Auburn Recruiting: National Signing Day Projections Update

Jan 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team Highlight defensive end Byron Cowart (99) rushes the quarterback during the second half of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Team Highlight defeated Team Armour 46-6. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

In case you didn’t know, National Signing Day is February 4. That day, a huge number of high school and junior college football players will sign their names to official letters of intent and fax them in to universities across the country. The coaching staffs and fans of those schools will wait by their fax machines, computers and mobile devices for the declarations of these 18-to-20-year olds.

A large percentage of those players won’t make a huge impact in 2015, and some may not even make it to campus at all. However, a select few will go on to become future All-Americans, first round NFL draft picks, and there might even be a future Heisman Trophy winner or two.

There are eight open spots in the 2015 Auburn recruiting class, and roughly 20 prospects are widely considered candidates to fill those spots.

Between now and February 4,  head coach Gus Malzahn and his staff of top-notch recruiters will be on the road meeting with those players, their families and their high school coaches to discuss what makes Auburn University the best place to get an education and play football.

Earlier this month and prior to the end of the dead period, we took a look at the players I believed to be the top 12 uncommitted Auburn recruiting targets, including five-stars like Byron Cowart, Martez Ivey and CeCe Jefferson, and set odds as to the likelihood they would sign with the Tigers.

Since then, many of those players have visited the Plains as well as other campuses across the country, and a lot of new information has come to light, including a handful of new names that could be future Tigers.

We take a look at our earlier odds and add a few names to the list, then make a projection on the eight recruits who will sign with the Tigers on February 4.

Next: Devante Peete

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Quan Bray (4) and defensive back Trovon Reed (25) celebrate during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Devante Peete

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6-foot-5
• Weight: 195 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 298 in the 247Sports Composite, No. 157 in the ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 37 247Sports Composite, No. 19 in the ESPN300

More from Auburn Football Recruiting

• 2025 Auburn QB target commits elsewhere but Hugh Freeze still pursuing flip
• No. 1 2025 CB plans multiple Auburn football visits this season
• Auburn prioritizing potential flip of 4-star from rival
• 5-star FSU commit will officially visit Auburn football this month
• Auburn football fans react to Tiger’s first 2024 offensive line commit

One of the biggest positions of need for Auburn heading into 2015 is wide receiver. The Tigers lost Quan Bray to graduation and Sammie Coates to the NFL, and though D’haquille Williams will be back, the rest of the receiving corps lacks the sort of name recognition and career production one would hope for heading into the season.

A big target that could help is DeVante Peete, and the Tigers are expected to host the Pompano Beach, Florida native on January 30. Peete confirmed he will visit the Plains via Twitter last week.

Louisville – where Peete visited January 24 – is believed to be the leader for the 6-foot-5 wideout, and Miami is also in the mix. The Tigers could make a big push, especially since they have lost out on John Burt, but Peete’s still a bit of a long shot.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 15%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 25%

Next: Prince Tega Wanagho, Jr.

Prince Tega Wanogho, Jr.

• Position: Defensive End/Tight End
• Height: 6-foot-8
• Weight: 238 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 110 247Sports Composite
• National Position Ranking: No. 8 247Sports Composite, No. 26 ESPN300

Betsided

A late addition to the 2015 class, Prince Tega Wanogho, Jr. reclassified from 2016 in early January and immediately became one of the hottest recruits in the nation. He now has scholarship offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia and others and took an official visit to LSU January 16. A native of Nigeria, Prince Tega is a very raw prospect that hasn’t played much football, but has a huge upside.

Unfortunately, Prince Tega suffered a major leg injury earlier this month during a basketball game. On the bright side, it is reportedly a clean break and he should be back in action in May. Also, every school that offered him a scholarship has said they will honor that promise, though he is most likely to redshirt because of his limited football experience and the injury.

Because of his physical tools and intelligence, many analysts believe Prince Tega has as much potential as any player in the nation, and he could possibly develop into a first round NFL draft pick.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 40%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 65%

Next: Ryan Davis

Ryan Davis

• Position: Wide Receiver, Slot
• Height: 5-foot-9
• Weight: 167 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 200 247Sports Composite, No. 280 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 22, 247Sports Composite, No. 23 ESPN300

Hook'em Headlines

One of several Tigers targets also considering signing with the Florida Gators, Ryan Davis has visited Auburn and Gainesville in back-to-back weeks. According to GatorBait.net, Davis saw “a new type of energy” this weekend with Jim McElwain now the head coach at Florida, which could slow the momentum Auburn gained the previous weekend.

