2025 Auburn Commitments and Evaluations

Tracking Auburn's 2025 recruiting class

Deuce Knight / Brian Smith, On SI

The already impressive 2025 Auburn Tigers recruiting class will add to the fantastic 2024 class. Hugh Freeze and his staff are not wasting time in adding top talent either. That's vital in today's ever-changing recruiting landscape.

Any SEC team that falls behind in recruiting is all but doomed to be in the bottom half of the SEC standings each fall. To that point, there's much to be happy with regarding Auburn's current 2025 commitments.

This running list of Auburn commitments breaks down their film in addition to each prospect's high school, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and more. 

Bookmark this page to gain easy access to the 2025 Auburn recruiting class as it continuously unfolds! Here’s the breakdown, by position, for the Tigers’ recruiting efforts.

Total Commitments: 25

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Quarterback: 1

Deuce Knight / Brian Smith, On SI

Deuce Knight, 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Lucedale (Miss.) George County - Signed

Committed October 2, 2024

One of the nation's most explosive athletes, Deuce Knight's playing style fits well with Hugh Freeze's offensive philosophy. He is tremendous at throwing a rainbow deep downfield or zipping a pass into a tight window. Knight's passing abilities will help change the Auburn offense.

A traditional over-the-top throwing motion is Knight's signature. Watching Knight’s throw a football makes it easy to see why many college football programs want him. He's also adept at making throws that include improvision.

He drops his arm down to throw sidearm when needing to pass around a defender. That is when Knight is often most exciting. Even changing his arm motion, Knight will avoid an oncoming rusher and immediately deliver a strike to a wide receiver. A one-time Notre Dame commitment, Knight’s knowledge of playing quarterback is on the rise.

He’s been working with QB Country out of Mobile, Ala., a quarterback training facility that Knight raves about. He is still learning the quarterback craft but he loves gaining the knowledge. Knight will learn faster because he loves it so much. There's one other quality that makes Knight unique.

Usually the best athlete on the gridiron, he beats opponents with his strength, speed, quickness, and leaping ability. Teams blitzing Knight are often burned; he's consistently proven to be a dynamic runner

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Running Back: 1

Alvin Henderson / Brian Smith, On SI

Alvin Henderson, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, Elba (Ala.) High School - Signed

Committed June 21, 2024

Alvin Henderson is an Alabama state record breaker and a throwback; a running back who wants to carry the football as often as possible. For the 2024 season, MaxPreps shows Henderson with 113 carries during September alone. He’s been that way since being inserted into the starting lineup as a sophomore.

Rushing for over 3,000 yards and more than 50 touchdowns during the past two seasons, he’s already at 3,124 yards and 55 touchdowns before completing his senior campaign. Henderson is fun to watch when churning out the yards.

A slasher, Henderson changes speeds and directions to elude tacklers. He often plows forward while carrying defenders. No matter how he attempts to make a defender miss, Henderson generally wins the battle.

Look for Henderson to find his way into the Auburn running back rotation as a true freshman. He’s one the best 2025 running back recruits and will come to the Plains ready to contribute.

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Wide Receiver: 3

Derick Smith / Brian Smith, Auburn On SI

Derick Smith, 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Selma (Ala.) Southside - Signed

Committed July 29, 2024

Smith’s list of attributes helps define why he’s so difficult to cover. His vision, hand-eye coordination, suddenness, and speed all help create big plays. Opponents often double-cover him, but his Southside team will still throw jump balls that Smith comes down with. Screens allow Smith to maneuver through the defense, too.

He’s crafty. When he catches a short pass, Smith’s path to gaining yardage can take him in many directions. Stopping and starting, he makes defenders miss before finding a crease and exploding through the hole. There’s another way he makes big plays.

The wildcat formation permits Smith with opportunities to showcase his power. He’s proven to knock over a linebacker like a traditional running back. With so many natural talents, containing Smith will even be hard for SEC defenses.

Erick Smith, 6-foot-6, 190 pounds, Selma (Ala.) Southside - Signed

Committed November 13, 2024

The twin brother of Derick Smith, the long-limbed brother is a completely different type of player. His size provides a tremendous advantage. The Southside coaching staff sends him deep quite often and it's fruitful even against double teams. Most often, Smith utilizes his length to help take the football away from defensive backs.

Smith has a distinctive quality for using a hard cut to make a defender miss in space or to lose his opponent during the route before catching the football. At 6-foot-6, he’s more versatile than many other prospects.

The key to Smith’s long-term development stems from gaining strength. Judging by his current frame, Smith could reach 220 pounds before leaving Auburn. As long as Smith continues to hone his craft there’s no doubting his upside.

Sam Turner, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Decatur (Ga.) Southwest DeKalb - Signed

Committed October 10, 2024

Speed to run by defensive backs and catch deep passes should be considered the top attribute for Turner. Immediately after the snap of the football, he takes off and soon thereafter hits top gear.

