College and Magnolia - National Signing Day 2014: Commitments, signings, news updates related to Auburn targets At the corner of Auburn and the Internethttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48507/collegeandmagnolia_Fav.png2014-02-07T19:04:56-06:00http://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/rss/stream/50864972014-02-07T19:04:56-06:002014-02-07T19:04:56-06:00An early look at Class of '15 targets
<figure>
<img alt="Top recruiter Dameyune Craig was key in putting together a top-10 2014 class. Can he and Auburn do even better in 2015?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QFeQs-GOraR1IIEETeYBUhA-25c=/215x143:4000x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28267147/461062105.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Top recruiter Dameyune Craig was key in putting together a top-10 2014 class. Can he and Auburn do even better in 2015? | Jeff Gross</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>National Signing Day 2014 is over, so it's time to start looking ahead toward next February.</p> <p>Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and his staff have just completed a successful 2014 recruiting campaign that saw the Tigers finish with the No. 6 class in the 247 Sports composite rankings. But, it's never too early to look ahead to 2015, and Auburn hopes to be a major player for many top recruits.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css"></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Tigers like most SEC programs, feel like they don't have to go far from home to get top guys, and they'll stick to that plan in 2015. We'll touch on who we think are the their top five targets from each side of the ball, although that is subject to change once recruiting really picks up and the coaching staff weeds out guys who are not interested and/or didn't evaluate as highly as they would have hoped.</p>
<p><span>Auburn has just two commitments for the 2015 class: four-star QB </span><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Tyler-Queen-16726" target="_blank">Tyler Queen</a><span>, and ATH </span><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jason-Smith-16569" target="_blank">Jason Smith</a><span>. As you may </span><span>remember, Smith committed to Auburn out of McGill-Toolen High School in 2013, but failed to qualify. Smith was the No. 202-ranked player, per 247 composite, coming out of high school. He played quarterback at McGill-Toolen, but projects as a wideout at Auburn. He will attend Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. this fall before transferring to Auburn in 2015. Tyler Queen is the 248th-ranked player, the No. 9 pro-style QB and the No. 26 player from the state of Georgia. Queen looks to be firm to Auburn, but the Tigers would like to add another quarterback, probably a dual-threat prospect.</span></p>
<h4>Top Offensive Targets for 2015</h4>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Torrance-Gibson-21466" target="_blank">Torrance Gibson</a> (DUAL) Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (American Heritage)</h5>
<p>Gibson is the No. 1-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the 2015 class and the No. 29 player in the nation. The thought is that Ohio State leads with Miami not far behind, then Florida, LSU and Auburn all bunched up behind them. He recently said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fauburn.247sports.com%2FArticle%2FAuburn-definitely-at-the-top-for-5-star-QB-Torrance-Gibson-176120&ei=KH71UrP0FKnY2AWPpoDQAQ&usg=AFQjCNFy1DHrvir7WnI6MVG8XLHHLv4v5w&sig2=XYEOiK7NrNEKh93B8L-0yQ&bvm=bv.60983673,d.b2I">he is interested in Auburn</a>. The Tigers hope to get him on a visit sometime this spring.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/John-Burt-26494" target="_blank">John Burt</a> (WR) Tallahassee, Fla. (Linclon HS)</h5>
<p>Burt has already visited Auburn once, and the Tigers hope to have him back on campus in the spring. He's the No. 81 overall player in the class and the sixth-ranked wide receiver. Florida State leads, but Auburn is not far behind.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Kerryon-Johnson-19718" target="_blank">Kerryon Johnson</a> (ATH) Madison, Ala. (Madison Academy)</h5>
<p>Johnson is officially listed as the No. 3 athlete, No. 33 overall and No. 2 in the state of Alabama, and Auburn likes him at running back. Johnson has already visited the Plains and has serious interest in the Tigers. FSU and Alabama, along with Auburn, are the top contenders for Johnson's services.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Garrett-Thomas-27971" target="_blank">Garrett Thomas</a> (OT) Many, La. (Many HS)</h5>
<p>Thomas is the No. 152-ranked player, No. 16 tackle and the No. 6 prospect in Louisiana for the 2015 class. Thomas visited Auburn recently and he came away impressed. LSU is the leader in the clubhouse at the moment, but Auburn is a major player. Offensive tackle seems to be a top priority in the 2015 class, and Thomas is near the top of Auburn's list at the position.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Javon-Patterson-21474" target="_blank">Javon Patterson</a> (OT/OG) Petal, Miss. (Petal HS)</h5>
