Going into Wednesday’s National Signing Day, it was unclear how much the arrival of new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp would boost recruiting, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but that question was answered quickly with the decision of one player.
The Tigers nabbed the nation’s No. 1 overall high school player, defensive end Byron Cowart, to headline the No. 6 overall recruiting class. Auburn also picked up at least three undecided prospects Wednesday, including four-star wide receiver Ryan Davis and four-star linebacker Jeffrey Holland, who both chose Auburn over Florida.
Muschamp, along with new defensive coaches and recruiters like Florida’s Travaris Robinson — or “T-Rob” — and Alabama’s Lance Thompson, made a strong, final push for Auburn’s signing day success.
The Tigers signed a total of 27 players in its 2015 class that is comprised of one five-star (Cowart) and 20 four-star recruits, according to 247Sports’ composite ranking. Eight players already had enrolled early at the school and the remaining recruits will be on campus sometime this summer. Auburn signed eight players from Alabama — one more than did the Crimson Tide — and signed the state’s top prospect, or “Mr. Football,” (Kerryon Johnson) for the third consecutive season. The Tigers also signed 10 players from the neighboring state of Georgia.
After finishing with an 8-5 record in 2014, the new season already has a more positive outlook for the Tigers.
Auburn is obviously known for its prowess on offense under Malzahn’s system. But with the defensive staff the school has assembled, and the new talent it brought in to pair with returning players like defensive lineman Carl Lawson, Auburn’s going to be tough on both sides of the ball in 2015.
Here is the entire recruiting class on a chart via 247Sports.
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