A quarterback in high school, Davis is expected to play wide receiver in college. He’s small in stature and if he were four inches taller, he’d probably be an elite QB prospect, but the St. Petersburg, Florida native is an electric playmaker that should transition well to a new position.

RELATED: Tigers, Gators Share Several Top Recruiting Targets

Davis is fast – perhaps even the fastest prospect on this list – but what makes him extremely difficult to tackle is his lateral quickness. He’d make a great return man in addition to a offensive weapon in the slot.

But, where will Ryan Davis play college football? Like many of the high-profile Floridians Auburn is recruiting, the Tigers were long considered a long shot to sign Davis over the home state Gators. However, with former Florida head coach Will Muschamp and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson now in the mix, Auburn has made a big push lately.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 30%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 60%

Next: Chidi Valentine-Okeke

Chidi Valentine-Okeke

• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Height: 6-foot-6
• Weight: 305 pounds
• Talent: 5-Star (247Sports), 4-Star (ESPN)
• National Overall Ranking: No. 111 247Sports Composite, No. 22 247Sports, No. 87 ESPN 300
• National Position Ranking: No. 7 247Sports Composite, No. 2 247Sports, No. 6 ESPN300

More from Fly War Eagle

• Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
• Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
• Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
• Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
• Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’

The 2015 Auburn recruiting class already includes four offensive line commits, and the Tigers are very much in the mix for Martez Ivey, who is widely considered the top O-Line prospect in the nation. However, Auburn is also a contender for Chidi Valentine-Okeke, a late-blooming prospect from Nigeria, via Florida and Georgia.

Valentine-Okeke has said before that Auburn and Alabama were the top two schools he was considering, though he has also taken official visits to Georgia – who fell out of favor after offensive coach Will Fried left for Colorado State – and LSU, where he visited January 16.

Recently, most recruiting analysts believed the Crimson Tide were the most likely to land the recently anointed five-star prospect, but a commitment over the weekend from Isaiah Prince may have complicated things.

Also, Valentine-Okeke said last week he expected to make an unofficial visit Auburn again before National Signing Day. But now, he is planning to make an official commitment Monday night on FoxSports between Auburn, Alabama and LSU.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 35%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 50%

UPDATE: Chidi Valentine-Okeke will delay his announcement. It’s too early to say what it means for Auburn’s chances, but gut feeling is that it’s not good news. The Alabama staff was expected to meet with him today, after all.

UPDATE 2: In a surprising move Thursday, Chidi Valentine-Okeke has committed to LSU over Auburn and Alabama. Didn’t see that coming. New Odds: 0%. 

Next: John Burt

Dec 7, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; A view of the Texas Longhorns helmet before the game against the Baylor Bears at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

John Burt

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6-foot-3
• Weight: 180 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 131 247Sports Composite, No. 196 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 11 247Sports Composite, No. 24 ESPN300

Once believed to be a heavy favorite, the Auburn Tigers have missed out on John Burt. Again.

Shortly after Burt’s Tweet, Justin Hokanson of AuburnUndercover shared some thoughts on Burt:

"Keith [Niebuhr] and I both felt this was coming when Burt didn’t flip to Auburn about two weeks ago. Burt de-committed from Texas and committed to Auburn behind the scenes, but he wanted to speak with his mother before making the announcement. His mother didn’t take the news well, Burt ended up not going public with his Auburn commitment. When that happened, it wasn’t looking good for Burt joining Auburn’s class. The night Burt de-committed from Texas and I told the board to hold on, it was because I was on the phone with Burt getting quotes on his commitment to Auburn. He decided not to go public right then, then it never happened. I thought Auburn could still pull him, but every passing day made it less likely. Bottom line: Burt’s mother wanted him at Texas, Burt didn’t want to disappoint anyone (certainly not his mother), and that’s where it appears he’s going. Auburn did everything they could and Dameyune Craig worked really hard."

