RPM rundown: Where Auburn stands with 5 RPM predictions

The transfer portal is all but wrapped up (possibly one spot remaining and grad transfers still to be determined). Now, the entire focus goes back to the high school ranks.

The Auburn football staff has done a great job of staying on top of its top high school targets while scouring the transfer portal.

I have five open RPM predictions logged for five big Auburn targets. We will update each on how I am feeling about those picks as of today.

Three previous predictions for class of 2024 recruits have made their decisions:

Correct: TE – Martavious Collins, 60 percent confidence to AuburnCorrect: DB – A’Mon Lane, 80 percent confidence to AuburnCorrect: RB – J’Marion Burnette, 60 percent confidence to Auburn

Here is a review of where things stand for each of the five predictions.

LB, Joseph Phillips, Tuskegee (Ala.) Booker T. Washington

PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 2/14/23

FEELING: Good

Things have changed in this recruitment several times. Auburn has continuously been seen as the leader, but there is growing chatter that Georgia is a real threat to get him out of state. Auburn, though, continues to like where it stands, and so do I. I don’t feel great as I once did about this prediction, but I have no reason at this time not to pick the Tigers.

LB, Demarcus Riddick, Clanton (Ala.) Chilton County

PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 3/8/23

FEELING: Not good

One thing was somewhat clear when I visited Riddick in February: There was just as good of a chance he ends up at an in-state school as it was to land at Georgia where he’s been committed. At the time, the feeling from Riddick and from many sources who know him, was that Auburn had surged in front. While Riddick is still committed to Georgia, the feel from those sources has shifted to Alabama. Since his last visit to Tuscaloosa, it seems Alabama has the momentum right now. I was told, however, back in February to expect some twists and turns. I think Auburn will battle until the end, but Alabama is in better shape to flip him at this time.

LB, D’Angelo Barber, Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville

PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 3/8/23

FEELING: Great

It’s safe to say that Auburn has been the front-runner for Barber for some time now. Arkansas and Travis Williams have made this interesting, though. Still, at last check with Barber and with sources near him, the Tigers are going to be tough to beat. He could have a decision in the very near future.

OT, Reese Baker, Huntsville (Ala.) Madison Academy

PICK: Auburn – 65% confidence, 5/2/23

FEELING: Great

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 he was ready to make a move. I think Auburn is the clear front runner and could add Baker to the class when the time is right. I also think Auburn will do so before too long.

DL, Malik Blocton, Montgomery (Ala.) Pike Road

PICK: Auburn – 65% confidence, 5/24/23

FEELING: Good

I logged a prediction for Blocton to Auburn Wednesday morning. There is not a hurry to add Blocton to the class, but I think with certain circumstances, and with what it would mean to Blocton, he will land in the class. Auburn likes him and recently went by his school to check in with him.

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