RPM Rundown: Where Auburn stands with 5 RPM predictions
The Auburn football staff had a hot start to June with impressive official visitors, commitments, and several talented prospects on campus for camps. With the hot start came a bit of a lull at the end of June.
Big Cat Weekend has come and gone, the 2023 football season is quickly approaching and Auburn recruiting has been on fire.
Can the Tigers keep the ball rolling, though? They have to.
I have five open RPM predictions logged for big Auburn targets. We will update each on how I am feeling about those picks as of today.
These previous predictions for class of 2024 recruits have made their decisions:
Correct (RPM: 3/8/23): TE – Martavious Collins, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed 4/14/23)Correct (RPM: 7/11/22): DB – A’Mon Lane, 80 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 7/30/22)Correct (RPM: 2/9/23): RB – J’Marion Burnette, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 3/24/23)Correct (RPM: 6/11/23): WR – Bryce Cain, 80 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 6/13/23)Correct (RPM – 6/13/23): DB – Kensley Faustin, 80 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 6/13/23)Correct (RPM – 2/14/23): LB – Joseph Phillips, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 6/15/23)Correct (RPM – 6/10/23): OL – Kahlil House, 60 percent confidence to Stanford (Committed to Stanford, only correct due to last minute change of pick from Auburn to Stanford)CORRECT (RPM – 3/8/23): LB – D’Angelo Barber, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 6/4/23) INCORRECT (RPM – 6/3/23): WR – Cam Coleman, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed to Texas A&M)CORRECT (RPM – 5/24/23): DL – Malik Blocton, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 6/8/23)CORRECT (RPM – 6/30/23): CB – Jalyn Crawford, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 7/15/23)CORRECT (RPM – 3/8/23): LB – Demarcus Riddick, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 7/26/23)CORRECT (RPM – 7/27/23): WR – Malcolm Simmons, 65 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 7/29/23)CORRECT (RPM – 7/28/23): WR – Perry Thompson, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: July 29)CORRECT (RPM – 7/27/23): DL – TJ Lindsey, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: Aug. 12)INCORRECT (RPM – 8/9/23) DL – Kamarion Franklin, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed to Ole Miss)
OT, Reese Baker, Huntsville (Ala.) Madison Academy
PICK: Auburn – 65% confidence, 5/2/23
FEELING: Not good
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: I put in a prediction for Baker to land with the Tigers shortly after the offer was announced. He had been on Jake Thornton’s radar for some time and the timing of the offer says that Thornton was ready to make a move for Baker. I think Auburn is the clear front runner and could add Baker to the class when the time is right. However, there is something worth tracking here…
NEW: Confidence that Baker ends up in Auburn’s class continues to drop. His name has come up less and less. As of right now, I am not projecting him in the Tigers’ class. He will more than likely hold out for a while to see what other offers may come in. Until then, my pick will remain on Auburn until I find another school to change my pick to.
RB, Alvin Henderson, Elba (Ala.)
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 6/12/23
FEELING: Great
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Henderson lived at Auburn for almost a full week during June. He was in town for a basketball camp, but during his down time, was with Auburn coaches. Even before this, it seemed the Tigers were gaining some momentum. Florida State, Oregon, and Georgia seem to be the biggest threats, but the Tigers have the momentum right now.
NEW: In this update, I have changed the feel from very good to great. I have recently talked to a few sources that believe Auburn is the leader and there is a gap. For that reason, I am feeling great about this pick as of Sunday night. He could have a decision early in the football season, which is quickly approaching.
DL, Dimitry Nicolas, Opa Locka (Fla.) Monsignor Pace
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 7/30/23
FEELING: Neutral
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Nicolas was offered by the Tigers by the previous Auburn staff. He has since seen his recruitment by Auburn pick up again. Based on the numbers, the other suitors in his recruitment, and Auburn’s revamped interest. It seems like the Tigers would be tough to beat here if it pushes.
NEW: This one was trending away from Auburn, but now things have shifted again. Auburn was not able to land 4-star defensive lineman Kamarion Franklin, so there could be some more attention back on Nicolas, who coaches have a high opinion of after his Big Cat visit. Look for Auburn to jump back in with him. The feeling remains at “neutral” as it is not clear what Auburn may do here.
OL, DeAndre Carter, Santa Ana (Cali.) Mater Dei
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 7/30/23
FEELING: Great
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Carter’s official visit to Auburn in June came somewhat out of the blue. It was interesting that the Tigers had been working somewhat behind the scenes to bring the big California offensive lineman in for a visit. That visit went so well, Carter had to come back for Big Cat Weekend in July. That was pretty telling.
NEW: Carter has now scheduled his commitment announcement for Sept. 3. The delay was causing concern, but matching the latest intel with a hard date gives us some confidence in our Auburn pick. Other sources still feel that the Tigers are the team to beat and there is a pretty good lead. As of Sunday night, confidence is high for Auburn with Carter.
LB, Jakaleb Faulk, Highland Home (Ala.)
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 7/31/23
FEELING: Great
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Faulk, of course, is the younger brother of Tigers’ edge Keldric Faulk. That will not play the biggest factor in his recruitment according to the younger Faulk. Still, Auburn is close, it is familiar, and the family loves it. Also, Aldridge has made Faulk a priority.
NEW: The younger Faulk will make his decision Monday at 6 p.m. CT. Confidence in our Auburn pick is very high on the night before the announcement. Barring some unforeseen circumstances, it seems Auburn will get a win over Alabama for Faulk. It would be another big statement win as he is wanted by the best in the country.
Bonus
I still love what I am hearing in regards to Auburn and 2025 quarterback Deuce Knight from Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy. There will be more intel on him Monday morning at Auburn Live. I am not ready to make a call on him yet. If there is a 2024 prospect out there that I would be thinking about a prediction for, it might be Favour Edwin, a 3-star offensive tackle from McDonough (Ga.) Eagles Landing Christian. There seem to be many positive trends working for Auburn here. I am not ready to make a call on him either, but I like what I am hearing.
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