<p>Patterson is rated as the No. 53 player in the nation, the no. 2 offensive guard and the state of Mississippi's second-best player. Ole Miss is the undoubted leader here, but we think Auburn has much more of a shot than most think. Alabama is also in the mix. This could be one of the more heated recruiting battles in the SEC.</p>
<h4>Top Defensive Targets for 2015</h4>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jeffery-Holland-23197" target="_blank">Jeffery Holland</a> (OLB) Jacksonville, Fla. (Trinity Christian)</h5>
<p>Holland is the Tigers' top linebacker target in 2015. He's the 27th-ranked player in the class, the second-ranked outside linebacker and the No. 6 ranked player in the state of Florida. He has already visited Auburn and plans to visit more. The Tigers and Florida have the early lead.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Roquan-Smith-26765" target="_blank">Roquan Smith</a> (OLB) Montezuma, Ga. (Macon County HS)</h5>
<p>Smith is Auburn's second-biggest target at outside 'backer in 2015. The No.. 105 player overall, No.. 6 outside linebacker and No. 11 in his home state, Smith looks to be a battle between Auburn and Georgia. He has already visited Auburn once.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Daron-Payne-32071" target="_blank">Daron Payne</a> (DT) Birmingham, Ala. (Shades Valley HS)</h5>
<p>Payne is the state's top-ranked recruit for 2015, the No. 6 player overall and the No. 2-ranked defensive tackle. Payne visited Auburn for the Iron Bowl and currently has Auburn and Alabama at the top. 'Bama may hold a slight edge, but Auburn is definitely a contender. Payne is one of the Tigers' biggest targets on either side of the ball in 2015.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Trent-Thompson-29432" target="_blank">Trent Thompson</a> (DT) Albany, Ga. (Westover HS)</h5>
<p>Thompson may be even higher on Auburn's board than Payne. He's the third-best country, second-best in Georgia and the top defensive tackle in the class. Georgia is currently Thompson's leader, but Auburn, FSU, 'Bama and Michigan State are all factors.</p>
<h5>
<a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jamal-Peters-31474" target="_blank">Jamal Peters</a> (S) Bassfield, Miss. (Bassfield HS)</h5>
<p>Peters is the top-ranked player in Mississippi, the No. 2 safety and the no. 41 player overall in 2015. Auburn's lead recruiter on Peters is Melvin Smith, the Tigers' top recruiter in the state of Mississippi. Ole Miss may lead, but it's probably all square between the Rebels, Auburn, FSU, 'Bama and Mississippi State. Peters could end up playing the star position at Auburn or at true safety. He's a big-time athlete.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span></span>Auburn has many more top targets in 2015 and is also a major contender for many other four- and five-star recruits. The Tigers are also high on many three-star guys in 2015, especially at athlete and offensive line. It will be fun to watch Malzahn and his staff put together a class over the next year, and with a returning top-five team, Auburn is sure to get plenty of exposure. Another SEC championship run, and Auburn will undoubtedly close with a big-time class.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2014/2/7/5391190/auburn-football-recruiting-class-of-2015-previewJared Robertson2014-02-05T17:55:43-06:002014-02-05T17:55:43-06:00Breaking down Auburn's Signing Day
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MuKeO-XDw_1vWAppwm5TEzoAC9E=/0x56:4000x2723/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28142855/20131130_ajl_sr5_089.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Reed-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who were the Tigers' biggest hits and misses, and how did Auburn fill its needs?</p> <p>Auburn came into Signing Day with most of its top targets committed and ready to sign, and most had signed before 10 a.m. local time. Auburn had a successful day except for one elephant in the room (no pun intended -- OK maybe a <i>little</i>). So with that said, lets break down the Tigers' Class of 2014 and get the bad out of the way first.</p>
<h4>Biggest NSD Miss: LB Rashaan Evans</h4>
<p>Evans, to the surprise of many, chose Alabama over Auburn on ESPNU this morning. Auburn coaches and most recruiting experts had the Tigers in the lead for Evans all the way up until he picked the Crimson Tide. As we stated in our predictions post, Evans seemed to be more comfortable playing the outside linebacker "jack" position in Alabama's 3-4 defense, and that is ultimately what led to his decision to pick 'Bama. That doesn't lessen the sting that most Auburn fans, and undoubtedly the coaches, are feeling right now. Auburn really needed Evans after losing top recruit <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/219495/reuben-foster">Reuben Foster</a> out of Auburn High School last year. The thought of De'Shaun Davis and Tre' Williams being teamed with Evans in the middle of the defense had fans dreaming of the Auburn linebacker corps of old. He, quite frankly, was a recruit Auburn couldn't really afford to lose, especially to Alabama. The sun will come up tomorrow, and Auburn will still have a talented class to add to a talented team in 2014. But, Evans would have been the cherry on top.</p>
