Auburn Football Recruiting Hot Board: Defense

Auburn has five commitments in its 2024 recruiting class with two projected to play on defense.

Needless to say, 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.11/2465%65%William Echoles (3)Houston, Miss.–45%45%TJ Lindsey (3)Bryant, Ark./IMG6/235%35%Marcus Downs (3)Taylor, S.C.–35%35%LJ McCray (4)Daytona Beach, Fla.6/1230%30%Kamarion Franklin (4)Lake Cormorant, Miss.–25%25%Michael Boireau (3)Fairburn, Ga.–20%20%

Blocton will announce his decision July 8. He’ll choose Auburn, Florida or Texas. He’s scheduled to be back on campus on Wednesday. The Tigers should be in good position for the in-state d-linemen. Franklin visited on Friday and likely will return, but there are several heavy hitters involved as well.

Outside linebackers – Jack (2)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJoseph Phillips (4)Tuskegee, Ala.–55%55%Jamonta Waller (4)Picayune, Miss.6/245%45%Christopher Jackson (4)Tucker, Ga.–25%25%Jordan Ross (4)Vestavia, Ala.–15%15%

A lot of buzz right now with Phillips and Georgia after an official visit to Athens last week. He did, however, visit Auburn on Thursday, which might have helped calm the waters. We’ll see. Waller was on campus last weekend and the Tigers appear to be a legit option for him.

Inside linebackers (3-4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentD’Angelo Barber (3)Pinson, Ala.–65%65%Wyatt Simmons (NR)Searcy, Ark.6/155%55%Bradley Shaw (4)Hoover, Ala.–50%50%Sterling Dixon (4)Mobile, Ala.–40%Bama/40%Demarcus Riddick (4)Clanton, Ala.–20%UGA/20%

Barber on Thursday named Auburn his leader. Simmons could be one to watch after visiting last weekend and again on Wednesday. Family relationship with Josh Aldridge could be big for the Tigers. Riddick visited over the weekend, but Georgia and Alabama likely will be tough to beat.

Cornerbacks (2-3)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJayden Lewis (4)Anniston, Ala.6/12AUAUJalyn Crawford (4)Lilburn, Ga.6/955%55%Antonio White (3)Lilburn, Ga.–50%30%

Auburn has a commitment from Lewis and could be the team to beat for Crawford, who visited this weekend. White could be one to watch later in the cycle, but I don’t see Auburn pushing hard for him right now.

Safeties/nickels (4-5)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentA’Mon Lane (4)Moody, Ala.–AUAURed Morgan (3)Phenix City, Ala.6/1260%60%Kensley Faustin (4)Naples, Fla.6/950%50%KJ Bolden (5)Buford, Ga.10/635%35%Khmori House (3)Bellflower, Calif.–35%35%Jalewis Solomon (4)Ellaville, Ga.–30%30%Jaylen Mbakwe (5)Pinson, Ala.6/215%Bama/20%Jaylen Heyward (4)Rockledge, Fla.–20%UGA/20%Zaquan Patterson (4)Miami Gardens, Fla.–20%15%Terry Bussey (4)Timpson, Texas–20%15%Zion Ferguson (4)Gainesville, Ga.–15%LSU/15%Ricardo Jones (4)Warner Robins, Ga.–25%15%Christian Peterson (4)Atlanta, Ga.–50%15%

Auburn has a commitment from Lane, a nickel, and appears to be in great shape with Morgan, who will visit June 12. Faustin was on campus this weekend and Auburn made a big move. He’ll be one to track closely moving forward.

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