Auburn has struggled in the post-Cam Newton era, but new coach Gus Malzahn is trying to get the Tigers back on track. He’s led them to a 4-1 start, including an upset win over Ole Miss, while bringing in a strong recruiting class that is considered one of the best in the nation.
Auburn recruiting 2013: Malzahn bringing in top class in first year
New head coach Gus Malzahn has hit the ground running as Auburn’s head coach.
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The 247sports composite rates Auburn’s class as the 15th best in the nation, thanks to one five-star recruit and six four-stars among the squad’s 15 commitments. In the stacked SEC, however, the Tigers rank just eighth.
Auburn’s most recent commitment is Mississippi center Xavier Dampeer. The three-star prospect is considered the second-best center in the country.
Racean Thomas is the most highly-touted member of the Tigers’ class. The running back from Oxford (Ala.) High School is considered a five-star by the 247sports composite. He is rated as the fourth-best running back in the nation and the second-best player in the state.
Tre’ Williams is another big part of Auburn’s class. The inside linebacker from St. Paul’s Episcopal (Ala.) is rated a four-star by the 247sports composite. He is considered the second-best inside linebacker in the nation and the third-best player in the state.
Justin Thornton is also a top player for Malzahn's class. The defensive end from Vigor (Ala.) High School is considered a four-star by the 247sports composite. He is rated as the fifth-best weakside defensive end in the country and the sixth-best player in the state.
Nick Ruffin is another talented player coming in to Auburn. The defensive back from St. Pius X (Ga.) is rated a four-star by the 247sports composite. He is considered the 18th-best cornerback in the country and the 13th-best player in the state.
Still to come?
In addition to trying to keep its committed prospects to stick with the program, admittedly a big task, Auburn also has strong interest from three more four-star recruits.
- Rashaan Evans, outside linebacker, Auburn (Ala.): As you can tell from the location of Evans’ high school, Auburn has a leg up on his recruitment. Evans has a great combination of quickness, strength and length. Auburn’s main competition for Evans is Georgia.
- Andrew Williams, defensive end, McDonough (Ga.) Eagle’s Landing Christian School: Williams is a powerful defensive end at 6’4 and 250 pounds. He could provide immediate depth for the Tigers. Notre Dame and Clemson are also somewhat in the mix.
- Joshua Casher, center, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul’s Episcopal School: Casher is a former Auburn commitment and one of the top centers in the country. He decommitted in July, bust most feel he will end up back at Auburn over Alabama.
