Auburn added to its 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday, signing six players to a group that already saw 11 sign during December’s early signing period. While Bryan Harsin and his staff have worked to complete the class, the Tigers may not be done just yet, with open spots still available — and some targets, including three-star running back Jarquez Hunter, yet to announce.
As of early Wednesday afternoon, though, Auburn’s recruiting class stands at 17 signees — including Northwestern grad transfer Eku Leota — and is ranked 30th in the 247Sports Composite class rankings. Auburn expects to be done for the day, but more commitments could be coming in the next 48 hours or do.
Harsin spoke with the media via Zoom on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the Tigers’ class. Here’s a recap of what he had to say. A full video of Harsin’s remarks will be made available later in the day.
BRYAN HARSIN
— “Good day today.” Harsin thanks Auburn’s staff and everyone who helped with the transition process.
— As far as the recruiting process, a few things to consider: “This is a big moment for everybody… You think about this decision to make a commitment.”
— Several spots left, “so we’re not done.” So far, six offensive players and 11 defensive players.
— Cayden Bridges is a “hard-hitter” and “plays physical.” Sees a lot of potential with his development.
— Tar’varish Dawson, a wide receiver, “never wavered” even through the coaching change. Has been a longtime Auburn commit.
— Juwon Gaston “is a competitor” from just down the road in Montgomery. Calls him a playmaker.
— Eku Leota, the Northwestern transfer, “is a guy that is all about the fit and culture.” Thinks he can provide immediate pass-rush. Has his degree already, but still has three years of eligibility.
— Colby Smith, offensive tackle, “is a big human being.” Believes his best football is ahead of him.
— Joko Willis, JUCO linebacker, can play outside and inside linebacker. He has a lot of range and speed, quickness. “Certainly fits what we’re looking for with that linebacker spot.”
— Harsin is now commenting on the early enrollees, says it has been good getting to know them and seeing them put in the offseason developmental work.
— Summer arrivals in May include A.D. Diamond, Ian Mathews, Tobechi Okoli, Hal Presley and Marquis Robinson.
— Reiterates they still have “several spots” to fill and “recruiting never ends.”
— On the challenge of short-term roster management: “It’s all those things every single day. You’re looking at your current roster…. You got guys from this COVID year, back and forth, making decisions to come back” as well as incoming guys and returning guys. Wants to make sure they have the right people in the program and on the same page. It’s an ongoing process every day.
— Says outside of Chandler Wooten and Traivon Leonard, it doesn’t appear any other opt-outs or seniors from last season will return.
— Devan Barrett will be back with the team and will play running back, but Auburn is “not done” with recruiting the position.
— On director of recruiting Darren Uscher, Harsin says he does a “great job” and that he has a lot of faith and trust in him, coming in and getting a feel for what Auburn needed and how to go about it.
— On the transfer portal and balancing recruiting transfers vs. high school players: “I’m not sure anybody has a perfect answer for that,” but believes it comes down to needs — whether that’s an older player, a freshman, a developmental guy, etc. Adds that the transfer portal “is going to be interesting for everyone.”
— Harsin thinks Auburn is done signing guys today but anticipates something could happen in next 48 hours or so. Again, recruiting never ends, he says.
— Notes that it has been a challenge recruiting without on-campus visits, but he thinks it will be a big advantage for Auburn once those limitations are lifted and they can have camps and get guys on campus. Building relationships with high school players and coaches has been difficult.
— Thinks there was “great communication” among his staff members in terms of communicating with players, family and internal discussions — where they’re at, what they need to do moving forward and forming a vision for the future.
— Says “recruiting is the most important thing we can do.”
— On the importance of being able to do in-person evaluations: “Huge…. You can’t substitute that.”
— On the needs remaining in the class: Running back, offensive line, defensive back “are still areas we got to fill some of those needs if we find the right fit.”
Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde.