Auburn football battling LSU, Alabama for former Kentucky DT

With a new coaching staff on the Plains, it’s no surprise that the Auburn football program is focused primarily on transfer prospects right now while the transfer window is open ahead of spring practice.

The Tigers have already added seven transfers in this cycle: defensive linemen Lawrence Johnson and Mosiah Nasili-Kite, offensive tackles Gunner Britton and Dillon Wade, edge Elijah McAllister, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather, and linebacker DeMario Tolan. Head coach Hugh Freeze isn’t finished yet, either. The Tigers will still be looking for wide receivers and a quarterback in the portal among others.

This weekend, Kentucky transfer defensive tackle Justin Rogers made it to the Plains for an official visit. Rogers, a native of Detroit, Michigan, spent three seasons at Kentucky, racking up 19 solo tackles, 43 assisted tackles, and three sacks in 62 games. He originally began his career as an offensive tackle before switching to the other side of the ball.

The defensive tackle, who will have two years of eligibility at his next stop, had previously been on Auburn’s campus during his high school recruitment, but enjoyed meeting with the new staff and getting to see the brand new facilities. Auburn Undercover’s Christian Clemente reports that Rogers spent a lot of time getting to know the Tigers’ new defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett:

"“That’s my guy,” Rogers said. “Funny guy. I feel like he can coach me in the SEC West. That’s what I’m looking for, a great coach that can push me to get to the next level.”"

Ahead of Rogers’ visit with Auburn football, he spent time in Baton Rouge with LSU. Next, according to Steve Wiltfong of 247 Sports, Rogers will take a trip to Tuscaloosa to visit Nick Saban and Alabama.

It looks like Justin Rogers plans to remain in the SEC, but is pretty decided on a switch to the SEC West. It will likely come down between LSU, Auburn football, and Alabama.