JUCO OT Elijah Philippe calls Auburn football “one of my top schools”

Auburn football’s recruiting class of 2023 still needs some work, but it seems that many of the uncommitted prospects still out there are waiting to see how well the Tigers perform in their second year under head coach Bryan Harsin.

One of the biggest needs for Auburn football in the 2023 cycle is offensive linemen, and more than one junior college athlete has come onto their radar in the past few weeks. One of those players is offensive tackle Elijah Philippe.

The 6-foot-7, 300-pound OT currently plays for Lackawanna Community College in Pennsylvania, and is set to graduate in December. He will have three years of eligibility left to play at his next school.

While Philippe is certainly interested in taking an official visit to the Plains, he will have to work around the Lackawanna football schedule because they also play games on Saturdays. An OV would likely take place after his JUCO season is finished.

The Tigers offered Philippe in early August, and he has spent a lot of time talking with offensive line coach Will Friend and offensive analyst Joe Bernardi. They have expressed to Philippe that he is a priority, and Auburn’s need at his position provides the opportunity for early playing time, which is a big deal to Philippe, per Auburn Live:

"“Definitely the depth cart, probably because they’re in the SEC, too,” Philippe said. “The depth chart is a big factor.”"

Of course, the offensive tackle will be watching to see how the Tigers do this season–how the offensive line plays and if there is improvement from last year–as he tries to picture himself as a member of the Auburn football team. While he’s still earning offers from other top programs around the country, the Tigers have a chance to get in early and secure the commitment if they play their cards right.