Auburn Football Recruiting Hot Board: Defense

Auburn has 18 commitments in its 2024 recruiting class with 11 projected to play on defense.

There’s still some 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 (4-5)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentMalik Blocton (3)Pike Road, Ala.11/24AUAUTJ Lindsey (4)Bryant, Ark./IMG6/2AUAUDimitry Nicolas (3)Opa Locka, Fla.–AUAUJeremiah Beaman (4)Birmingham, Ala.9/29UA/20%UA/40%Brien Taylor (NR)Blinn, Texas (JUCO)10/2040%40%Jaden Hamlin (NR)Southwest Miss. (JUCO)–35%35%LJ McCray (5)Daytona Beach, Fla.6/1215%25%Kemari Copeland (NR)Iowa Western (JUCO)–25%20%Kamarion Franklin (4)Lake Cormorant, Miss.–OM/15%OM/10%Jaylen Brown (3)Madison, Ala.–MIZ/15%MIZ/10%

Auburn has three commitments along the defensive line, but continues to pursue others. Beaman, Franklin and McCray appear to be the top remaining high school targets. Beaman and McCray were on campus over the weekend and the Tigers made big moves for both. The biggest move, however, might have come with Beaman. He was on an official visit and absolutely is considering a change.

Linebackers (4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentDemarcus Riddick (5)Clanton, Ala.6/9AUAUJoseph Phillips (4)Tuskegee, Ala.9/29AUAUD’Angelo Barber (3)Pinson, Ala.9/29AUAUJamonta Waller (4)Picayune, Miss.–UF/20%UF/40%Bradley Shaw (4)Hoover, Ala.–40%35%Fred Clark (3)Winona, Miss.–MSU/35%MSU/25%Kameryn Fountain (4)Atlanta, Ga.–USC/25%USC/25%

The biggest surprise of the weekend might have been the appearance of Waller, the four-star Florida commitment. He declined an exit interview, but his actions speak louder than any words. And from talking to a source close to his recruitment, the Tigers are absolutely a threat to the Gators here. Things could get even more interesting should he schedule/take an official visit.

Cornerbacks (3)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJayden Lewis (4)Anniston, Ala.6/12AUAUJalyn Crawford (4)Lilburn, Ga.6/9AUAUJalewis Solomon (4)Ellaville, Ga.11/24AUAUAntonio White (3)Lilburn, Ga.–RU/20%RU/25%

With three of Auburn’s top targets committed, the Tigers could be done here. White, however, is one to track should Auburn decide to add another. He was with Crawford at the game on Saturday. Auburn would be tough to beat should it push hard here.

Safeties/nickels (3-4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentA’Mon Lane (4)Moody, Ala.11/24AUAUKensley Faustin (4)Naples, Fla.6/9AUAULaquan Robinson (3)Greenville, Ala. (Holmes CC)11/2475%85%Zaquan Patterson (4)Hollywood, Fla.–UM/20%UM/35%KJ Bolden (5)Buford, Ga.9/29FSU/20%FSU/30%

All three of the top remaining targets were in Auburn on Saturday. Auburn is the overwhelming favorite for Robinson. The Tigers also made big moves for the two five-stars, Bolden and Patterson. I still think Auburn’s best chance of flipping one is with Patterson. He plans to be back for an official visit later this fall. Still, don’t count out the Tigers with Bolden. He genuinely has strong interest in Auburn.

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