2019 Class Preview: Defensive End

Believe it or not I do intend to finish this series. I got a bit sidetracked in recent weeks when it comes to recruiting updates (thanks Auburn Basketball) but that changes this week. With Auburn returning from spring break and spring practice resuming, things should pick back up on the recruiting trail for the Tigers. In fact, this weekend is expected to be a big one on the Plains. I will have more on that Friday.

2019 CLASS PREVIEWS: QB/RB | WR | TE | OT | OG/C | DT

Today, we will look at Auburn’s top defensive end targets. Again, chances are very good there are names missing from this list and some names that shouldn’t be listed. But this should give you a general idea of the type of talent the Tigers are pursuing on the edge this year. Spoiler alert, it’s really good talent.

Defensive End - 2

The Tigers only took one true defensive end in last year’s class in 4* Kayode Oladele. But Coynis Miller and Daquan Newkirk both have the skillsets to slide outside if needed. Also, there’s the chance Caleb Johnson develops into a SDE. I fully expect Auburn to take at least 2 true defensive end prospects in this class but I could see them taking more if possible. Garner loves prospects listed as SDE that can play all over the defensive line and the Tigers are recruiting quite a few of those type of prospects early in the 2019 class.

4* DE Charles Moore | 6’5” | 270 lbs | Louisville, MS | Mississippi State Commit

Moore committed to Mississippi State back in August of 2017 when Dan Mullen was still running things down in Starkville. With Mullen gone, there’s a feeling that Moore might not be as solid as he once was, though he continues to admit publicly he’s all Bulldog. There were rumors he almost flipped on a recent visit to LSU but he decided to stick with his commitment. He’s expected to visit the Plains for the 2nd time this year this weekend and it sounds like the Tigers have made him a top priority moving forward. The talented Mississippi native is recovering from an ACL tear that cost him his junior season. But even in his sophomore tape you can see why he’s considered a top 100 prospect.

4* DE Jaren Handy | 6’5” | 260 lbs | New Augusta, MS

One of the reasons there was a lot of smoke that Charles Moore was flipping to LSU was the fact he was visiting Baton Rouge the same time that the Tigers landed commitments from Mississippi natives Jaren Handy and 3* LB Zach Edwards. But it only took two weeks for Handy to step back from the decision and open things back up. Now the big man plans to visit AU for the first time this weekend. There is limited tape available on Handy but a quick glimpse at his offer list gives some insight into the calibre of player he’s perceived to be by top schools. I think Alabama is the team to watch in this race but Auburn might soon become a major factor.

4* Justin Eboigbe | 6’5” | 261 lbs | Forest Park, GA

If I had to make a guess at a name on the top of Rodney Garner’s list, it would probably be this kid. Eboigbe reminds me a lot of Nick Coe when looking at his film. Great size, quick first step and a freak athlete that can play almost anywhere you want him to upfront. More than likely this will end up an Alabama/Auburn/Georgia/Tennessee battle. Eboigbe admits he grew up an Auburn fan which can’t hurt. Considering Garner’s success recruiting the state of Georgia in recent years and Auburn’s need upfront, I think the Tigers have a really good shot of landing this beast out of the Peach State.

4* Curtis Fann | 6’3” | 245 lbs | Twin City, GA

Fann has long been on Auburn’s radar. The Georgia native landed an offer last May and visited the Plains a handful of times over the past year. However, it looks like South Carolina has taken the early lead in the young man’s recruitment. It’s been a bit since Fann visited AU so if the Tigers want to make a push they will need to get him back on campus soon. Also keep an eye on Clemson, Georgia and Florida in this race.

4* Quashon Fuller | 6’3” | 240 lbs | Lehigh Acres, FL | Florida State Commit

Like Moore, Fuller committed to a program when a different coach was in charge. Also like Moore, he missed most of his junior season due to an injury. And finally like Moore, many don’t believe Fuller’s commitment is that solid. Fuller visited the Plains in late February and left with an offer which put the Tigers firmly in the race. Georgia recently offered and hosted the Florida native as well. I feel pretty confident saying Fuller will probably not end up with the Noles by signing day. The bigger question is will he be wearing orange and blue?

3* Colby Wooden | 6’4” | 230 lbs | Lawrenceville, GA

I REALLY like this kid. Do not be surprised to see his rating go up over this recruiting cycle. Wooden’s offer list is incredibly impressive and he recently named a top 5 of Auburn, Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee and Florida State. He’s a talented athlete that could line up at Buck or DE for the Tigers. One of my early favorite prospects in this class.

3* Ahmad Craig | 6’6” | 240 lbs | Buford, GA

Yes another Buford kid to watch in 2019. Craig is an interesting prospect who I haven’t heard a ton about but continues to rack up offers. He’s got a massive frame at 6’6” but needs to put more weight on before contributing at the next level. I would not be surprised to see him develop into a defensive tackle once he gets in a collegiate weight room. Honestly not sure where Auburn stands on his board or where he sits on Auburn’s but he’s definitely a name to track in this upcoming cycle. Has all the tools to be a very good player in the SEC.

War Eagle!