Boom! 4-Star Defensive Lineman Jaren Handy Commits to Auburn!

On February 3rd at Auburn’s first big junior day of the 2019 cycle, the hashtag #SipMaul19 was born. At the time it seemed like a fun idea Marcus Woodson had for engaging the large number of Mississippi kids visiting. It turns out, it was a warning shot that Auburn is coming for the best Mississippi has to offer and aren’t backing down.

Saturday, Auburn snagged a commitment from former Ole Miss Rebel pledge 3* DE Jamond Gordon. Today, the Tigers snagged a commitment from former LSU Tiger pledge 4* DL Jaren Handy.

This is a HUGE victory for the Auburn coaching staff. Handy is an elite prospect who was high on the list for a number of top programs including Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss. Handy’s commitment gives the Tigers their 2nd DL commit of the class along with their 2nd Magnolia State native. Rodney Garner and Marcus Woodson have put in some serious work in Auburn’s neighbor state and it’s paying off in a big way.

Highlights

Scouting Report

Handy is a massive human being at 6’5” 278 lbs and hasn’t even scratched this surface yet of his potential. The big man is a powerful force in the interior with a long reach that makes it easy for him to shed would be blockers and get after the QB. He also has surprising lateral quickness for a man his size which allows him to smoothly and quickly change directions, a valuable skill in today’s read option world. Like Gordon, Handy could play DT or DE for the Tigers. My guess is he ends up in the interior and takes over Derrick Brown’s role as the monster on inside.

The Class

Another year, another outstanding DL class being built by Rodney Garner. Auburn is expected to lose a ton of big time players off their front four this fall and are going to need some big time prospects ready to contribute in 2019. Both Gordon and Handy are those type of prospects. They also strengthen the belief that Auburn can find success recruiting in Mississippi this cycle. 4* DE Charles Moore is currently committed to Mississippi State but is very close with Handy and has said in the past that the two of them would likely play with each other at next level if one were to commit to Auburn. Time to see if that package deal can become a reality. Then there’s 4* Buck Derick Hall who has Auburn in his top group with Mississippi State and now 4* DL Nathan Pickering is officially visiting this weekend. Watch out Rebs and Bulldogs, the Tigers are coming for ya croots.

War Eagle Jaren!