Auburn football: Kamari Wilson could be Smoke Monday replacement

Auburn football will have a void to fill when secondary star Smoke Monday likely takes his talents to the NFL after the 2021 season. The S stud graded out as a top 5 red zone defender last year, alongside cornerback and Tigers teammate Roger McCreary.

Without the senior lurking deep down the field, how do Bryan Harsin and Zac Etheridge plan on sustaining the dominant play of the secondary Kevin Steele had a hand in putting together?

Well, apparently a plan is in place…and it is an exciting one.

Monday, a 4-star recruit out of Atlanta coming out of high school, has been talking to his potential replacement–a 5-star Floridian stud from Fort Pierce–in preparation for a changing of the guard on the Plains.

Kamari Wilson is the S in question, and he comes from the famed IMG Academy, and he sees a lot of himself in Monday’s game (quotes transcribed by Christian Clemente of Rivals):

"I watched a couple clips of Smoke. Smoke, he can do it all,” Wilson said. “He can cover, he can hit — he can most definitely hit, blitz off the edge and I really see a little bit of me in him.”"

Having a personal relationship with someone currently in the seat is important, and beyond the gridiron, Wilson appreciates the family dynamic of the Plains:

"“Coming here really showed me that they’re a family here,” Wilson said. “Their facility is nice. They’re actually building probably the biggest facility in the nation here. I love the coaches. They’re very detailed in what they do. I can tell everyone here has a passion for ball and I feel like they can develop me to a high level so I’m definitely messing with Auburn.”"

Auburn football will face stiff competition in the form of Deep South rival Georgia, who has been cleaning up in the recruiting realm of late. Four 247Sports crystal ball predictions have Wilson landing there.

In-state local programs Florida and Florida State also figure to have a chance if Wilson wants to stick in the sunshine state. LSU (“DBU” for those born on the Bayou) is also a factor.