With Hugh Freeze on board as the head coach of the Auburn football program, there has been a big push to improve recruiting on the Plains. The coaching staff has traveled all over the state, and event the country, to try to bring highly-ranked, talented recruits to Auburn, even going up against rivals Alabama and Georgia for recruits who have already committed to those programs.
Earlier this summer, the Tigers hosted a very highly-ranked prospect on campus for an official visit. 4-star DeAndre Carter made the trip to campus all the way from Santa Ana, California, marking his first visit to the Plains.
The offensive lineman and his family were able to meet with Coach Freeze, who reiterated to Carter that he is a priority for the Tigers and that he is wanted on the Plains. According to 247 Sports’ Greg Biggins, the visit left quite an impression on the California native:
"“That visit was eye opening for me. I had never been to Auburn before but it really exceeded my expectations. It was so family oriented and everyone I met was very genuine. The players and coaches were great with me and I also liked how close the players and coaches were with each other. Coach (Jake) Thornton is my lead recruiter and he’s a great guy and I’m really comfortable with him.”"
Carter is ranked as the #55 overall prospect and the #1 inside offensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2024. He is the #6 recruit out of the state of California. The Tigers’ main competition for Carter’s commitment seems to be from Michigan State, Texas, and USC.
He has officially visited both Auburn and Michigan State this summer, and plans to take an official to Texas in September for the Longhorns’ matchup with Kansas. No word yet on if the lineman plans to attend Big Cat Weekend, but getting him on the Plains for that event would be huge for Auburn football.