While not completely filled out yet, Turner’s frame also allows him to out-muscle many defensive backs. He’s good during those 50-50 ball situations. When teams attempt to take Turner away with a double team, he’s adept at working off rub routes and catching screens. After the catch, he’s just as elusive as he is fast.

As he gains more knowledge of how to maximize his route running, this receiver’s production will only increase. Turner has the potential to be a game-changer for the Tigers.

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Tight End: 2

Hollis Davidson / Brian Smith, On SI

Hollis Davidson, 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, Peachtree City (Ga.) McIntosh - Signed

Committed July 4, 2024

Davidson is a modern tight end most comfortable playing the slot or out wide. His athleticism makes him a difficult matchup for defensive backs because of height and weight, while speed and athleticism give linebackers fits.

The way Davidson catches the football reminds a person of a receiver, too. He attacks the football instead of just waiting for it to come to him. His aggressive mentality enables more receptions and big plays.

Like his hands, Davidson’s quick feet resemble a receiver more than a traditional tight end. McIntosh often throws screen passes to Davidson because he creates missed tackles. With Auburn losing multiple tight ends after this season, Davidson could break into the rotation next fall.

Ryan Ghea / Brian Smith, On SI

Ryan Ghea, 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Milton (Ga.) High School - Signe

Committed Nov. 12, 2023

Ghea shows power when blocking as an inline tight end or flexed to the perimeter. He engulfs smaller defensive backs and shows good footwork with outside linebackers and defensive ends to set the edge. He will fit into Freeze's system that utilizes tight ends and H-backs in a multitude of ways similar to what Ghea is accustomed to at Milton High School. He's a capable receiver as well.

Ghea catches the football away from his body and possesses the length to gain advantages over smaller defensive backs within the red zone and when in one-on-one situations. Also, note that Ghea's straight-line speed is a weapon. After catching a short pass, he quickly gains momentum and eats up yardage. 

Lastly, he's clever about how and when to release from a block to help set up a tight end screen. This is a savvy football player and one that can help the Tigers in many ways.

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Offensive Line: 4

Tai Buster, 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, Kannapolis (N.C.) A.L. Brown - Signed

Committed March 22, 2024

An explosive athlete, Buster's future with the Tigers lies along the interior of the offensive line. He does play left tackle for A.L. Brown which helps to see him better during pass protection. Buster's quickness is accentuated whenever he's called upon to keep the quarterback upright. He still possesses a trait that fits the interior better.

Buster's ability to quickly engage the defensive lineman he's assigned to block allows him to overwhelm his opponent. While staying low, a powerful lower body will help move the defender away from the line of scrimmage. Here's one more note about Buster.

He's adept at blocking at the second level. Coming off combination block, Buster finds linebackers quickly to seal off a running lane for his running back. He's been well coached.

Kail Ellis, 6-foot-4, 295 pounds, Canton (Ga.) Cass - Signed

Kail Ellis / Brian Smith, On SI

Committed November 30, 2023

Ellis is a rare prospect center and guard recruit. Most prospects enrolling a year early push the school they will play for to gain that chance. According to Ellis, his transition to the class of 2025 instead of staying in the class of 2026 comes from an offer the Auburn coaches provided him.

It’s hard to blame Auburn’s coaches. Watching Ellis play, he shows quick feet, a powerful punch, pulls well, and he stays low in his base. Those qualities are not typical for a prep player, let alone one moving up a class. 

He’s likely to back up Connor Lew until he leaves. Ellis will also practice at guard and could start there at some point during his Tiger career.

Broderick Shull, 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, Bixby (Okla.) High School - Signed

Committed June 7, 2024

Shull is advanced with his blocking technique. Most prep offensive linemen win reps with size, power, and athleticism. While Shull possesses each of those talents, he’s also well-schooled with pass protection footwork, drive blocking, and screen game.

When adding into the equation his natural size and length, the bigger question is not if Shull can play early for Auburn, but at which position would he be best suited to make an impact? The Tigers need help at offensive tackle so do not be surprised if that’s where Shull begins his Auburn career.

He will benefit from the Auburn weight room before playing in a single game. Keep that in mind. Do not discount Shull playing some as a true freshman. He’s one of the nation’s most skilled offensive line recruits.

Jacobe Ward, 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine Military School - Signed

Committed July 6, 2024

Ward plays tackle for Benedictine and could do so for Auburn if necessary. His best long-term college football position is playing interior offensive line. Ward’s consistent effort, power, and physical build fit there better than at tackle. 

Playing guard in the SEC will also provide him a chance to be a mauler. He’s been a power player during his prep career so it will be a continuation of his high school days. Ward also shows that he’s more than capable of playing well in space.

