Auburn football: Roc Bellantoni building relationship with 4-star edge

The newly-solidified coaching staff for Auburn football is working hard to recruit a top-notch class during the 2023 cycle, and the key to winning over top prospects is building strong relationships.

Auburn football’s new edge linebackers coach Roc Bellantoni is doing just that and is making sure 4-star Rueben Bain knows he is a top priority for the Tigers.

According to 247 Sports, the Miami-area edge is listed as the #142 overall prospect and #21 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2023 and is the #28 recruit out of the state of Florida. The 4-star has received upwards of 20 offers from programs including Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, Georgia, LSU, Florida, and Michigan.

Auburn Live reports that Bain noted Auburn football is recruiting him “really hard” and the key to securing a commitment from the Florida edge could be his relationship with Coach Bellantoni:

"“My brother said Coach Bellantoni is a good dude and a good coach,” Bain said. “I like Coach B, too. He seems like a great guy and a great coach. He’s always excited to talk to me.”"

Bellantoni was the defensive coordinator at Florida Atlantic when Bain’s brother, four-year starter on FAU’s offensive line Reggie Bain, played there. While Bellantoni is establishing a strong relationship with Rueben Bain, head coach Bryan Harsin, defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh, and defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding are also frequently talking to the 4-star prospect.

According to Max Preps, Bain logged 59 total tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and one caused fumble in his 10-game career as a junior at Miami Central.

Though the 247 Sports Crystal Ball Prediction currently slates Bain as a lock to Miami, Bain plans to visit Auburn football sometime this spring, and it’s possible that Coach Bellantoni can convince the 4-star edge to consider the Plains as the place to carry out his collegiate career.