BOOM!!! Auburn Lands 4-Star Offensive Tackle Caleb Johnson

In my 2021 OT class preview, I mentioned that if having to list most important targets on Auburn’s board this year, Johnson would likely be no lower than #3. Why? Because he’s the exact type of prospect Auburn has failed to sign since that 2017 class. The one position Auburn has consistently failed to sign blue chip prep talent is at offensive tackle.

That could be changing.

Today, 4* OT Caleb Johnson announced his intentions to be an Auburn Tiger.

Johnson’s offer list is incredibly impressive featuring Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Notre Dame, Penn State and many others. The Fighting Irish, Gators and Noles were believed to be the Tigers’ toughest competition (and will be so moving forward I imagine) with Notre Dame likely the runner up. Johnson’s family is originally from Indiana and for a moment there last month it looked like they had stolen away the prized prospect from Auburn’s staff.

But the Tigers were one of the first P5 programs to see Johnson’s potential and offered him before most. That along with the strong relationships built with Johnson and his family helped the Tigers withstand the push and land the stud prospect.

Highlights

Scouting Report

Johnson plays right tackle in a very run heavy scheme for his high school. As such, he’ll step on campus ready to hit someone but probably will need a year of refinement in pass protection. What really jumps out on Johnson’s tape is his quick feet and finishing ability. Johnson moves extremely well with his frame and excels as a drive blocker in a gap based run scheme. I think he’s a kid who will need a year to put some more muscle on that frame and get more true pass protection reps but should be able compete for a starting role as a redshirt freshman or sophomore. Big time pickup for the Tigers.

The Class

A double boom day is always a good day. A double boom day including a blue chip prep OT? That’s an extra good day and maybe, just maybe, Auburn isn’t done yet. I would keep a very close eye on Caleb Johnson’s teammate and another top AU OL target in 3* Garner Langlo. There continues to be buzz as well that 4* QB Dematrius Davis might make an announcement soon and if so, that’s likely good news for the Tigers.

All of a sudden, Auburn went from a program with little recruiting buzz to one of the hotter ones on the trail. Could be a good summer for the Tigers.

War Eagle Caleb!