Whether pulling to lead the running back through the hole or getting out on the edge for a screen, Ward’s athleticism is surprising. He tracks smaller defenders and moves them aside with ease. He has a chance to be a quality SEC starter.

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Defensive End: 1

Jared Smith, 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson - Signed

Committed August 3, 2024

Smith’s frame fits the profile of an SEC player. Long arms help keep offensive linemen away, and his height is a weapon for knocking down passes. Smith proves to be the consummate edge defender and one of the nation's most heavily recruited prospects. Seeing him play live tells the tale.

When needed to do so, Smith also changes directions easily. Do not be fooled by his size 18 shoe. He’s nimble for a big man. The question for this young man comes from attempting to grasp how big Smith will become and where to play him. For now, there is a starting point.

Smith will play on the edge. He could play either the stand-up defensive end position or place his hand in the dirt on the strong side. Either way, he is more than capable of being a difference-maker. If Smith grows to over 270 pounds it’s possible he could grow into a defensive tackle.

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Defensive Tackle: 4

Malik Autry / Eric Starling-Auburn Daily

Malik Autry, 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, Opelika (Ala.) High School - Signed

Committed Feb. 1, 2023

Autry is a naturally imposing figure. His huge arms stand out, and he is powerfully built from his legs to his shoulders. Autry’s best skill would be the ability to explode off the snap of the football, staying low, engulfing the opposing blocker, finding the ball carrier, and then moving laterally along the line of scrimmage to make a play on players who weigh 100 pounds or less than himself. It's impressive just how athletic this young man proves to be.

Additionally, Autry will push his counterpart into the backfield and blow up the play. He uses spin moves and one-arm rip moves to evade blockers as well. Autry also shows consistent effort and that’s not a given with many big-time defensive tackle recruits. This is a player who’s enthusiastic about football and has a chance to be a special college football player.

Antonio Coleman, 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, Saraland (Ala.) High School - Signed

Committed July 27, 2024

Raw power personifies Coleman’s style of play. He will walk an offensive guard back to the quarterback and make the sack. A well-built lower and upper body allow Coleman to overpower players even larger than himself. Playing with leverage is a prime factor for why he makes those plays.

Coleman generally stays low and holds the point of attack even when taking on multiple blockers. His quick hands also keep offensive linemen from gaining an advantage. He’s also light on his feet.

Coleman will chase down a running back from behind. He’s even capable of tackling a shifty running back during a one-on-one tackling situation. Coleman has the size and talent to play early at a position of need for the Tigers.

Jourdin Crawford, 6-foot-1, 320 pounds, Birmingham (Ala.) Parker - Signed

Committed Oct. 16, 2023

Power player; Crawford can two-gap as a zero-technique or 1-technique. Crawford’s athleticism and size are likely going to draw a lot of double teams, even at the SEC level. Still possesses the quickness to chase down ball carriers from behind, and that’s at over 300 pounds. While still refining his technique, Crawford does utilize his hands to keep offensive linemen away from him.

Perhaps his most unique talent would be as an interior pass rusher that teams cannot discount applying pressure to the quarterback. Most nose guards struggle to rush the passer. With Crawford's athleticism and strength, he’s a threat to smack the opposing signal caller.

Darrion Smith, 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances - Signed

Committed Dec. 4, 2024

Smith is a penetrating defensive tackle that plays fast. Over and over, this young man attacks the backfield. He's going against top competition so it's a lot of fun to watch his HUDL film. Whether he's taking a quick lateral step and then goes downhill, or Smith uses his hands to keep offensive linemen away from him, he creates havoc.

Smith will need to add a little bit of weight, but he's so quick and athletic that most offensive linemen will struggle to stay in front of him. He's just scratching the surface of what he can do with a few pass rush moves. In two years, Smith could be Auburn's best interior pass rusher.

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Linebacker: 3

Bryce Deas, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances - Signed

Deas showcases athleticism no matter what he’s doing on the field. Dropping into coverage, playing the run, or attacking the opposing signal-caller, Deas has nimble feet and a fluid running style that’s easily noticed. He’s also a striker.

Deas delivers quite a blow. When preparing to hit a ball carrier, Deas breaks down into a tackling position and springs out of his stance. It will be interesting to see how Deas is first used by the Auburn staff.

He could be a weak side linebacker; that position fits his frame. Deas is also a possible edge rusher during passing situations. As time moves forward, he could grow into a true middle linebacker.

Jakaleb Faulk, 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Highland Home (Ala.) High School - Signed

Committed August 21, 2023

Faulk’s instincts accentuate his athletic gifts. Playing inside linebacker for Highland Home, Faulk times his blitzes to help him bust through the line and make tackles for loss. He’s also impressive with timing his jumps to knock down a pass, and which angle to take to track down a wide receiver during a quick screen.

