RPM Rundown: Where Auburn stands with 4 RPM predictions and two potential 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.
Things have slowed, also, as we head into the NCAA recruiting dead period.
Are things about to heat up again?
I have four open RPM predictions logged for big Auburn targets (and thinking about adding another). 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)
Here is a review of where things stand for each of the seven predictions
LB, Demarcus Riddick, Clanton (Ala.) Chilton County
FEELING: Neutral
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: One thing was somewhat clear when I visited Riddick in February: There was a high chance he ends up at an in-state school despite his commitment to Georgia. At the time, the feeling from Riddick and from many sources who know him, was that the Tigers had surged in front. While Riddick is still committed to Georgia, the feel from those sources has been more split between Alabama and Auburn. A source in this recruitment was clear that there would be twists and turns along the way.
NEW: Information has become very difficult to get on this front, understandably. Usually when big time guys get close to a decision, things get quiet. From talking to sources, it seems that the chances of Riddick sticking with Georgia have dropped even lower. The chances of choosing to flip to Alabama are high, but so are the chances of flipping to Auburn. There has been a source that felt as though Auburn would consistently be in this as the rollercoaster recruitment went on. That source feels just as good or better about the Tiger’s chances as of today. I think it is very close to 50/50 between Auburn and Alabama with one of the two having a slight edge. I can’t say for sure if it is Auburn or Alabama. Bottom line: this one has gotten close according to our intel.
A final decision will be made between Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia on July 26, Riddick’s mother’s birthday.
OT, Reese Baker, Huntsville (Ala.) Madison Academy
PICK: Auburn – 65% confidence, 5/2/23
FEELING: 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: Auburn Live has reported a few times that there was probably a rush to get Baker in the class. Why? Auburn sees true value in Baker and wants to get ahead of the game should he have another stellar season as a senior. Baker and his camp seem to want to take things slow and see how it plays out. Now that Baker will be attending Big Cat Weekend, it is becoming more possible that he joins the class sooner than later… Maybe even while at the event. This, of course, is a fluid situation for reasons mentioned above.
RB, Alvin Henderson, Elba (Ala.)
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 6/12/23
FEELING: Good
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 Auburn was gaining some momentum. Florida State, Oregon, and Georgia seem to be the biggest threats, but the Tigers have the momentum right now.
NEW: Henderson is not a confirmed visitor for Big Cat Weekend yet, but there is a good chance he makes it. If he does, he would certainly be one to watch for a commitment. That said, the latest intel suggests he may wait until a later date. There is a chance something could happen during the season. If it happens that soon, the Tigers seem to be sitting in a pretty good spot.
LB, Wyatt Simmons, Searcy (Ark.) Harding Academy
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 6/16/23
FEELING: Great
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Auburn linebackers coach Josh Aldridge’s relationship with Simmons’ dad, Paul Simmons, is key here. Aldridge played for Simmons at Harding University. The Tigers have also made it clear that he is wanted and sooner rather than later. Clemson and Arkansas are also in the mix, but it feels as though the Tigers have the edge.
NEW: At least one other source believes Auburn could be the pick for Simmons. When that decision takes place is still a mystery. It seems that if a commitment came soon, Auburn would be in great shape. If it drags on, Clemson and Arkansas would have time to make significant moves. At this time, there is no reason to change the feeling on the Auburn pick. The Tigers have made him a priority.
Potential RPM picks
— While it has not been made yet, I am contemplating putting in an Auburn prediction for Malcolm Simmons, a 4-star athlete from Alexander City (Ala.) Benjamin Russell. Simmons opened the eyes of several staffers at Auburn when he attended camp. Since then, the Tigers have considered pushing for him. I think Auburn would be the team to beat if that happens. With an upcoming Big Cat Weekend visit, Simmons could be closer to joining the class. Auburn quarterback commit Walker White said this about Simmons: “That will be another main focus is just staying around Malcolm. I know Coach Davis wants him and Coach Freeze. I think he’d be a huge addition to the future Auburn offense. We’re going to try hard to get him.“
— TJ Lindsey, a 4-star defensive lineman from Bryant (Ark.) IMG Academy, has said that the two official visits that stood out were Auburn and Texas. Since then, Auburn Live has learned that this may, in fact, be an Auburn-Texas battle with Miami and Texas A&M running together in a close third. InsideTexas On3 site reported that Auburn could have a slight edge. According to our intel, that sounds likely. A decision could come at any time. Lindsey is somewhat unpredictable about when he might make a final decision, so making a prediction is still in question. Auburn seems to be trending in the right direction, though.
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