<h4>Biggest NSD Get: OG Braden Smith</h4>
<p>We here at College and Magnolia predicted Smith to TCU, but we are perfectly fine with his decision to play his college ball on the Plains. Auburn did a fantastic job, mainly in the last two months, making up ground in recruiting Smith. It looked to be TCU and Texas A&M battle for most of his recruitment, but the Tigers were able to come in late and get him on campus, which was instrumental in landing his signature. Smith stands at 6'6, 290 pounds, and he repped 515 three times on the bench press, which is really impressive for anyone, much less an 18-year-old kid. Smith adds quality depth to an already deep offensive line. Playing time may be hard to come by for him next year because of so much returning experience. Smith could play tackle or guard and should see significant playing time in 2015, more than likely competing for a starting role.</p>
<h4>Most talented player: WR D'haquille Williams</h4>
<p>Three different players in this class could have taken this honor, but Williams is more college ready than the two top high school kids in the class, Tre' Williams and Roc Thomas. Williams is a 6'3, 210-pound receiver with great leaping ability and ball skills. He high points the ball at all times, keeping it away from shorter and less athletic defensive backs. He's a solid route runner and uses his big frame to get off press coverage at the line. An absolute terror in the red zone, defenses will be playing with fire letting him play one-on-one inside the 20. With Williams flanking out wide opposite of returning speedster <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35418/sammie-coates">Sammie Coates</a>, Auburn will have one the best receiving duos in the conference. Nick Marshall showed what he can do when he gets in a rhythm and should be even better in 2014. Willliams gives him an NFL-type talent to target.</p>
<h4>Biggest Sleeper: ATH Myron Burton</h4>
<p>Burton is just the 76th-ranked athlete in the 247 composite, but he passes the eye test and then some. Standing at 6'2.5, 203 pounds, he's a good looking athlete with room to add a bit of size if need be. Auburn sees him at wide receiver, and he reminds a lot of Emory Blake. He''s not going to wow you with his speed, but he has good hands and just looks smooth on the football field. He may need a bit of fine tuning at wide receiver, but could see the field early and often for Auburn in 2014 adding to an already deep receiving corps.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047473/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047473/star-divide.v5e9d7f1_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Star-divide"></p>
<p>Auburn filled most of its needs in the 2014 class. The only positions not filled that Gus Malzahn and Co. wanted were star and offensive tackle. Jordan Sims out of Homewood would have likely committed to Auburn, and attempted to at one time, but Auburn turned down his commitment. Auburn and Sims never really got involved again, and that was that. Auburn was content on not signing an offensive tackle, which is evidenced by their lack of interest in recontacting Sims. As for star, Auburn had one target and one target only, and that was Evans. The Tigers felt really good about their chances to land him all the way up until the last moment, when he committed to Alabama. With Robenson Therezie only a junior and Justin Garrett a sophomore, Auburn should be set at star for a couple more years, but Evans would have been huge.</p>
<p>Where Auburn needed the most help was linebacker and secondary. Outside of Evans, Auburn did a fantastic job filling needs at linebacker and in the secondary at both corner and safety. Davis is an extremely underrated prospect and should be solid at the "will" linebacker position. Tre' Williams is a stud at middle linebacker and will compete for playing time right away when he reports to fall camp. Where Auburn recruited best was in the defensive backfield. Flipping Kalvaraz Bessent and Stephen Roberts from Alabama filled a serious need for the Tigers, and adding Nick Ruffin along with Derrick Moncrief and Markell Boston give them some much needed talent and size. All five guys stand a legit 6' or taller, which is something Auburn has lacked for some time. Bessent and Ruffin look to play corner on the Plains. Roberts, Moncrief and Boston all should slide in at safety. Roberts, however could play either corner or safety, which gives the Tigers some flexibility in what they can do with him. Moncrief, a junior out of JUCO, should compete at safety right away. Don't be surprised if he is the starter opposite <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/131882/jermaine-whitehead">Jermaine Whitehead</a> or Josh Holsey next season, as either could slide back down to corner with no problem.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047491/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2047491/star-divide.v5e9d7f1_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Star-divide"></p>
