Auburn football has not gotten a commitment to the recruiting class of 2023 since the beginning of the month, but they’re looking to add another member today. 4-star edge Wilky Denaud will be announcing his decision at 4:30 p.m. central time from his high school.
Denaud, hailing from Fort Pierce, FL, is ranked as the #362 overall prospect and the #48 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2023 and is the #66 recruit out of the Sunshine State. He has narrowed down his list to four finalists, including Florida State, Indiana, Tennessee, and Auburn football.
The Tigers have been heavily pursuing the talented edge since offering him a scholarship back in February, and he would be a huge addition to an Auburn roster that is lacking in depth at the edge position. Edge rushers are a huge need for the Tigers at this point, and they will look to sign several from the 2023 cycle.
Denaud has visited the Plains twice in total, most recently last month, and both were unofficial visits. He has an official visit planned for September 17 when Auburn hosts Penn State at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Throughout his recruitment process, he has built a strong relationship with edge coach Roc Bellantoni, per Auburn Live:
"“There are some things they have more of than all the other schools I like,” Denaud said. “And just the relationship me and (edge coach Roc Bellantoni) and the staff have. I just know he doesn’t really care about the stars and all that. He’s coached players that had zero stars to 5 stars. He doesn’t just put that into any favoritism.”"
Though Florida State, who just beat out Auburn football for a top edge target, is lurking in the background, both 247 Sports’ Crystal Ball and the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine lean heavily in favor of Auburn.
Between the Tigers’ need at the edge position and Denaud’s close relationship with Roc Bellantoni, it’s likely Auburn adds another commit this afternoon.