Five-star defensive end Da’Shawn Hand, considered by many to be the best player in the class of 2014, will visit Auburn this weekend, a sign the school has entered a race most think is led by Michigan and Virginia Tech:
2014 5-star DE Da’Shawn Hand visiting Auburn
Potential No. 1 recruit Da’Shawn Hand will take a look at Auburn, despite the fact that the nation’s top recruit didn’t include the school in his first top five. He could join an elite defensive line that Rodney Garner is building.
Bud Elliott, SB Nation
Da'Shawn Hand, the nation's No.1 prospect from Woodbridge HS in Va., visiting #Auburn this weekend.
— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) May 3, 2013
When the 6’5, 247-pound junior released a top-five list back in January, Auburn didn’t make the cut, with the Wolverines and Hokies joined by Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. But Gus Malzahn has apparently figured out how to work the Tigers into the mix.
Thanks to defensive line coach Rodney Garner, who ditched Georgia to join Malzahn’s staff in late December, Auburn has managed to reel in some serious defensive line recruits. Last year’s class boasted three five-stars, defensive tackle Montravius Adams and defensive ends Carl Lawson and Elijah Daniel. All that depth could be a turnoff to some, but Garner has clearly been able to sell guys on joining his line, and perhaps Hand is looking for some competition.
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