Auburn closing strong as National Signing Day nears

Quietly, Auburn is making strides that might turn National Signing Day into something special.

Gus Malzahn and staff have already put in work for the Class of 2016 — as things stand at the moment, AU’s recruiting class resides just outside the national top-10 (11th), which is still only 6th in the SEC (things around here are a little competitive, if you haven’t heard) but very respectable.

But Malzahn ain’t done. Two offensive line prospects — E.J. Price and Prince Sammons — are reportedly back in the mix since AU hired Herb Hand away from Penn State. Auburn also is a favorite to land the Myers brothers — WR Craig and DB Jayvaughn — and has a shot at WR Tre Nixon, as well.

And there’s a big prize: DT Derrick Brown, who is expected to choose between Auburn and Tennessee.

As is normally the case this time of year for many schools, the challenge for Auburn in 2016 is a simple one: Close strong, and have a happy spring.

ASSESSING AUBURN’S 2016 CLASS

Current commits or enrollees: 17

Remaining primary targets: DT Rashan Gary, DT Derrick Brown, ILB Ben Davis, WR Nate Craig-Myers, S Nigel Warrior

National/SEC rank: 11/6

NOTABLE COMMITS