Auburn football “definitely in the lead” for Jamarrion Harkless

While heading into week two of the 2022 football season, the Auburn football coaching staff is still focusing heavily on building up the recruiting class of 2023. The Tigers have secured only eight commits to next year’s class so far, which is somewhat expected after the way last season ended.

Although the early commits have not come pouring in for Auburn, the coaching staff is doing a fantastic job of securing visitors to each of the game days on the Plains. Tiger commits and a few very important recruits were present at the season opener versus Mercer, and the visitor list for the Penn State game continues to grow.

One recruit will be visiting the Plains this weekend for the first time despite being a long-time fan of Auburn football. 3-star defensive lineman Jamarrion Harkless is from Kentucky, but ever since the magical 2010 national championship run with Cam Newton, the Tigers have been Harkless’s favorite team, per Auburn Live:

"“Auburn is my favorite school,” he said. “It’s the school I grew up watching the most. Even though I’m from Kentucky, Auburn has been my school because of Cam.”"

Ranked as the #790 overall prospect and the #87 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2023, Harkless originally committed to Illinois in June, but walked back on his pledge in early August. Could a commitment to Auburn be on the way?

Harkless told Auburn Undercover he expects to be pushed for a commitment to the Tigers as early as this weekend, but he insists he plans to make his announcement at the end of September or in early October. However, a strong official this weekend could push the Tigers straight to the top of the DL’s list.

While Jamarrion Harkless is not officially on commitment watch, he’s definitely a name to watch this weekend as the Tigers prepare to host San Jose State.