<p>All in all, Auburn finished with a really good class. It probably would have been considered great had Auburn landed Evans, but lets take nothing away from the kids who are in this class. This is consensus top-10 group that essentially filled all needs with talented players. This is only Malzahn and his staff's first full year to recruit, and coming off a disastrous 2012, they really built on the success of this season and even had a lot of top targets committed before the SEC Championship run. Auburn should be able to build off this class going forward, and the future is bright on the Plains.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/recruiting/2014/2/5/5383690/auburn-class-of-2014-analysis-national-signing-dayJared Robertson2014-02-05T14:15:23-06:002014-02-05T14:15:23-06:00Meet Auburn's Class of 2014
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m5v8kYoMF9xdzwz8unEYtQzVJds=/0x0:887x591/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28129847/5auburn6.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Lauren Barnard/Auburn University photo</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Gus Malzahn and his staff did work on the recruiting trail.</p> <p>National Signing Day 2014 isn't over yet, but the Auburn-related action is pretty much done. The Tigers' Class of 2014 is locked in, and it's a good one: 23 signees, 16 rated as four- or five-stars by one recruiting service or another.</p>
<p>Yes, missing on Rashaan Evans stings, but it's hard to complain too much about this group.</p>
<table align="center" border="0">
<caption><b>Auburn's Class of 2014</b></caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Name</b></td>
<td><b>Height</b></td>
<td><b>Weight</b></td>
<td><b>Star rating</b></td>
<td><b>Position</b></td>
<td><b>Position rank</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D'Haquille Williams (EE)</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>213</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>1*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Derrick Moncreif (EE)</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>226</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>1*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stanton Truitt (EE)</td>
<td>5'10</td>
<td>185</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>ATH</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Laye (EE)</td>
<td>6'5</td>
<td>240</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xavier Dampeer (EE)</td>
<td>6'4</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>OC</td>
<td>2*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roc Thomas</td>
<td>5'11</td>
<td>196</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tre' Williams</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>237</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Braden Smith</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>290</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>OG</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Ruffin</td>
<td>6'0.5</td>
<td>190</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thornton</td>
<td>6'5</td>
<td>222</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>WDE</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kalvaraz Bessent</td>
<td>6'</td>
<td>170</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Roberts</td>
<td>6'</td>
<td>177</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sean White</td>
<td>6'2</td>
<td>204</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>PRO</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dontavius Russell</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Williams</td>
<td>6'4</td>
<td>247</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>WDE</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DaVonte Lambert</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>278</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>SDE</td>
<td>1*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kamryn Pettway</td>
<td>5'11.5</td>
<td>221</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jakell Mitchell</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>214</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>De'Shaun Davis</td>
<td>6'0</td>
<td>225</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>ILB</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Myron Burton</td>
<td>6'2.5</td>
<td>203</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>ATH</td>
<td>76</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devaroe Lawrence</td>
