2025 Auburn Commitments And Evaluations

This year's potential top-five Auburn Tigers recruiting haul will add to the fantastic 2024 class . Hugh Freeze and his staff are doing a fantastic job.

This running list of Auburn commitments breaks down their film in addition to each prospect's high school, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and more.

Bookmark this page to gain easy access to the 2025 Auburn recruiting class as it continuously unfolds! Here’s the breakdown, by position, for the Tigers’ recruiting efforts.

Total Commitments: 22

Running Back: 1

Alvin Henderson, 5-foot-10, 198 pounds, Elba (Ala.) High School

Seeing Henderson twice right before the 2024 season, he's ripped and focused on his final prep campaign. Look for him to break the Alabama all-time rushing record and lead Elba High School deep into the state playoffs.

Darting and cutting, Henderson's quick feet help him be one of the nation's most productive prep runners. More specifically, his 2022 and 2023 football seasons combined for 6,159 yards rushing and 108 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.

Henderson is a versatile and durable football recruit. He is the bell cow runner for a team without much of a passing attack. Teams load up to stop him and Henderson continues to carry the football with success. He's certainly resilient.

His best attribute is hard to pin down, but vision is certainly a top contender. Henderson's ability to make sharp cuts is noticeable but he has to see the field well to maximize his lateral agility. He also sets up defenders with different moves like a jump cut or changing speeds.

Wide Receiver: 1

Derick Smith, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Selma (Ala.) Southside

Committed July 29, 2024

An explosive athlete, Smith's ability to impact a football game is possible him taking a short pass and weaving through a defense for a score. He will also run by the cornerback and safety and score on a bomb. Adding in Smith's propensity to be one of the most physical players on the gridiron, makes him an overall nightmare to defend.

All of Smith's skills also mean he can line up at different spots for Auburn. He's not just a flanker or a slot receiver; Smith could change positions multiple times during any given drive. That's another headache for opposing defensive coordinators.

Overall, Smith is one of America's most talented football players and it will be fun to see how Freeze and his coaching staff come up with ways to place the football in his hands. Expect Smith to play early for Auburn.

Tight End: 2

Hollis Davidson, 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, Peachtree City (Ga.) McIntosh

Committed July 4, 2024

A downfield threat, Davidson's body control stands out among his many skills. Whether it's a 50-50 opportunity against a free safety or a corner route where Davidson must know he's near the sideline, he snatches the football with strong hands and comes down with the big catch inside the field of play.

To that point, Davidson's strong hands also stand out. He makes diving catches and holds onto the football, as well as making leaping grabs where his body slams into the turf and he still controls the football through contact on the ground. His physical gifts help make those catches possible.

Watching him run, Davidson has the athleticism that few 6-foot-6 tight ends possess. He's certainly agile in the air. He also moves side-to-side much like a receiver; Davidson makes defenders miss with juke moves.

As he gains strength and mass, look for Davidson to be a matchup problem as he will be even better suited to play as a traditional inline tight end to go along with his ability to split out and play a flex position.

Ryan Ghea , 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Milton (Ga.) High School

Ryan Ghea Prospect Evaluation

Committed Nov. 12, 2023

Ghea shows power when blocking as an inline tight end or flexed to the perimeter. He engulfs smaller defensive backs and shows good footwork with outside linebackers and defensive ends to set the edge. He will fit into Freeze's system that utilizes tight ends and H-backs in a multitude of ways similar to what Ghea is accustomed to at Milton High School. He's a capable receiver as well.

Ghea catches the football away from his body and possesses the length to gain advantages over smaller defensive backs within the red zone and when in one-on-one situations. Also, note that Ghea's straight-line speed is a weapon. After catching a short pass, he quickly gains momentum and eats up yardage.

Lastly, he's clever about how and when to release from a block to help set up a tight end screen. This is a savvy football player and one that can help the Tigers in many ways.

Offensive Line: 5

Tai Buster , 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, Kannapolis (N.C.) A.L. Brown

Committed March 22, 2024

An explosive athlete, Buster's future with the Tigers lies along the interior of the offensive line. He does play left tackle for A.L. Brown which helps to see him better during pass protection. Buster's quickness is accentuated whenever he's called upon to keep the quarterback upright. He still possesses a trait that fits the interior better.

Buster's ability to quickly engage the defensive lineman he's assigned to block allows him to overwhelm his opponent. While staying low, a powerful lower body will help move the defender away from the line of scrimmage. Here's one more note about Buster.

