RPM Rundown: Where Auburn stands with 6 RPM 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.
Big Cat Weekend has come and gone, the 2023 football season is quickly approaching and Auburn recruiting is on fire.
Can the Tigers keep the ball rolling, though? They have to.
I have six open RPM predictions logged for big Auburn targets. 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)CORRECT (RPM – 3/8/23): LB – Demarcus Riddick, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 7/26/23)CORRECT (RPM – 7/27/23): WR – Malcolm Simmons, 65 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: 7/29/23)CORRECT (RPM – 7/28/23): WR – Perry Thompson, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: July 29)CORRECT (RPM – 7/27/23): DL – TJ Lindsey, 60 percent confidence to Auburn (Committed: Aug. 12)
OT, Reese Baker, Huntsville (Ala.) Madison Academy
PICK: Auburn – 65% confidence, 5/2/23
FEELING: Not 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: Confidence that Baker ends up in Auburn’s class continues to drop. His name has come up less and less. As of right now, I am not projecting him in the Tigers’ class. He will more than likely hold out for a while to see what other offers may come in. Until then, my pick will remain on Auburn until I find another school to change my pick to.
RB, Alvin Henderson, Elba (Ala.)
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 6/12/23
FEELING: Very 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 the Tigers were gaining some momentum. Florida State, Oregon, and Georgia seem to be the biggest threats, but the Tigers have the momentum right now.
NEW: In this update, I am still feeling very good on my Henderson pick. I have not gotten much new information on him, but he is still trending toward Auburn, it seems. A decision could happen during the upcoming season. The sooner the better for Auburn as the competition will pick up for him. Is it possible this decision happens early in the upcoming season? Yes.
DL, Dimitry Nicolas, Opa Locka (Fla.) Monsignor Pace
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 7/30/23
FEELING: Neutral
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Nicolas was offered by the Tigers by the previous Auburn staff. He has since seen his recruitment by Auburn pick up again. Based on the numbers, the other suitors in his recruitment, and Auburn’s revamped interest. It seems like the Tigers would be tough to beat here if it pushes.
NEW: As of right now, it is cloudy on whether or not Nicolas will be in this class. Numbers are filling up and Auburn is on the verge of possibly adding another defensive lineman to pair with TJ Lindsey and Malik Blocton. Does Auburn want to save some spots for big fish at other positions? Maybe.
OL, DeAndre Carter, Santa Ana (Cali.) Mater Dei
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 7/30/23
FEELING: Great
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Carter’s official visit to Auburn in June came somewhat out of the blue. It was interesting that the Tigers had been working somewhat behind the scenes to bring the big California offensive lineman in for a visit. That visit went so well, Carter had to come back for Big Cat Weekend in July. That was pretty telling.
NEW: It now sounds more likely that Carter will have his commitment announcement in early September. We have no reason to think Auburn is not the choice for now. The delay is, however, always a cause for concern in today’s world of college football recruiting. Other sources still feel that the Tigers are the team to beat and there is a pretty good lead. As of Thursday, that lead is holding steady according to our intel.
LB, Jakaleb Faulk, Highland Home (Ala.)
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 7/31/23
FEELING: Great
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Faulk, of course, is the younger brother of Tigers’ edge Keldric Faulk. That will not play the biggest factor in his recruitment according to the younger Faulk. Still, Auburn is close, it is familiar, and the family loves it. Also, Aldridge has made Faulk a priority.
NEW: Faulk has now doubled down on his commitment date. He will make his commitment decision on Monday Aug. 21. As of right now, I feel as good about my Auburn pick as I have the entire time. I’m changing the feeling from good to great in this update.
DL, Kamarion Franklin, Lake Cormorant (Miss.)
PICK: Auburn – 60% confidence, 8/9/23
FEELING: Good
WHY THE PICK WAS MADE: Tennessee, Miami, and Ole Miss have all felt as though they led for Franklin at one time or another. Auburn has been in this recruitment for a while, however. With a post Big Cat visit, and constant recruitment from Jeremy Garrett and Hugh Freeze, the Tigers have positioned themselves nicely.
NEW: Auburn continues to lead according to our latest intel. Miami has decided not to go away easily. When NIL opportunities all look similar, something has to be the deciding factor. While Franklin has a great relationship with Jason Taylor, Miami Co-defensive coordinator, we are told his relationship with Auburn defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett could be the deciding factor. There is also a strong and growing bond with Tigers’ head coach Hugh Freeze as well. I’m not ready to change this one from good to great, but I feel good about this pick.
BONUS INTEL
I am considering an RPM pick for 2025 4-star quarterback Deuce Knight from Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy. According to our latest intel, things are moving in the right direction with Auburn and Knight. In fact, with him being a quarterback, and Auburn trending, the timeline could move quickly. Auburn is, however, in on a few quarterbacks for the 2025 class.
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