Defensively Auburn fielded one of the youngest defensive squads in the nation, and it showed on the field as they were ranked 80^th in the nation on total defense.  However, the good news is that Auburn only had two seniors on the two-deep depth chart.  LB Eltoro Freeman is one of two seniors graduating, and he was second on the team in tackles for loss.  The other loss comes in the defensive backfield with the loss of Neiko Thorpe.  Thorpe was second on the team in tackles with 102, and he led the team with three interceptions.  Even though it is only two losses, Freeman and Thorpe are definitely big losses.

Needs Met: Auburn started off National Signing Day slow, but they ended the day with a quality class that meets their needs.  Let’s not forget that awesome 2011 recruiting class that this class will only add to.  Just like last year, Auburn signed another outstanding offensive line class in 2012.  This year Auburn signed six offensive linemen, and OT Avery Young headlines this group.  Young was a signing day commitment, and he was a big pull out of Florida territory.  Patrick Miller and Shane Callahan are both guys that can come and add depth right away.  Auburn signed two QB’s in Jonathan Wallace and Zeke Pike.  I think Pike has all the athletic ability to be a great player, but I don’t think Jonathan Wallace will play QB at Auburn.  Wallace can play just about any skill position on the field, and I would not be surprised to see him play receiver.  Jovon Robinson is a big bruising running back that I think will play next year because of Dyer’s departure.  To round out their offensive class the Tigers signed Darrion Hutcherson and Ricky Parks at TE.  I think both guys will contribute significantly during their time at Auburn.

Defensively, Auburn only signed seven defensive players out of a total of 20 guys in this recruiting class.  Up front the Tigers only signed a DE and a DT, and DT Tyler Nero is a great player.  Nero is not only an outstanding in-state player, but they kept him from following his father (Norman Nero) to Arkansas.  Auburn signed two quality linebackers in Cassanova McKinzy and Javiere Mitchell.  Both Mitchell and McKinzy will contribute in some fashion next year.  The Tigers spent three scholarships on defensive backs, and CB Joshua Holsey leads this group because of the speed he brings to the table.  Look for Holsey to push for playing time simply because it is hard to keep speed off the field.

Biggest Get: Avery Young.  Young hails from Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Butch Davis said during the ESPN broadcast that players from that school always go to Florida.  Well, this year Auburn convinced Young to head north.

Biggest Miss: T.J. Yeldon.  Yeldon was one of the top running backs in the nation, and he initially committed to Auburn.  In December, Yeldon flipped and committed to Alabama.  Yeldon is a big time talent and could have gone a long way in helping to replace Dyer’s production.

Final Evaluation: Gene Chizik and his coaching staff have established themselves as excellent recruiters, and combining this class with last year’s class, Auburn has a great future ahead.

Final Grade:  A-

Other 2012 Signing Report Cards:

• Alabama Crimson Tide: A+
• Florida Gators: A+
• Georgia Bulldogs: A
• Kentucky Wildcats: C
• Missouri Tigers: C+
• Ole Miss Rebels: C