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We’re inside of 24 hours until ink hits paper in college football, the most important day of the offseason in the SEC as touted prep seniors sign binding letters of intent. National Signing Day has become a February spectacle we’re all interested in as football fiends, one that breeds anticipation at every major program in the country.
RELATED: Announcement times for the SEC’s top uncommitted prospects
One of two SEC programs looking to benefit the most Wednesday is Auburn, a team two years removed from a national championship game appearance with several uncommitted five-stars in its crosshairs thanks to recent additions on the defensive side of the football.
Coach Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Will Muschamp have done a masterful job in crunch time getting through to Florida natives Martez Ivey, CeCe Jefferson and Byron Cowart and are hoping it pays off this week when the sought-after trio announces on signing day:
Less than 24 hours away from national signing day. Time to finish strong ! War Eagle
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) February 3, 2015
It’s National Signing Day Eve….can’t wait to welcome new members to the Auburn Family tomorrow! There’s nothing like it! War Eagle!
— Rhett Lashlee (@rhettlashlee) February 3, 2015
Currently ranked 13th nationally with a 20-member class featuring top-ranked JUCO ballcarrier Jovon Robinson, the Tigers are reloading on defense, primarily at the linebacker position with four commits and are expected to land Jeffery Holland out of Jacksonville, Fla., on Wednesday.
In addition to the previously mentioned uncommitted five-star targets, Auburn is reportedly close to flipping Georgia five-star commit Terry Godwin — a player who will make an instant impact in the SEC wherever he chooses. South Florida four-star corner Carlton Davis, a former Ohio State commit, took his official to Auburn on Jan. 23, but met with Urban Meyer last week. His crystal ball is currently trending toward the Tigers.
In all, Auburn has 20 targets heading into National Signing Day with eight spots to fill. It should make for an exciting morning on the Plains.
Auburn 2015 recruiting class
- National Rank: 13
- SEC Rank: 6
- No. of Commitments: 20
- No. of Commitments by Rating: 1 five-star, 11 four-stars, 8 three-stars
Top incoming offensive players: Five-star RB Jovon Robinson; Four-star C Kaleb Kim; Four-star ATH Tim Irvin
Top incoming defensive players: Four-star S Jordan Colbert; Four-star LB Darrell Williams; LB Montavious Atkinson
Primary remaining target: Five-star DE Byron Cowart; Five-star DE CeCe Jefferson; Five-star OL Martez Ivey
Best-case scenario: Auburn secures signatures from 2-of-3 top uncommitted five-stars, getting edge rushers Cowart and Jefferson in a package deal on Wednesday.
Verbal commits
- Kerryon Johnson, ATH, Four-star
- Jordan Colbert, S, Four-star
- Darrell Williams, OLB, Four-star
- Richard McBryde, OLB, Four-star
- Marquel Harrell, OG, Four-star
- Kaleb Kim, C, Four-star
- Montavious Atkinson, ILB, Four-star
- Elijah Sullivan, OLB, Four-star
- Jauntavius Johnson, DT, Four-star
- Jalen Harris, TE, Three-star
- Ian Shannon, P, Three-star
- Jeremiah Dinson, CB, Three-star
Current class
- Jovon Robinson, RB, Five-star (early enrollee, signed during JUCO period)
- Tyler Carr, OG, Three-star (early enrollee)
- Jason Smith, ATH, Four-star (early enrollee, signed during JUCO period)
- Tim Irvin, ATH, Four-star (early enrollee)
- Chandler Cox, FB, Three-star (early enrollee)
- Bailey Sharp, OT, Three-star (early enrollee)
- Tyler Queen, QB, Three-star (early enrollee)
- Maurice Swain, DT, Three-star (early enrollee, signed during JUCO period)
Editor’s note: Saturday Down South’s references to recruiting rankings are to 247Sports.com industry composite ranking.
