Auburn Football Recruiting Hot Board: Defense
Auburn has eight commitments in its 2024 recruiting class with four 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 (2-3)
Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentMalik Blocton (3)Pike Road, Ala.11/2485%90%TJ Lindsey (3)Bryant, Ark./IMG6/235%35%Kamarion Franklin (4)Lake Cormorant, Miss.6/2930%30%LJ McCray (4)Daytona Beach, Fla.6/1230%30%Melvin Hills (3)Lafayette, La.––15%
Blocton will announce his commitment on Saturday and I expect him to choose Auburn over Texas. It would be a much-needed win for Auburn. The Tigers are very much in the mix for Lindsey, Franklin and McCray, but I don’t see them as the leader for any of the three at this time. Franklin is the top target. He confirmed to Auburn Live that he’ll return to the Plains June 26 for an overnight visit and again in September for an official visit. Hills is a new addition. He included Auburn in his top five and will announce a decision soon. However, I don’t think the Tigers are pushing hard for him and expect him to choose to go elsewhere.
Outside linebackers – Jack (1-2)
Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJoseph Phillips (4)Tuskegee, Ala.–AUAUJamonta Waller (4)Picayune, Miss.6/215%UF/15%Jordan Ross (4)Vestavia, Ala.–15%15%
Waller continues to be the top remaining target. He’s committed to Florida, but Auburn will continue to recruit. The Tigers also are working to get Ross back on campus, but he appears headed out of state.
Inside linebackers (3)
Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentD’Angelo Barber (3)Pinson, Ala.–90%AUWyatt Simmons (3)Searcy, Ark.6/155%55%Demarcus Riddick (4)Clanton, Ala.6/950%UGA/50%Bradley Shaw (4)Hoover, Ala.–55%50%
Auburn on Tuesday added a commitment from Barber, the first piece of the linebacker puzzle. Now all eyes are on Riddick, the Georgia commitment who will announce a “final decision” on July 26. Simmons and his father have personal relationships with both Josh Aldridge and Hugh Freeze. The Tigers appear to be in a good spot for him. According to intel from Auburn Live’s Cole Pinkston, Auburn would like to add Riddick and one of Simmons and Shaw. Not both.
Cornerbacks (3)
Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentJayden Lewis (4)Anniston, Ala.6/12AUAUJalyn Crawford (4)Lilburn, Ga.6/980%80%Jalewis Solomon (4)Ellaville, Ga.–40%45%
I like where Auburn stands with Crawford. He will have a commitment in the next week or two and it could be and likely will be good news for the Tigers. Auburn is pushing hard for Solomon, too. He visited in late June and confirmed he will return in late July for Big Cat. He will announce his decision on Aug. 5.
Safeties/nickels (4)
Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentA’Mon Lane (4)Moody, Ala.–AUAUKensley Faustin (4)Naples, Fla.6/9AUAUZaquan Patterson (4)Miami Gardens, Fla.–40%40%KJ Bolden (5)Buford, Ga.10/635%35%Jaylen Heyward (4)Rockledge, Fla.–20%UGA/35%Red Morgan (3)Phenix City, Ala.–15%10%Jaylen Mbakwe (5)Pinson, Ala.6/215%Bama/10%
The Tigers would like to add at least two more here and the top two targets are Bolden, Patterson and Heyward. All three are expected to be at Big Cat.
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