Another future Tiger with long arms and quick feet, look for him to begin his college career at linebacker. Faulk admits he just wants to play and the specific linebacker position(s) could vary. He’s certainly talented enough to take on extra duties as a nickel linebacker as well. Playing on the line is possible as well.

If Auburn calls on Faulk to rush the passer, he’s built for playing the role. He’s built differently than Keldric Faulk, his older brother at Auburn. Even so, look for the younger Faulk to be an effective pass rusher with his athleticism and long arms being key attributes.

Elijah Melendez, 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola - Signed

Committed September 14, 2024

Melendez’s build will remind a person of a professional boxer; he’s shredded. His frame is highlighted by a barrel chest and powerful upper legs, just as one would expect for a future Auburn middle linebacker.

For today’s SEC football, Melendez has the physical ability to play during obvious passing downs. That’s a prime reason for him being such a highly recruited player. He can run with much smaller defenders and even change directions with them.

Auburn needs linebacker help for the 2025 season. Expect Melendez to come in and compete for playing time because of his size and athleticism. He could play either inside linebacker position.

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Cornerback: 3

Donovan Starr, 6-foot, 170 pounds, Brentwood (Tenn.) Ravenwood - Signed

Committed June 6, 2024

While each of Auburn’s cornerback recruits possesses the necessary traits to play in the SEC, Starr’s combination of speed, quickly coming out of his backpedal, and cornerback technique, might be the best of the bunch.

He’s good at baiting quarterbacks by playing off coverage and jumping a route. He’s a savvy player. Starr also times his leap well to knock away passes at the last moment. 

From a current Auburn player perspective, he’s much like Jalyn Crawford in terms of build and style of play.

Devin Williams, 5-foot-11, 168 pounds, Buford (Ga.) High School - Signed

Committed Feb. 26, 2024

Williams is a tremendous all-around football recruit. His experience as a cornerback, free safety, and wide receiver will allow him a smoother transition to college than many other prospects. The Tigers could also use Williams as a nickel cornerback.

His natural backpedal allows him to stay in front of a wide receiver longer than the majority of cornerback recruits. That point also allows Williams to wait longer before he turns his hips to run, as well as more time to watch the receiver and decide if it's best to jump a route. The bottom line, Williams possesses the natural athleticism necessary to play cornerback. 

Even when he is beaten, his speed and length allow him to catch up to the receiver and knock the football away. Williams' playmaking skills are all over his junior film. He also brings another prime component to Auburn.

Williams will play in the box as a run defender and take on bigger blockers to bring down a receiver after catching a bubble screen. His fearlessness is commendable. Plus, Williams' penchant for delivering the blow allows him to eventually play multiple positions in the secondary. Williams will simply need to learn the playbook to make that happen as his mentality fits multiple roles.

Blake Woodby, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances - Signed

Committed July 27, 2024

A burner, Woodby relishes the challenge of playing man coverage and limiting the opposition’s best receiver. He’s physical, too. Woodby does well in press-man situations. In fact, that’s probably where he’s best.

Even when playing off coverage, Woodby changes directions well to help break up passes. He’s not immune to getting involved in the run game either. There’s another factor that will aid Woodby in transitioning to Auburn.

He’s playing for one of the nation’s most competitive prep programs, so experience against top competition will probably help him move to the SEC level faster than some other recruits.

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Safety: 2

Anquon Fegans, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson - Signed

Committed July 29, 2024

Fegans tracks the football like few other high school safeties do. Further, he provides the speed to get off the hash and beeline for the football. It does not matter if it’s a deep sideline pass, a quick slant, or a screen, Fegans hits the gas and attacks.

He also charges a ball carrier. Fegans might be just about as good against the run as he’s proven to be at intercepting a pass. With his natural skills, look for Auburn to keep him at safety where he can make the most impact. He’s playing cornerback for Thompson this season so Fegans certainly understands being in one-on-one situations if Auburn ever needs him there.

Eric Winters, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Enterprise (Ala.) High School - Signed

Committed June 15, 2024

One could place the distinction for Winters being the best pure football player in this Auburn class. Considering the company he’s in, that’s impressive. Winters has experience at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, safety, cornerback, and even playing near the line of scrimmage to blitz like an outside linebacker.

He’s impressive wherever he’s lined up. Now, where will that be for Auburn? From prior conversations with Winters, the nickel spot is where he’ll start his college career. He has the athleticism and nose for the football to play safety as well. 

Despite being over 200 pounds, Winters’ top-end speed enables him to run with big-time receivers. He is a proven hitter as well.

It will be interesting to see how Auburn uses Winters throughout his time at Auburn. He could be a player lining up at different spots, depending on the opponent.

Punter: 1

John Alan McGuire, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson - Signed

The Tigers gain their third recruit from traditional powerhouse Thompson. McGuire possesses the leg strength to play early.