Hokanson’s insight here confirms the speculation that Burt’s decision was not entirely his own. There were rumors that his mother, who has family in Texas, has a heavy hand in where Burt will play college football. Nothing is official until the player signs on the dotted line, but Auburn and everyone else appears to be out of the funning for this talented wideout.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 60%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 0%

Next: Jeffrey Holland

Jeffrey Holland

• Position: Linebacker
• Height: 6-foot-2
• Weight: 230 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 90 247Sports Composite, No. 40, ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 7 247Sports Composite, No. 4 ESPN300

Not long ago, while all three were on an official visit to Auburn, there was a lot of talk about Jeffrey Holland, Byron Cowart and CeCe Jefferson becoming a package deal to play college football together.

More from Auburn Football Recruiting

• 2025 Auburn QB target commits elsewhere but Hugh Freeze still pursuing flip
• No. 1 2025 CB plans multiple Auburn football visits this season
• Auburn prioritizing potential flip of 4-star from rival
• 5-star FSU commit will officially visit Auburn football this month
• Auburn football fans react to Tiger’s first 2024 offensive line commit

“Yeah, we’re going to stick together,” Cowart said. “We’ll all play at the same school, because we know we can make an impact. One guy can’t make a difference at a school, and I don’t think people understand that.

“You can be a great player, but you can’t make an impact going to a school by yourself. You have to have a team. Some guys have to go with you and turn the whole program around.”

RELATED: Tigers, Gators Share Several Top Recruiting Targets

At the time, that seemed like really good new for the Tigers – especially since Holland named the Tigers his leader in late December. However, the four-star linebacker visited Ole Miss last weekend with Jefferson, who had labeled the Rebels his leader shortly before visiting the Plains.

For what it’s worth, Holland hasn’t said much of anything recently – at least through the media. He did let his Twitter followers know that he “absolutely loved it” in Oxford. Still, most analysts feel confident Holland will sign with Auburn – just not as confident as they were a few weeks ago.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 70%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 60%

Next: Arden Key

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.

Terry Beckner, Jr.

• Position: Defensive Tackle
• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 298 Pounds
• Talent: 5-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 13 247Sports Composite, No. 2 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 8 247Sports Composite, No. 2 ESPN300

Hook'em Headlines

The last time we discussed Terry Beckner, Jr., the East St. Louis, Illinois native was considered the No. 1 overall player in the ESPN300. Since, he’s dropped to second, but is still one of the most sought after recruits in the nation. And one of the most difficult to project.

Beckner visited Auburn on January 16 for “Big Boom Weekend,” and according to all reports, he had a blast. According to a recent Bleacher Report article, Auburn’s odds greatly increased to sign the five-star defensive tackle following that visit.

He would be a perfect fit as an interior lineman for new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, however, I’m not so sure the Tigers have a legitimate chance to sign him. Mizzou still looks like the team to beat, and AU might even fall third or fourth behind Florida State and Ohio State (where he visited last weekend).

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 20%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 15%

Next: Daylon Mack

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Florida State Seminoles offensive linesman Bryan Stork (52) prepares to snap the football against the Auburn Tigers during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Daylon Mack

• Position: Defensive Tackle
• Height: 6-foot
• Weight: 330 pounds
• Talent: 5-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 6 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 3 ESPN300

Betsided

The chances that five-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack will sign with Auburn went from little to none last weekend when the Texas native cancelled his visit to the Plains and went to Austin instead.

Mack is expected to make his final decision between Texas A&M and TCU, and now the Texas Longhorns are back in the mix. All three programs are expected to have in-home visits this week.

While the Tigers were seen as a very long shot even when he agreed to visit, the change of plans pretty much ended any hopes Gus Malzahn, Will Muschamp and company had of landing one of the nation’s biggest recruits. Instead, expect him to sign with the Aggies and play against Auburn three or four years in a row.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 10%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 0%

Next: CeCe Jefferson

Jan 3, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; East offensive lineman Isaiah Prince (59) walks onto the field during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome. West beat East 39-36. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

CeCe Jefferson

• Position: Defensive End
• Height: 6-foot-2
• Weight: 275 pounds
• Talent: 5-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 5 247Sports Composite, No. 9 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 2 247Sports Composite, No. 3 ESPN300

More from Auburn Football Recruiting

• 2025 Auburn QB target commits elsewhere but Hugh Freeze still pursuing flip
• No. 1 2025 CB plans multiple Auburn football visits this season
• Auburn prioritizing potential flip of 4-star from rival
• 5-star FSU commit will officially visit Auburn football this month
• Auburn football fans react to Tiger’s first 2024 offensive line commit

The Auburn Tigers have made up a lot of ground on five-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson in a relatively small period of time. The Florida Gators had long been considered the heavy favorite to land the Sunshine State product, but things took a turn when Will Muschamp was fired as the program’s head coach.

