Since arriving on the Plains several years ago, head coach Hugh Freeze and his Auburn football coaching staff have made it a priority to focus on recruiting in-state prospects. With powerhouse programs Alabama and Georgia on either side of the Plains, keeping the most talented in-state recruits at Auburn is no easy feat.
The Tigers' staff are already looking ahead to the 2027 class while they firm up the 2026 class this summer, and last week, they hosted 4-star defensive lineman Elijah Brown from Prattville, Alabama. He is ranked as the No. 180 overall recruit and the No. 20 defensive lineman in the recruiting class of 2027, and he is the No. 7 prospect out of his home state.
Though he grew up an Alabama fan, Brown has been to the Plains several times and likes the energy and vibe of the program. He has grown close with his would-be position coach, defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams.
"I just feel like he cares," Brown said, per Auburn Rivals. "He texts me, checks on me, makes sure I'm okay. He's the only one reaching out to me, so I like that about him."
Ole Miss, Texas and Tennessee are the other schools currently at the top of Brown's list, but King-Williams' pitch to stay in the state carries a lot of weight with the defensive lineman.
"I think, going for your state, telling your state you should go for it first," Brown said.
With plenty of time left in his recruitment, Auburn football is in a good spot with 4-star defensive lineman Elijah Brown.