think we're looking at these guys since they provide more years of eligibility.

Defensive Line (4-5 HS)

4* TJ Lindsey - Committed to Auburn on August 12th, 2023

3* Malik Blocton - Committed to Auburn on July 8th, 2023

3* Dimitry Nicolas - Committed to Auburn on August 25th, 2023

4* Jeremiah Beaman - Alabama Commit

5* LJ McCray - Florida Commit

  Reveal hidden contents

I think Auburn finishes with four here not five. The goal is one of Beaman or McCray and man both are huge fish to land. Conventional wisdom said we had a better shot with Beaman but we've never gotten to where we are actually confident. There is a huge surge right now with McCray who staff actually views as one of the best defenders in this class regardless of position.

Linebackers (4 HS)

5* Demarcus Riddick - Auburn Commit

4* Joseph Phillips - Auburn Commit

3* D'Angelo Barber - Auburn Commit

4* Jamonta Waller - Auburn Commit

Cornerbacks (2 HS)

4* Jalyn Crawford - Auburn Commit

4* Jalewis Solomon - South Carolina Commit

  Reveal hidden contents

Our young guys at this position have played well. Losing DJ will stink but we like Crawford. The Solomon saga is honestly such a weird and crazy situation. He is one that I would be concerned is a transfer risk based on his waffling so far. I don't hate the idea of entertaining a transfer or JuCo product here if there is one good enough.

Safeties (4-5)

4* A'Mon Lane - Auburn Commit

4* Kensley Faustin - Auburn Commit

3* Kaleb Harris - Auburn Commit

3* JuCO Laquan Robinson - Auburn Commit

  Hide contents

I think Laquan can start right away. After that I'm not sure about the rest of the class. Safety is going to be an interesting position for Auburn next year depending on how things pan out.

 

Thank you for the update. I was literally thinking that I wish you'd do something like this when I saw it here posted only 2 hours ago. Just one question: would you add KJ Bolden back to this list for Safety if he makes the trip for the Iron Bowl? 

Edited November 16, 2023 by HAPvsOA

[alabastertiger 613]

I'm just waiting for someone to ask for the long snapper list.

[HAPvsOA 287]

1 minute ago, alabastertiger said:

I'm just waiting for someone to ask for the long snapper list.

Harsin took 4 last year because we wanted to leave that room stacked.

[DAG 33,995]

Cam Coleman and Ryan Williams please…

[Tigerfinz 1,362]

12 minutes ago, DAG said:

Cam Coleman and Ryan Williams please…

Funny how it always seems like an either/or situation with the recruiting talking heads ...I say we get both. A Hughe coup in the making.  The Fab 5 receiving corp!!  😁

[Gowebb11 9,332]

4 hours ago, alabastertiger said:

I'm just waiting for someone to ask for the long snapper list.

I think they’re listed with the Offensive Tackle group. 😅

[CR 2,446]

1 hour ago, DAG said:

Cam Coleman and Ryan Williams please…

The ON3 guys think we’re on the upswing for Echols and Coleman. LJ McCray is another one they think is a real possibility. 

[ellitor 33,105]

6 hours ago, HAPvsOA said:

ould you add KJ Bolden back to this list for Safety if he makes the trip for the Iron Bowl? 

@HAPvsOA Not Zeek, but I wouldn't. Gonna take a lot more than an IB visit to flip him. He planned to be at the IB long before he committed & has never waivered from that plan.

[ellitor 33,105]

2 hours ago, Tigerfinz said:

Funny how it always seems like an either/or situation with the recruiting talking heads

@Tigerfinz Not the ones from AU On3 nor Bird on here FWIW.

[ellitor 33,105]

@Zeek I would put Waller in his own Edge catagory since our plan for him is to strictly rush the passer.

[bigbird 60,567]

2 hours ago, ellitor said:

@Zeek I would put Waller in his own Edge catagory since our plan for him is to strictly rush the passer.

I heard someone make a Groves comp as a pass rusher

[AUINSY 2,228]

27 minutes ago, bigbird said:

I heard someone make a Groves comp as a pass rusher

Man I loved Groves. I think that was the first official Auburn jersey I bought was his 54.

[Zeek 16,657]

3 hours ago, ellitor said:

@HAPvsOA Not Zeek, but I wouldn't. Gonna take a lot more than an IB visit to flip him. He planned to be at the IB long before he committed & has never waivered from that plan.

Yeah I think that ship has sailed. 

[Zeek 16,657]

1 hour ago, bigbird said:

I heard someone make a Groves comp as a pass rusher

Interesting comp. Groves is still underrated when people bring up Auburn pass rushers. 

[bigbird 60,567]

5 hours ago, Zeek said:

Interesting comp. Groves is still underrated when people bring up Auburn pass rushers. 

I was blown away when I heard it.  High praise from a great football guy.

[Zeek 16,657]

Has been one of my favorite receiving tight end candidates in this class.

[AuCivilEng1 11,012]

9 hours ago, bigbird said:

I heard someone make a Groves comp as a pass rusher

JLee said he’s pretty much identical to MCloud. But you get him for 4 years. 
 

I’ve seen Dwight Freeney comps too. 😯

[AuCivilEng1 11,012]

14 hours ago, DAG said:

Cam Coleman and Ryan Williams please…

Someone asked the ON3 staff if it’s either or and they said, “every team has to have 10 WR, so there isn’t a reason to think this staff won’t take both if they can”. From Coleman and Williams perspective, it’s not like Bama, Georgia, and FSU don’t have crowded rooms already. 
 

I think we get them both! 
 

At some point we are going to see an offense with , Jarquez Hunter, Perry Thompson, Cam Coleman, Ryan Williams, and Rivaldo Fairweather on the field at the same time……Jesus…

[AuCivilEng1 11,012]

Possible WR room for Aubs in 2025

Coy Moore

Camden Brown

Cam Coleman

Ryan Williams

Perry Thompson

Caleb Burton

Jay Fair

Javarrius Johnson

Malcom Simmons

Bryce Cain

 

 

[AuCivilEng1 11,012]

8 hours ago, Zeek said:

Interesting comp. Groves is still underrated when people bring up Auburn pass rushers. 

Groves and McClover wasn’t even fair. Brodie Croyle is still having nightmares about those two.

[AUINSY 2,228]

4 minutes ago, AuCivilEng1 said:

Groves and McClover wasn’t even fair. Brodie Croyle is still having nightmares about those two.

Yeah, I always had my eyes locked on 54, and on any given play you knew the opposing QB was in trouble before the play even started. I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since he passed away 😔 RIP Q. Groves
 

 

[DAG 33,995]

1 hour ago, AuCivilEng1 said:

Someone asked the ON3 staff if it’s either or and they said, “every team has to have 10 WR, so there isn’t a reason to think this staff won’t take both if they can”. From Coleman and Williams perspective, it’s not like Bama, Georgia, and FSU don’t have crowded rooms already. 
 

I think we get them both! 
 

At some point we are going to see an offense with , Jarquez Hunter, Perry Thompson, Cam Coleman, Ryan Williams, and Rivaldo Fairweather on the field at the same time……Jesus…

If we get both , oh boy. Don’t waste money on a QB. Put that money to o linemen. 

[augolf1716 21,208]

11 hours ago, bigbird said:

I heard someone make a Groves comp as a pass rusher

My forever man crush 

[autan 737]

Not too sure about JJ in 2025 even with a Covid, a medical, and a redshirt.