The recruitment process is heating up for Auburn football as many recruits close in on their commitment dates. Bryan Harsin and his coaching staff have worked their way into a good spot with the following six recruits–hat tip to Eli Gravitt–and have a strong chance of securing their commitments.
Potential Auburn football Commit #1: Jay Fair
Ranked as the #75 player out of Texas and the #73 player in the recruiting class of 2022, Jay Fair will make his official decision on July 20. Fair is being recruited hard by both Florida and TCU, but he rated his official visit to the Plains as a 9.5/10 and came away feeling like he was a priority for the staff. The 3-star receiver was ready to make a decision after his official visits, per Auburn Rivals:
"“I’m ready. I’m looking for a fair opportunity, a family feeling. Whether I’m at home or going away I need that feeling that they’ve got me no matter what I’m going through.”"
The Auburn family is definitely ready to welcome Jay Fair home to the Plains.
Potential Auburn football Commit #2: Quinshon Judkins
From Pike Road, AL, Quinshon Judkins has become one of the top running back targets for Auburn football. The 4-star RB has a great relationship with running backs coach Cadillac Williams, who has been recruiting him for several years, per AL.com.
The fact that Coach Williams was kept on Bryan Harsin’s staff was a big factor for the Tigers, and being able to talk to veteran RBs about the coaching style has helped Judkins consider his decision. Though he has no decision date yet, the Tigers are in a good spot with the local RB.
Potential Auburn football Commit #3: Maxie Baudoin IV
A 3-star defensive lineman from Youngsville, LA, Maxie Baudoin is ranked the #21 player out of the state of Louisiana and the #66 DL in the recruiting class of 2022. He dropped a top five schools of Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Southern Cal on June 16 after visiting the Plains earlier in the month.
So far, the DL has only visited Auburn, but he plans to take more trips before making his official decision in the fall. However, Baudoin’s visit to Auburn may have been enough to convince him to commit, and he told Auburn Undercover he was high on the Tigers after leaving campus:
"“Auburn is definitely at the top of my list,” Baudoin said. “Just the place. I love Auburn — the city, the campus.”"
Potential Auburn football Commit #4: Ja’Kobi Albert
Though it’s possible that this 3-star ATH could end up being another recruit lost to Michigan, the Tigers have a good chance of landing Alabama native Ja’Kobi Albert. Ranked as the #15 recruit out of Alabama and the #27 ATH in the recruiting class of 2022, Albert named his top 3 schools on July 7–Michigan, Auburn, and Maryland.
Albert can play both defensive back and wide receiver, but he’s been recruited by Auburn football’s defensive coordinator Derek Mason, so he would mostly see playing time on the defensive side of the ball. A strong relationship with Coach Mason and the need for Albert should be enough to secure his commitment.
Potential Auburn football Commit #5: Caden Story
Making his official announcement on August 1, the Tigers are in the lead for defensive lineman Caden Story. The Alabama native was once considered to be a package deal with his cousin Micah Pollard, but now that Pollard committed to Michigan over the Tigers it seems as though Story will remain on the Plains without him.
UCF is the main competitor for the Tigers when it comes to Story, who is ranked the #11 player out of the state of Alabama and the #31 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2022. He officially visited UCF but had an unofficial visit to the Plains. Story has become a major Auburn target and would add needed depth on the line of scrimmage.
Potential Auburn football Commit #6: Damari Alston
4-star running back Damari Alston would be a major pickup for Bryan Harsin and his first-year coaching staff. Set to make a commitment on July 25, Alston released his top three schools just yesterday. The race will come down between Auburn, LSU, and Northwestern.
The Atlanta native is ranked as the #27 player out of the state of Georgia and the #29 RB in the class of 2022. He visited all three of his top schools, but proximity to home may keep Alston on the Plains. According to AL.com, Alston can see himself being the help that Tank Bigsby and Shaun Shivers need in the fall:
"“One thing with me, I want to come in and I want to play early,” Alston said. “I’m not trying to sit and wait until my junior or senior year to, you know, tough the rock. I feel like I’m a good player.”"
Should Alston choose Auburn football at the end of the month it could be one of the biggest recruiting wins yet for Bryan Harsin.