Bleacher Report opened up its list of programs most in need of a big 2021 National Signing Day with a brutal statement about Auburn football:
"It’s been a dud of a recruiting cycle for the Auburn Tigers."
Damn.
While things have been rough for the program after Gus Malzahn was let go and there was a scrutinized search that followed to replace him, B/R’s Brad Shepard at least saw ways for the Tigers to turn things around:
"(Head coach Bryan Harsin) actually had a couple of weeks to get a staff together, and now the Tigers could finish strong on the trail.They’re right in the thick of things for 4-star Boston College linebacker decommitment Trevin Wallace, and he would be a massive pull for a defensive class lacking playmakers. However, a late flurry of 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions have him going to Kentucky, which would be a big blow.There would be no bigger coup than Tennessee 4-star signee Dylan Brooks, who asked out of his letter of intent, according to AL.com’s Ben Thomas.No program has as many “maybes” as the Tigers, who could be poised for a big finish that could catapult them toward a respectable class even though they’re currently ranked 42nd nationally, according to the 247Sports composite rankings."
The Tigers have improved their recruiting class’ national ranking recently with the signing of 3-star OL Colby Smith–an original Tennessee commit that must have seen the drama on Rocky Top and ran the other way.
As Shepard mentioned, Harsin’s staff could look to add Dylan Brooks as well. After all, Harsin’s penchant for poaching SEC talent is well-documented given his history of raiding the Gamecocks staff from Columbia, South Carolina.
It’s been a good week for the Auburn football program, considering the recent addition of Northwestern transfer Andrew Leota as well. Things look promising on the Plains in 2021 despite how poorly the offseason started, and instability should soon subside if things go as well for the Tigers’ recruiting staff as Shepard seems to believe they could:
"With some luck, the Tigers may be one of the biggest national signing day movers."
Time will tell, of course.
War Eagle until it does!