The top five recruits Auburn needs to have in the 2024 class

These players are who we want to see Auburn get in the 2024 class.

The recruiting cycle for the 2024 class is about to have a surge in effort and players deciding on where to visit and even commit. The spring and summer periods for recruiting are vital as it helps teams to strengthen their relationship with a prospect and rising stars in the camp circuits can pop up and be added to a team's recruiting boards.

These upcoming five recruits will be big targets over these months and Auburn would have an extraordinary class if this wish list were to come true.  

1. J'Marion Burnette, four-star RB:

The cousin of 2025 RB target Alvin Henderson, Burnette would be a wonderful commit not only to add to this class but to help recruit in the next class. Burnette is a star running back out of Andalusia, Alabama. Standing at 6'1 and 210 pounds as an incoming senior is an impressive stature for a running back, and the way he runs is even more impressive.

Gaining over 2,000 rushing yards his sophomore season and having nearly in his junior season shows that Burnette is a productive back who can be a workhorse for your backfield. Burnette runs with strength but his most impressive skill is his speed and his ability to see the holes and shift through the holes in the backfield and accelerate downfield.

2. Martavious Collins, four-star TE:

Collins is listed as an athlete across almost all of the recruiting sites, however, Auburn and many other schools see him as a prototypical SEC tight end. Collins is a Rome, Georgia native who plays for Rome High School. He was formerly committed to Alabama but following a visit to Auburn on Junior Day, he decommitted on February 6, 2023. Collins stands at 6'3 and 241 pounds according to 247 sports.

This size makes him a perfect addition to the Tight End room as the current projected 2024 depth chart has the largest tight ends Tyler Fromm, Brandon Frazier, and Luke Deal leaving. Collins would be an ideal filler for the blocking tight end and also could develop his pass-catching skills.

3. Malik Blocton, three-star DL:

Blocton is the only non-blue chip prospect on this list, however, come signing day I would expect him to have his fourth star. Blocton is an incredibly big player from Pike Road Alabama, standing at 6'3 and 270 pounds he already has the length of an SEC defensive lineman. Marcus Harris, Auburn DL, has a very close connection with Blocton as they are brothers.

Blocton played well in his junior season as he posted a 54-tackle season and had six sacks as well. Assuming he gains weight in a college conditioning program, he could have a similar role as his brother on an SEC defense. Blocton has shown out during camps this winter and could finally see the four-star bump he has been looking for.

4. Cameron Coleman, four-star WR:

Coleman who is a top-20 player in the state of Alabama has been heavily pursued by Auburn, Alabama, and many other top programs. Coleman is listed at a lanky 6'3 175 pounds. Coleman plays for former Auburn QB Pat Nix for Central-Phenix City. He had six touchdowns to go along with his 542 receiving yards this most recent season for the Red Devils.

Coleman will be a tough get as Alabama, Texas, and Georgia have all offered him. The speedy and shifty receiver has the ability to be a deep ball threat and despite his slight frame can make contested catches with ease.

5. Demarcus Riddick, five-star LB/EDGE:

Riddick is an athletic freak who comes from Clanton, Alabama and plays for Chilton County. He is currently a Georgia commit, and though it might be hard to pry him from the jaws of Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann, Auburn still is pursuing this in-state talent. The number two prospect in Alabam stands at 6'2 and about 215 pounds. He mostly plays at the edge linebacker position and he does an incredible job at it. He racked up an insane 109 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and seven sacks during a monster Junior campaign.

Riddick also was a return man on kick coverage and played snaps at running back and wide receiver. He is truly one of the more dynamic athletes in this year's class. He might mostly play the edge but his ball skills are impressive as he managed to have four pass deflections and three interceptions. Riddick would be a game changer for not only the 2024 class but it would solidify Hugh Freeze and the defensive recruiting staff as a unit that is capable of bringing in top talent. 

The early signing period is ten months away, but Auburn will look to get guys committed early and often. The recruiting staff will be hands on deck for the remainder of the year and if they can get 3/5 of these prospects the class would be a welcome surprise under a new head coach.

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