Auburn is putting together a nice 2014 recruiting class under new head coach Gus Malzahn. The Tigers are pitching immediate playing time along with all the perks of playing for a major program. Auburn is also doing a great job of going after recruits that fit the offensive and defensive schemes they are looking to run.
One of the major reasons for the recent success is coach Dameyune Craig. Craig played for Auburn in college, and was most recently at Florida State. The Mobile, Ala., native was hired to return Auburn as a recruiting presence in the area. And he's done that in spades. Of Auburn's seven commitments, four are from Mobile.
The Tigers don't look to be in the running for the No. 1 class at this point, but a top-five or 10 class is certainly possible.
Current Commitments
Tre' Williams, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's Episcopal School: Williams is a powerful linebacker at 6'2 and 230 pounds. He chose Auburn over Alabama, and is a consensus four-star player with many other SEC offers as well.
Justin Thornton, Mobile (Ala.) Vigor High School: Thornton is one of the best defensive end recruits nationally. He chose Auburn over LSU and Texas A&M. Thornton is a consensus four-star recruit, and with his commitment made, will now focus on his grades to ensure he qualifies.
Derrick Moncrief, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC: A super safety/linebacker recruit, Moncrief will be perfect for Auburn's hybrid 4-2-5 defense in the third safety role. Moncrief is a consensus four-star recruit, and might be the best JUCO safety nationally.
De'Shaun Davis, Mobile (Ala.) Vigor High School: Davis is a high three-star linebacker recruit and another player from the Mobile area. He is 6'0, 225 pounds and is considered one of the 20 best inside linebacker recruits nationally.
Kamryn Pettway, Prattville (Ala.) High School: Pettway is a bruiser of a running back/fullback at 5'11 and 225 pounds. He is a consensus three-star recruit, and was previously committed to Florida State.
Joshua Casher, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's Episcopal School: Don't let the three-star rating fool you; Casher is one of the best centers nationally. Centers just aren't highly rated, because the best centers often are guards or tackles who moved inside once they enter college. Casher is 6'1 and 300 pounds.
Chris Laye, Suwanee (Ga.) Lambert High School: Laye is a lightly-recruited tight end out of Suwanee (Ga.) Lambert High School. He is a low three-star recruit.
Targets
Auburn has many high-profile targets on its board. Here are a few at which Auburn has a strong chance:
Racean Thomas, Oxford (Ala.) High School: 'Roc' Thomas is one of the top running backs in the country. He's freakishly athletic at 5'11 and 200 pounds, and carries a consensus five-star rating. Alabama is Auburn's major competition for Thomas as of mid-May.
Nicholas Ruffin, Atlanta (Ga.) St. Pius X School: Ruffin is a very talented defensive back out of Atlanta. At 6'1 and 185 pounds, he has cornerback and safety versatility. Alabama is the main competition for the consensus four-star.
Rashaan Evans, Auburn (Ala.) High School: Evans is a four-star linebacker attending Auburn High School. Landing the 6'3, 215-pound recruit should be no trouble for Auburn.
Adam Choice, Thomasville (Ga.) Thomas County Central High School: Choice is an excellent running back, who at 5'9 and 208 pounds will remind some Auburn fans of Michael Dyer.
Big Cat Weekend
The Tigers will host Big Cat Weekend beginning on May 31. Started several years ago, the Tigers invite many top recruits to campus for a big party atmosphere. In previous years, the event has resulted in several commitments. Stick with SB Nation for coverage of the event, including any new Auburn Tigers.
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