Gus Malzahn loves JUCO transfers.

The second-year Auburn coach again landed three touted JUCO prospects on Wednesday, bolstering a solid class. The Tigers slid into the top 10, according to 247Sports’ rankings.

Defense was the issue in 2014 for Auburn, and with new coordinator Will Muschamp at the helm, the talent level figures to receive a significant boost. He and Malzahn have teamed up to form a scary combination, but will recruits respond?

Early indications are yes they will, as Auburn is situated to haul in another consensus top 10 class.

OFFENSE: A (11 total commits)

Auburn’s new stock of offensive talent is highlighted by JUCO transfers Jovon Robinson, the nation’s top running back, and Jason Smith, the top athlete in the 2015 class. Smith said he expects to compete with expected starter Jeremy Johnson at the quarterback position, while Smith figures to be in the running to replace departed SEC rushing leader Cameron Artis-Payne. Athlete Kerryon Johnson and tailback D’Anfernee McGriff will add talent to the skill positions.

DEFENSE: B+ (8 total commits)

Defensive tackle Maurice Swain, a JUCO transfer, is a huge pickup for the Tigers and should be able to jump right in under Muschamp and play along the defensive front. Auburn gets a needed boost at linebacker, a position at which production was inconsistent in 2014, with four-star prospects Darrell Williams and Richard McBryde. Expect the competition to be open at all positions under Muschamp this spring, and the Tigers have several prospects that could have an early impact.

RECRUITING NEEDS

Entering the dead period this week, Auburn is in prime position to land another strong class. Muschamp teamed up with Dameyune Craig and potentially Travaris Robinson — should he decide to join Muschamp’s defensive staff — would provide the Tigers three passionate, outstanding recruiters that could prove to a nightmare for the SEC.

Auburn still needs to add some pieces in the front seven and secondary, defensively. A good January push could add to the talent already committed and give Auburn as strong a class as it has had recently.