When Muschamp was hired at Auburn, it put the Tigers in the picture, and with a need on the defensive line and a handful of Jefferson’s friends also interested in Auburn, the 6-foot-2, 275-pounder made an official visit to the Plains on January 16. During that visit, there was talk of a “package deal” in the works for Jefferson, Jeffrey Holland and Byron Cowart, with Auburn as the most likely location, though it’s tough to see that actually happening.

Jay G. Tate made an interesting note about Jefferson:

"I didn’t include CeCe Jefferson because my gut tells me he’s concerned about remaining second fiddle behind Cowart, though Auburn certainly doesn’t view Jefferson that way."

Jefferson and Holland visited Ole Miss last weekend, and Jefferson named the Rebels his leader earlier this month. JC Shurburtt of 247Sports expects Jefferson to end up in Oxford, and it’s hard to argue. However, the Tigers and Gators are still alive.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 15%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 40%

Next: Martez Ivey

Jan 4, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Army All-American Bowl West Team celebrates its 28-6 victory over the East during U.S. Army All-American Bowl high school football game at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Martez Ivey

• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Height: 6-foot-5
• Weight: 275 pounds
• Talent: 5-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 1 247Sports Composite, No. 3 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 1 247Sports Composite, No. 1 ESPN300

Retweet for Auburn, Favorite for Florida.

“Is this what we want recruiting to be?” – Nick Saban, probably.

At least Martez Ivey appears to have a sense of humor. This weekend the nation’s top offensive line product asked his Twitter followers, and therefore anyone who cares about the Tigers or Gators recruiting efforts, to help him make his college decision through social media. Or more likely, he was having some fun with the fan bases of his two biggest suitors.

RELATED: Tigers, Gators Share Several Top Recruiting Targets

But on a serious note – at this point, Florida simply seems to have the inside track for Ivey.

Auburn has Ivey’s high school teammate, Chandler Cox, and a few members of the previous Florida coaching staff, but it’s just difficult to see the five-star offensive tackle choosing to play at Auburn over Florida on National Signing Day – especially since the Tigers have a much more settled set of players coming back on the offensive line and four other players already committed in this year’s class.

That said, it’s long been a two horse race between the two schools, and Auburn is still alive.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 49%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 40%

Next: Byron Cowart

Jan 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team Highlight defensive end Byron Cowart (99) rushes Team Armour quarterback De Andre Johnson (9) during the first half of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Team Highlight defeated Team Armour 46-6. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Byron Cowart

• Position: Defensive End
• Height: 6-foot-5
• Weight: 250 pounds
• Talent: 5-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 3 247Sports Composite, No. a ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 1 247Sports Composite, No. 1 ESPN300

Betsided

Considered by ESPN and Rivals to be the top overall player in this year’s class, every team in the nation would love to sign Byron Cowart. The five-star defensive end has cut his list of potential colleges to two, however: Auburn and Florida.

Cowart is an interesting and very important recruit. He has talked more about being a journalism major than he has about playing time in interviews, and one of his biggest concerns when visiting Auburn on January 16 was seeing a plan that would allow him to graduate in three years. The Tigers made a great impression according to all reports.

Last weekend, Cowart visited Florida, but had to leave early. Naturally, the news that Cowart didn’t stay on campus as long as expected led to a lot of speculation, but through social media the Sunshine State product assured everyone the Gators were very much alive for his services.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has cancelled an upcoming visit to Florida State and isn’t expected to do any more interviews until his announcement on National Signing Day. I like Auburn’s chances.

Previous Odds to Sign With Auburn: 51%

New Odds to Sign With Auburn: 70%

Next: Jeremiah Dinson

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Trovon Reed (25) and Quan Bray (4) celebrate an interception during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremiah Dinson

• Position: Cornerback
• Height: 5-foot-11
• Weight: 180 pounds
• Talent: 3-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 1,559 247Sports Composite, Not Ranked by ESPN
• National Position Ranking: No. 144 247Sports Composite, No. 95 ESPN

More from Fly War Eagle

• Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
• Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
• Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
• Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
• Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’

A new name that didn’t make it on our previous list is three-star cornerback prospect Jeremiah Dinson, who visited Auburn January 16.

