Auburn Football Recruiting Hot Board: Defense

Auburn has 12 commitments in its 2024 recruiting class with eight projected to play on defense.

There’s still plenty of work to be done before the early signing period begins in December. There’s also plenty of time.

RELATED: Auburn’s 2024 commitment list

What is left for Auburn on defense in the 2024 class? Who are the top recruits at each position and what are Auburn’s chances with each?

The Hot Board has the answers.

Below are the recruits I believe are the top targets at each position and my guesses at Auburn’s chances of signing them. Keep in mind, the percentages are Auburn’s chances against the field.

Defensive line (3-4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentMalik Blocton (3)Pike Road, Ala.11/24AUAUTJ Lindsey (4)Bryant, Ark./IMG6/255%60%Dimitry Nicolas (3)Opa Locka, Fla.–55%55%Kamarion Franklin (4)Lake Cormorant, Miss.6/2935%35%LJ McCray (4)Daytona Beach, Fla.6/1220%20%Melvin Hills (3)Lafayette, La.–10%10%

I liked Auburn’s chances with Lindsey last week, and I like them even more now that Cole Pinkston has logged a prediction for him to choose Auburn. I also think Auburn is in a very good spot for Nicolas entering Big Cat, which he plans to attend. I’ll be curious to see what he has to say after the visit. Franklin was unable to visit Auburn this week, but I don’t think it’s detrimental. He plans to be back in September. Miami and Tennessee appear to be the Tigers’ biggest competition.

Outside linebackers – Jack (1)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJoseph Phillips (4)Tuskegee, Ala.–AUAUJamonta Waller (4)Picayune, Miss.6/215%UF/10%Jordan Ross (4)Vestavia, Ala.–15%10%

Auburn has a commitment from Phillips and could be done here.

Inside linebackers (3)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentDemarcus Riddick (5)Clanton, Ala.6/955%AUD’Angelo Barber (3)Pinson, Ala.–AUAUBradley Shaw (4)Hoover, Ala.–50%55%Wyatt Simmons (3)Searcy, Ark.6/155%35%

Auburn on Wednesday stole another linebacker from Georgia. First, it was four-star Joe Phillips and then five-star Demarcus Riddick. Auburn now has Phillips, Riddick and Barber committed and is looking for one more. With Shaw coming to town for Big Cat, he could be the most likely.

Cornerbacks (3)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJayden Lewis (4)Anniston, Ala.6/12AUAUJalyn Crawford (4)Lilburn, Ga.6/9AUAUJalewis Solomon (4)Ellaville, Ga.–50%50%

Solomon is now the main guy here to keep an eye on. He’s visiting South Carolina on Friday and Auburn on Saturday. An announcement is set for Aug. 5. It’s a tough call right now between the Gamecocks and Tigers. Florida State is still in it, but it likely will be more of an Auburn-South Carolina battle.

Safeties/nickels (4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentA’Mon Lane (4)Moody, Ala.–AUAUKensley Faustin (4)Naples, Fla.6/9AUAUKJ Bolden (5)Buford, Ga.10/635%45%Zaquan Patterson (4)Miami Gardens, Fla.–45%45%Jaylen Heyward (4)Rockledge, Fla.–35%35%

Georgia, Ohio State and Florida State have been the presumed leaders for Bolden, but look out for Auburn here. The Tigers are trying to make a last-minute surge. He’ll be on campus Saturday, which is one week out from his decision. Could Auburn pull another shocker? Absolutely.

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