Gus Malzahn and the Auburn Tigers can close out a strong recruiting class by landing these five prospects on National Signing Day.
With one week to go until National Signing Day on February 1, college football teams around the nation are looking to make one final push for uncommitted recruits.
The Auburn Tigers will look to put the finishing touches on a recruiting class that is already shaping up to be the best of the Gus Malzahn era. 247Sports current ranks Auburn’s recruiting class as the eighth-best in the nation with 20 players already enrolled or committed.
Malzahn’s haul includes five-star offensive tackle Calvin Ashley and Baylor transfer quarterback Jarrett Stidham. As strong as the current class is, the Tigers could always use more talented prospects to keep up with the likes of Alabama and LSU in the SEC West.
Auburn is still in play for a number of uncommitted prospects, while other schools will be making a late push for some of the players who have offered soft commits. Locking up these five prospects on National Signing Day would give Auburn a nice boost heading into 2017.
5. Tyler Taylor, LB
While the hire of coordinator Kevin Steele wasn’t exactly met with a warm reception last offseason, the Tigers put together a stingy defensive unit that allowed just 17.1 points per game. To keep that success up, the Tigers will need to land highly-touted prospects like Taylor on February 1.
A four-star inside linebacker out of Buford, Georgia, Taylor is ranked as the No. 10 prospect nationally at his position per 247Sports. Taylor offers great athleticism and versatility at 6 foot 2 and 226 pounds, and could develop into an effective edge rusher if he can add more to his frame.
The Tigers will be looking for more pass rush after losing Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams this offseason. While all three Auburn starting linebackers will return next season with Tre’ Williams leading the way, Taylor could fill a need in 2018 or beyond.
Taylor stated over the weekend that his decision was down to LSU and Auburn. While LSU has the advantage of getting Taylor’s last official visit on January 20, Auburn has at least a good chance to add him on National Signing Day.