Well, here we are. Back to NSD. Last year was, for the most part, a let down for AU fans. We lost out on Eddie Goldman, Ronald Darby and Justin Shanks to FSU (the Goldman/Shanks deal was a crusher). Avery Young was probably the one recruit that stopped AU fans from complete meltdown on that day.
One year later we're actually, somehow, in a better spot than last year. This, following a 3-9 season where Auburn finished 0-8 in the SEC and had a complete staffing overhaul. Most AU fans will tell you that this is 100% for the better of Auburn and, on top of there being change needed, Auburn actually made substantial upgrades at nearly every coaching position across the board. And somehow upgraded the recruiting prowess by adding 6 assistants who were, at some point, recruiting coordinators at D1 programs.
All of this being said here is how I feel (on Tuesday, Jan. 29th, one week before NSD, and subject to change) that Auburn wraps up the signing class of 2013.
*using 247 composite rankings
QB- Jeremy Johnson 4*
QB- Nick Marshall 3* (JUCO)
RB- Cameron Artis-Payne 3* (JUCO)
RB- Tarean Folston 4*
RB- Johnathan Ford 4*
WR- Jason Smith 4*
WR- Earnest Robinson 4*
WR- Tony Stevens 4*
WR- Dominic Walker 3*
WR- Christian Cumberlander 3* (PREP)
OL- Devonte Danzey 3* (JUCO)
DE- Carl Lawson 5*
DE- Tashawn Bower 4*
DE- Elijah Daniel 4*
DT- Ben Bradley 4* (JUCO)
DT- Toby Johnson 4* ((JUCO)longshot here is Montravius Adams, who would replace Johnson)
LB- Reuben Foster 5*
LB- Cameron Toney 3*
LB- Kenny Flowers 3* (JUCO)
LB- Jonathan Walton 3*
Star- Brandon King 3* (JUCO)
S- Khari Harding 3*
CB- Kamryn Melton 3*
CB- Mackenzie Alexander 5*
ATH- Marcus Davis- 3*
K- Daniel Carlson 3*
P- Jimmy Hutchinson 3*
That would be 27 total commits, 3 of which can count back to the 2012 class with Danzey, Payne and Bradley enrolling early.
Here is the star breakdown:
5*- 3
4*-10
3*- 14
That, my AU friends, is an exceptional class and possibly a top 6-8 finish. Nothing short of amazing. I stuck my neck out on a few of these and it's certainly possible we don't land Alexander, Daniels, Toby Johnson, Adams, or Folston, but I feel very confident on the rest.
War Damn Eagle!
