With two of the best defensive players on the team being Derick Hall and Eku Leota, Auburn football’s edge position group isn’t looking too bad heading into the 2022 season. However, there is very little depth in the edge room, and the coaching staff is making a big push for talented edge rushers in the recruiting class of 2023.
One of the Tigers’ top targets at this position is 4-star Wilky Denaud. He is ranked as the #337 overall prospect and the #47 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2023 and is the #65 recruit out of the state of Florida.
Though not his first trip to campus, Denaud most recently visited the Plains unofficially in June. The visit went well, providing the edge an opportunity to see the facilities and build a stronger relationship with Auburn football’s edge coach Roc Bellantoni.
Honored to receive an offer today from Auburn University. A huge thank you to @CoachRoc and @CoachHarsin @CoachGroody17 @JCGoldenRams #20 pic.twitter.com/DVOY6d0wqn
— Wilky Denaud (@wilkydenaud30) February 23, 2022
Denaud knew after his June visit that he would return to Auburn for an official visit, and that date has finally been set. The Tigers will host Denaud the same weekend they host the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 17.
The edge rusher is down to his final four schools, but has not named a leader between Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, and Indiana. He will take official visits to all four programs before making his final decision. He will be at Indiana on October 8, FSU on October 15, and Tennessee on September 24.
Though the Tigers will have to keep pushing to earn the commitment of the 4-star edge, especially with Florida State currently leading the 247 Sports Crystal Ball. However, former Auburn football safety Jamien Sherwood is family friends with Denaud and speaks very highly of Auburn.
Denaud is set to graduate in December, and is likely to be an early enrollee at whichever program he chooses.