“The experience was good,” Dinson said afterwards. “I fell in love with the players and the coaches, especially Gus Malzahn. That was one of the greatest experiences I had up here. I’m really considering them. Right now Auburn (is in front.) It just feels like home. I feel like this is the best choice for me. I really like Auburn.”

It’s interesting to note that Dinson was committed to Kentucky at the time he said that Auburn was in front. This past weekend, he de-committed from the Wildcats.

Dinson isn’t a highly rated recruit by most standards – he’s ranked 1,559 overall in the 247Sports Composite – but the Auburn coaching staff likes him and the Tigers have a need at cornerback. He is one of the most likely candidates to join the 2015 Auburn recruiting class by Signing Day.

Odds to Sign With Auburn: 75%

UPDATE: Dinson announced via Twitter on Monday that he has committed to Auburn. New Odds to Sign with Auburn: 100%.

Next: Carlton Davis

Nicholas Ian Allen

Carlton Davis

• Position: Cornerback
• Height: 6-foot-1
• Weight: 182 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star
• National Overall Ranking: No. 332 247Sports Composite, Not Ranked by ESPN
• National Position Ranking: No. 32 247Sports Composite, No. 39 ESPN

More from Auburn Football Recruiting

• 2025 Auburn QB target commits elsewhere but Hugh Freeze still pursuing flip
• No. 1 2025 CB plans multiple Auburn football visits this season
• Auburn prioritizing potential flip of 4-star from rival
• 5-star FSU commit will officially visit Auburn football this month
• Auburn football fans react to Tiger’s first 2024 offensive line commit

Like Dinson, the Tigers have made a late push for Florida native and four-star cornerback Carlton Davis, who is currently committed to Ohio State. Auburn got in the mix late and Davis agreed to make an official visit last weekend. By some accounts, Miami is expected to still be a factor as well.

Davis has great size for a corner, and may even project as a safety down the line. He’s physical at the line of scrimmage but also fast enough to cover receivers, especially as a safety. However, some analysts say Davis is currently Auburn’s “top corner target,” which leads me to believe he is being recruited to play corner.

He’s got a ton of upside, and would be in the mix to contribute on special teams and possibly in the secondary as a true freshman for new defensive coordinator Will Mushcamp and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson, who are Davis’ primary recruiters.

Auburn has made a big move for Davis, and they’ve got a legitimate chance to flip him.

Odds to Sign With Auburn: 50%

Next: Torrance Gibson

Jul 9, 2014; Beaverton, OR, USA; Alpha Pro athlete Torrance Gibson (6) heads off the line of scrimmage during Nike Football

Torrance Gibson

• Position: Quarterback
• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 207 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star 247Sports, 5-Star ESPN
• National Overall Ranking: No.75 247Sports Composite, No. 16 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 6 247Sports Composite, No. 2 ESPN300

Betsided

Another Ohio State commit, Auburn made a great impression on the quarterback prospect during an official visit January 16.

A strong visit, coupled with a mountain to climb at the quarterback position in Columbus, has given the Tigers a lot of momentum on the Florida native.  He visited Baton Rouge last weekend, and the Bayou Bengals may be the dark horse to flip him.

Jay G. Tate, who has gone on record saying Auburn will land Gibson, brings up an interesting point, and provides a great reason not to count out Gus Malzahn:

"My other big surprise is Gibson. He’s probably a better fit at LSU, where competition at quarterback is less of an obstacle, but I believe Nick Marshall’s rise to national relevance really caught Gibson’s eye. He’s Nick Marshall. He has a similar skill set. He can be that guy — and being Nick Marshall is a very good thing in this offense."

Still, Gibson is committed to the Buckeyes, and LSU has more of a need at quarterback.

Odds to Sign With Auburn: 35%

Next: Terry Godwin

Jan 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Team Highlight wide receiver Terry Godwin (4) attempts to break the tackle of Team Armour defensive back Micah Abermathy (4) and John Houston Jr. (11) during the second half of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game at Tropicana Field. Team Highlight defeated Team Armour 46-6. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Terry Godwin

• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6-foot
• Weight: 168 pounds
• Talent: 5-Star 247Sports, 4-Star ESPN
• National Overall Ranking: No.28 247Sports Composite, No 43 ESPN300
• National Position Ranking: No. 1 (ATH) 247Sports Composite, No. 5 ESPN300  

A Georgia commit, Auburn appears to have the best chance to flip Peach State native Terry Godwin after he visited the Plains January 16.

