Kevin Ives
Gus Malzahn and his staff wrapped up a top-10 recruiting class on National Signing Day. Here's your introduction to the players on the offensive side of the ball.
National Signing Day has come and gone, and Auburn put together a solid class ranked in or just outside the top 10 by every recruiting service. While the defensive line haul may have been the highlight, the Tigers signed several impressive offensive players, too. Thanks to Kevin Ives for creating the graphics.
Jason Smith, athlete
6'1, 180 pounds, four-star, No. 202 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings, No. 27 receiver (although, he could get a shot at QB at Auburn), No. 9 player from the state of Alabama
"Jason Smith, a quarterback out of Mobile -- he's electric. I think he was the MVP of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game. He just has phenomenal skills. He can do a lot of different things. We're very excited about Jason."
Tony Stevens, wide receiver
6'4, 184 pounds, four-star, No. 136 overall, No. 16 receiver, No. 23 player from the state of Florida
What does Gus think?
"Our second of the day was Tony Stevens, a big, tall wide receiver. He has tremendous skills. He's a kick returner. (Co-offensive coordinator) Dameyune Craig did a wonderful job with him; they had a previous relationship. He has a chance to be an impact player."
Johnathan Ford, running back
5'11, 190 pounds, 4.5 40-yard dash, four star, No. 300 overall, No. 20 running back, No. 11 player from the state of Alabama
What does Gus think?
"Johnathan Ford just signed with us this morning. He's a very good running back. He has a lot of different skills. He's not only a good runner, but he can catch the ball in the backfield, and he loves Auburn. His family loves Auburn, so we're very excited to have him."
Jeremy Johnson, quarterback
6'6, 215 pounds, four-star, No. 165 overall, No. 11 pro-style quarterback, No. 7 player from the state of Alabama
What does Gus think?
"Quarterback-wise, Jeremy Johnson, I'm going to say the same thing about Jeremy as I did Carl. He was kind of one of the centerpieces offensively. Me and Coach (Rhett) Lashlee already had a relationship with him, but he really hung in there with us and helped us recruit and really provided a lot of stability on the offensive side. Once again, he loves Auburn."
Earnest Robinson, wide reciever
6'3, 200 pounds, 4.6 40, four-star, No. 319 overall, No. 46 receiver, No. 13 player from the state of Alabama
What does Gus think?
"Our next signee that came in this morning was Earnest Robinson, a wide receiver that's been committed to us a long time. I actually recruited him when he was a sophomore. I have a great relationship with him. I think the world of Earnest. He hung in there with us, too, during the change."
Nick Marshall, athlete
6'2, 190 pounds, three-star, No. 26 JUCO player overall, No. 4 JUCO athlete, No. 6 JUCO player from the state of Kansas
What does Gus think?
"Nick Marshall is a quarterback, and our first one that came in today from junior college. He is one of three quarterbacks that we took; we felt like that was definitely a need as far as depth is concerned. He's a great athlete. He's one of those impact players who throws the ball extremely well and has a very strong arm. We feel like he could come in here and give us a chance right off the bat."
Peyton Barber, running back
5'10, 210 pounds, three-star, No. 481 overall, No. 29 running back, No. 41 player from the state of Georgia
What does Gus think?
"Running back Peyton Barber is a guy that we started recruiting when we first got here. He was committed to another school, and he got hurt his junior year. This past year, he had a phenomenal year. I really feel like if he hadn't gotten hurt his junior year, he'd be one of those top-ranked guys. He is a very strong, fast individual. We're very excited about Peyton."
Deon Mix, offensive guard
6'4, 315 pounds, three-star, No. 458 overall, No. 25 offensive guard, No. 7 player from the state of Mississippi
What does Gus think?
"Deon Mix is an offensive lineman that really, we just started seriously recruiting about a week ago. Coach Melvin Smith had a great relationship with him. He is the only offensive lineman we took today, other than the junior college (players) that I'll talk about here in just a minute. He is a big road-grader type offensive lineman that Coach (J.B.) Grimes likes to have."
Dominic Walker, wide receiver
6'2, 194 pounds, 4.6 40, three-star, No. 588 overall, No. 73 receiver, No. 82 player from the state of Florida
What does Gus think?
"Dominic Walker, his teammate, is 6-2, 195 -- a big, physical, fast guy, and I really feel like he'll have a chance to be that special type player. Dameyune recruited him also."
*****
JANUARY ENROLLEES
Cameron Artis-Payne, running back
5'11, 210 pounds, four-star, No. 61 JUCO overall, No. 4 JUCO running back, No. 17 JUCO player from the state of California
What does Gus think?
"Cameron Artis-Payne is a big physical runner. I really think he's going to provide some very good depth, and I think he's going to be a very good player for us."
Devonte Danzey, offensive guard
6'3, 285 pounds, three-star, No. 108 JUCO overall, No. 1 JUCO offensive guard, No. 19 JUCO player from the state of Kansas
What does Gus think?
"Then with Devonte Danzey, we needed some help at center and at guard, and I feel like he'll have a chance to help us immediately."













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