<td>6'3</td>
<td>278</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Markell Boston</td>
<td>6'1.5</td>
<td>200</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>ATH</td>
<td>92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Raashed Kennion</td>
<td>6'6</td>
<td>228</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>WDE</td>
<td>73</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><i>Ratings and ranks via 247 composite. EE - early enrollee. * - JUCO position rank.</i></p>
<p>So, what do you think of Auburn's class? Who's your favorite baby Tiger? How much of a damper does missing Evans put on the day? Vote in our poll and let us know in the comments.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/recruiting/2014/2/5/5383210/auburn-class-of-2014-national-signing-dayChris Fuhrmeister2014-02-05T13:23:09-06:002014-02-05T13:23:09-06:00Andrew Williams picks Auburn
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3-kkWq7N_0bV5TF9bRmtjfTMSwg=/0x11:4000x2678/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28124715/461032679.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevork Djansezian</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Williams is a solid defensive end.</p> <p>Andrew Williams, a highly touted defensive end in the Class of 2014, made his college choice on Wednesday, National Signing Day. Williams picked Auburn over Georgia and Clemson.</p>
<p><i><b>UPDATE</b>: Williams' NLI is in; he's officially a Tiger.</i></p>
<p>Williams, out of Eagle's Landing Christian in McDonough, Ga., is rated as a four-star prospect by the 247Sports composite, and listed as the 231st-best player in the current recruiting cycle. He's ranked No. 12 among all weak-side defensive ends and No. 17 among players from the state of Alabama. He was long considered to be an Auburn lean, but Georgia had his last official visit, which led to some speculation that he would sign with the Dawgs</p>
<p>Williams stands 6'4 and weighs in at 247 pounds, and he runs a reported 4.7-second 40-yard dash. He held scholarship offers from 42 schools around the country and chose the Tigers over other top programs such as Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Stanford, Texas A&M and USC.</p>
<p>Williams adds immediate depth and talent to the defensive line and should be a good rusher off the edge. Auburn's D-line is loaded, and the addition of Williams further cements that fact.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AP1__TspRA4" height="480" width="853"></iframe></p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/recruiting/2014/2/5/5382234/andrew-williams-commitment-auburn-national-signing-day-2014Chris Fuhrmeister2014-02-05T11:06:03-06:002014-02-05T11:06:03-06:00Davon Godchaux sticks with LSU
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FdNh0Zm-avjVDUYgNY5QnLB1BLg=/0x77:2828x1962/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28113303/20140124_ter_sv7_838.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Godchaux was an LSU commit and had been considering Ole Miss and Auburn.</p> <p>Davon Godchaux, a solid defensive end in the Class of 2014 and a longtime LSU commit, stuck with the Bayou Bengals on Wednesday, National Signing Day. Godchaux was also considering Ole Miss and Auburn</p>
<p>Godchaux, out of Plaquemine (La.) High School, is rated as a four-star prospect by the 247Sports composite, and listed as the 148th-best player in the current recruiting cycle. He's ranked No. 10 among all strong-side defensive ends and No. 11 among players from the state of Louisiana. He committed to LSU on Sept. 30, 2013, but took recent visits to Auburn and UCLA, in addition to a visit to Ole Miss back in October.</p>
<p>Godchaux stands 6'4 and weighs in at 265 pounds, good size for an end prospect. He held scholarship offers from 29 schools around the country and chose the Tigers over other top programs such as Alabama, Arizona State, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Nebraska, Texas, Texas A&M and USC.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/recruiting/2014/2/5/5382176/davon-godchaux-commitment-LSU-national-signing-day-2014Chris Fuhrmeister2014-02-05T10:58:16-06:002014-02-05T10:58:16-06:00Markell Boston makes it official
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T9-9V3_QrmhYdxgnaOYrYQ5b8CI=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28100671/201301130_rvr_su1_042.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Boston is a recent safety commit.</p> <p>Markell Boston, an athlete/safety prospect in the Class of 2014 and a recent Auburn commit, made his pledge to the Tigers official on Wednesday, National Signing Day. Boston faxed in his National Letter of Intent, making him a member of Gus Malzahn's program.</p>
<p>Boston, out of East Croweta High School in Newnan, Ga., is rated as a three-star prospect by the 247Sports composite, and listed as the 1,141st-best player in the current recruiting cycle. He's ranked No. 92 among all athletes and No. 106 among players from the state of Georgia. He decommitted from East Carolina and flipped to Auburn on Feb. 3 after receiving an offer from the Tigers.</p>