“I really got to know the players and they gave me a the inside scoop on some things,” Godwin said following his official visit to Auburn”Everybody has a shot. Auburn has a shot because it’s a special place down here. When you come here, it’s like family and that’s what you look for.

“Ever since I committed, it shows who really wants you and who doesn’t. With the time I’ve spent here, they are telling me that they need me. They were telling me different ways they were going to get me the ball.”

Auburn coaches have already had an in-home visit with Godwin, who visited Alabama last weekend, and though there is a strong relationship between Godwin and Tigers’ receivers coach Dameyune Craig, the odds aren’t great he’ll flip.

Odds to Sign With Auburn: 25%

Next: Sheldrick Redwine

Nov 16, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; A general view of Toomer

Sheldrick Redwine

• Position: Cornerback
• Height: 6-foot-1
• Weight: 183 pounds
• Talent: 4-Star 
• National Overall Ranking: No.732 247Sports Composite
• National Position Ranking: No. 67 247Sports Composite

More from Auburn Football Recruiting

• 2025 Auburn QB target commits elsewhere but Hugh Freeze still pursuing flip
• No. 1 2025 CB plans multiple Auburn football visits this season
• Auburn prioritizing potential flip of 4-star from rival
• 5-star FSU commit will officially visit Auburn football this month
• Auburn football fans react to Tiger’s first 2024 offensive line commit

An off the radar target until he visited January 16, Louisville commit Sheldrick Redwine is a big cornerback that would be a great addition to the Auburn recruiting class. The visit went well reportedly, and Redwine left many analysts feeling like his decision had shifted to a 60-40 situation between the Cardinals and Tigers.

“The visit went good. I enjoyed a lot of things, got to see a lot of stuff, got to meet a lot of new people, talk to the coaches, it was real nice,” Redwine said. “It’s probably going to end up being a close race between (Auburn) and Louisville at the end.”

However, we haven’t heard much about the Miami, Florida native since. The Tigers obviously need defensive backs, and specifically corners. If they want him, there is a decent chance to land him

Odds to Sign with Auburn: 40%

UPDATE: Redwine has de-committed from Louisville, according to AuburnSports.com’s Jeffrey Lee (via Twitter). That means Auburn’s odds to sign him have greatly improved, probably as much as 80% as of Tuesday evening. 

UPDATE 2: Redwine tweeted Wednesday that reports he de-committed from Louisville are “false,” and he will sign with the Cardinals next week. Therefore, the odds are now very low he comes to Auburn. 

Next: Projections: Who Will Sign With the Auburn Recruiting Class?

Feb 6, 2013; Milton, GA, USA; Carl Lawson announces his decision to attend Auburn University on National Signing Day at Milton High School. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Projections: Who Will Sign With the Auburn Recruiting Class?

As you can tell, the percentages for most of these players are far from certainties, and there is still a lot we don’t know, but Auburn has a chance to sign some of the best players in the nation on February 4.

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There are a few other players that could be in the mix to sign with Auburn, including four-star wideout Darius Slayton and junior college prospect Camion Patrick – both of which made somewhat surprising official visits to Auburn last weekend – and three-star cornerback Devante Davis.

Five-star wide receiver Preston Williams was on campus this weekend as well, but he left early, and all indications are he’ll sign with Tennessee (where he is committed) or possibly Georgia if the Bulldogs can swoop in to steal the home state playmaker with a late push.

And, if everything falls apart and the Tigers need to reach for a prospect or two that didn’t make our list, there could be a few surprise names that pop up on February 4.

However, the odds look pretty good for Auburn overall, and the Tigers should be able to finish strong with one of the top ten classes in the nation.

So who will fax their letters to Gus Malzahn? Here’s how I see the final eight shaping up:

• Byron Cowart
• Prince Tega Wanogho, Jr.
• Chidi Valentine-Okeke
• Jeffrey Holland
• Ryan Davis
• Jeremiah Dinson
• Arden Key
• Carlton Davis

We may find out soon enough if one of these players commits Monday night, but we’ll probably have to wait until National Signing Day for the rest.

UPDATE: Dinson has committed to Auburn as expected, but Valentine-Okeke has committed to LSU January 29 and Key cancelled his official visit to Auburn January 30. 

Next: Auburn, Gators Share Several Top Recruiting Targets

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