Auburn Football Recruiting Hot Board: Defense

Auburn has 15 commitments in its 2024 recruiting class with nine 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./IMG6/260%80%Kamarion Franklin (4)Lake Cormorant, Miss.9/155%60%Dimitry Nicolas (3)Opa Locka, Fla.–60%60%LJ McCray (4)Daytona Beach, Fla.6/1215%10%

Lindsey is set to announce his commitment on Saturday and Auburn appears to be the overwhelming favorite. He would be a big addition for Auburn and first-year d-line coach Jeremy Garrett. The Tigers also are making big moves for Franklin. Auburn Live’s Cole Pinkston on Wednesday logged a prediction for Franklin -> Auburn. I haven’t heard any reason to doubt it. Nothing new with Nicolas. Auburn continues to be the team to beat, but it remains to be seen if/when the Tigers will push for a commitment. I think at this point it’s more likely than not, though.

Linebackers (4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentDemarcus Riddick (5)Clanton, Ala.6/9AUAUJoseph Phillips (4)Tuskegee, Ala.–AUAUD’Angelo Barber (3)Pinson, Ala.–AUAUBradley Shaw (4)Hoover, Ala.–55%55%Wyatt Simmons (3)Searcy, Ark.6/125%25%

Auburn has commitments from Riddick, Phillips and Barber and is looking for one more. Shaw appears to be the top remaining target and was on campus for Big Cat. The Tigers seem to be in a good spot with him, maybe even the team to beat.

Cornerbacks (3)

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

Solomon’s commitment to Auburn on Saturday was a huge win for Hugh Freeze and the Tigers. Auburn now has three four-star cornerbacks committed and could be done here.

Safeties/nickels (3-4)

Name (star rating)HometownOVPreviousCurrentA’Mon Lane (4)Moody, Ala.–AUAUKensley Faustin (4)Naples, Fla.6/9AUAUZaquan Patterson (4)Miami Gardens, Fla.–50%50%KJ Bolden (5)Buford, Ga.10/65%FSU/5%

Auburn has commitments from Lane and Faustin and is looking for at least one more in this group. With Bolden committed to Florida State, Patterson is now the one to keep a close eye on. He plans to announce a commitment on Aug. 22 or Aug. 23. Hometown Miami is the favorite, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), but look out for Auburn here.

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