<p>Boston stands 6'1.5 and weighs in at 200 pounds, and he runs a reported 4.6-second 40-yard dash. He held scholarship offers from 11 schools around the country and chose the Tigers over programs such as Nebraska, Mississippi State, Indiana and Central Florida.</p>
<p>Boston has good size for a safety and should be a big hitter in the middle of the field. And with pretty good speed, he could be a ball hawk in pass coverage, too.</p>
<p><iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8l4UDicbQKc" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/recruiting/2014/2/5/5381974/markell-boston-signs-auburn-national-signing-day-2014Chris Fuhrmeister2014-02-05T10:52:46-06:002014-02-05T10:52:46-06:00Rashaan Evans picks Alabama
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Q8w-1CvqY921JF_4yVVYMb--VZA=/0x290:2667x2068/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28111797/20131116_kkt_ad8_411.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Evans should be a standout in Tuscaloosa.</p> <p>Rashaan Evans, one of the top players in the Class of 2014, committed to Alabama on Wednesday, National Signing Day. Evans chose the Crimson Tide over Auburn.</p>
<p>Evans, out of Auburn High School, is rated as a five-star prospect by the 247Sports composite, and listed as the 15th-best player in the current recruiting cycle. He's ranked No. 1 among all outside linebackers and No. 2 among players from the state of Alabama. He committed to The Tide despite a full-court press from Gus Malzahn and the Tigers.</p>
<p>Evans stands 6'3 and weighs in at 220 pounds, and he runs a reported 4.51-second 40-yard dash. He held scholarship offers from 28 schools around the country and chose the Tigers over top programs such as UCLA, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon and USC.</p>
<p>In picking Alabama, he basically decided to play the outside linebacker "jack" position over Auburn's linebacker/safety "star" spot. Evans wants to rush the quarterback, and he'll be able to do that a lot at Alabama.</p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/recruiting/2014/2/5/5382042/rashaan-evans-commitment-alabama-national-signing-day-2014Chris Fuhrmeister2014-02-05T10:26:32-06:002014-02-05T10:26:32-06:00Top OG Braden Smith picks Auburn
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xzvXm8sB7AyGiNt7xGOwr6mb6bU=/0x0:533x355/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28086985/8528668589_0a1de5e794_c.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>SB Nation recruiting photo</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Smith is a big addition to Auburn's offensive line.</p> <p>Braden Smith, one of the top offensive linemen in the Class of 2014 made his college choice on Wednesday, National Signing Day. Smith announced on ESPNU that he will play his college ball at Auburn.</p>
<p><i><b>Update</b>: Smith's NLI has arrived, so it's official.</i></p>
<p>Smith, out of Olathe South High School in Olathe, Kan., is rated as a four-star prospect by the 247Sports composite, and listed as the 63rd-best player in the current recruiting cycle. He's ranked No. 3 among all offensive guards and No. 1 among players from the state of Kansas. He committed to the Tigers despite strong pushes from TCU and Texas A&M.</p>
<p>Smith stands 6'6 and weighs in at 290 pounds, and he recently <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2014/1/21/5332084/braden-smith-bench-press-recruiting-2014">put up three reps at 515 pounds on the bench press</a>. He held scholarship offers from 25 schools around the country and chose the Tigers over top programs such as Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Stanford and USC.</p>
<p>Smith has good size and incredible strength for an offensive lineman. With Auburn's O-line being so deep and talented, he might not make a big impact right away, but he'll definitely make an impact at some point for the Tigers. Bud Elliott, SB Nation's recruiting analyst, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2013/3/14/4104194/braden-smith-recruit-scouting-report-top-offensive-lineman" target="_blank">is awfully impressed with Smith</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Smith tests extremely well. He runs the 40 well, and he is very strong on the bench press. He plays in a wing-t offense, and most of his plays are run blocking. Smith does not play great competition, and more often than not overwhelms his opposition. He has a good initial punch, and when he plays low, can really finish off blocks using his leg drive. Smith has good speed in the open field to reach players at the second level, and is quick at the snap.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fUI0AlPYcmY" height="480" width="853"></iframe></p>
https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/recruiting/2014/2/5/5381502/braden-smith-commitment-auburn-national-signing-day-2014Chris Fuhrmeister