Auburn Recruiting: National Signing Day Projections Update

Arden Key

• Position: Defensive End
• Height: 6-foot-5
• Weight: 230 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 103 247Sports Composite, No. 33 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 5 247Sports Composite

In early January, four-star defensive end Arden Key de-committed from South Carolina, though at the time he said he still considered the Gamecocks to be his top choice. (Odd to formally de-commit but say a team is still your leader, yes, though Key certainly isn’t the first or last high school prospect to do it – take John Burt, for example).

Key made an official visit to Columbia last weekend, though he had unofficially visited several times before, and discussed the trip with GoGamecocks.com.

“They said I have the opportunity to come in and play as a true freshman,” he said. “That was the weakest point on the defense last year. They need a pass rusher and that’s what I can do, I can get to the quarterback. So, my opportunity is great.”

Key is expected to visit Auburn next weekend, and because of the state of the Tigers defense in 2014, there should be plenty of opportunities for him to contribute there as well. And, according to AuburnSports.com analysts, the Tigers are making a big push for Key and are even expected to sign him.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 30%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 55%

UPDATE: Key cancelled his January 30 visit to Auburn, which likely means the Tigers are out of the running unless something crazy happens in the final four days before Signing Day. New projections: 10%.

Next: Terry Beckner, Jr.