He's adept at blocking at the second level. Coming off a combination block, Buster finds linebackers quickly to seal off a running lane for his running back. He's been well coached.

Tavaris Dice , 6-foot-5, 293 pounds, Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes

Committed March 14, 2024

Dice is coming to Auburn from one of Georgia's top prep programs. Playing left tackle for Langston Hughes, he's now used to being in pressure situations as a pass protector and run blocker.

Dice's quick feet allow him to take the fight to the defense. Kick step, zone step, or lining up a block in the open field during a screen, Dice provides the athleticism to block top opposing players.

Looking at his film and Dice's long-term position projection, Dice is a candidate to play multiple roles on the Plains. He's open to playing guard if needed, but his natural athleticism and experience as a left tackle for Langston Hughes gives credence to him eventually being the starting left tackle.

Spencer Dowland , 6-foot-6, 290 pounds, Athens (Ala.) High School

Committed Sep. 2, 2023

Dowland’s ability to quickly get up to full speed, as well as hit much smaller players while running in space, is impressive. Good first-step quickness. The power to take on 300-pound defensive linemen, but also moves well enough to get in position to angle block and use leverage. His specific offensive line position is not certain, but for now, guard or tackle seem like possibilities.

In addition, Dowland plays in an offense that’s versatile with its play calling, and that will help him progress quicker than if he was in a pure power-oriented or triple-option offense.

Broderick Shull, 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, Bixby (Okla.) High School

Committed June 7, 2024

Shull’s talent is vast. His junior film provides examples of quickness, power, and tenacity. Regardless of the play call, Shull plays all-out. All of his natural size and physical gifts would not be maximized otherwise.

One could argue that his best offensive line skill is any one of pulling, climbing to the linebacker level to block, or drive blocking. With each assignment, Shull performs like the game is on the line. That’s a great sign for this young man’s future as a Tiger.

Attempting to project Shull’s specific college position comes with positive thoughts as well. He plays right tackle for Bixby, but he could possibly play left tackle as well. With Shull’s penchant for power run blocking, playing guard could allow him to excel, too.

Jacobe Ward, 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine Military School

Committed July 6, 2024

Ward’s best attribute is raw power. When he squares up and takes on a defensive lineman, Ward usually moves that player backward or in whichever direction he wants. Additionally, it’s not only his strength that allows him to accomplish this.

Even at 330 pounds, Ward’s quick feet enable him to engage quickly. He gains the upper hand by getting into his first step faster than the player in front of him and then shooting his hands into the defender’s body. It’s impressive. It will be interesting to see how Auburn uses his skills throughout Ward’s time on the Plains.

Ward plays right tackle for Benedictine and could one day play that spot for Auburn. To start his career as a Tiger, it’s a good bet Ward plays offensive guard where his power power will be maximized. He is quick as a pass protector but it’s much easier for a young player to compete at guard than tackle.

Defensive End: 2

Jakaleb Faulk , 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Highland Home (Ala.) High School

Committed Aug. 21, 2023

Athletically, as well as with his frame, Faulk provides attributes that few 2025 recruits will match. First off, his arm length is tremendous and provides an advantage for an edge defender. Similarly, Faulk’s burst off the edge is also a natural fit for a pass rusher or linebacker; he plays mostly linebacker for Highland Home. Watching him blitz from the second level – and still catch the opposing quarterback by surprise – and get home for sacks is eye-opening.

Also shows tremendous hand-eye coordination as a flex tight end by way of making over-the-shoulder catches look easy. This is the type of athlete Auburn needs more of to compete at the top of the SEC. He could play linebacker for the Tigers, too.

Jared Smith, 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson

Committed Aug. 3, 2024

Smith is still growing into his frame and is a versatile prospect. Thus, he could play two, possibly three different positions along Auburn's defensive front during his time on the Plains. A standup edge rusher, or hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, and playing inside during obvious passing situations are all possible.

Despite Smith's long legs and arms, he's a nimble prospect capable of beating offensive linemen with quickness as much as he can with power. During the Under Armour Atlanta Camp, Smith did quite well during one-on-ones going against top-notch competition.

Overall, Smith is one of the most versatile defenders in the entire 2025 recruiting cycle. Watching him develop into a true SEC defender will be fun.

Defensive Tackle: 3

Malik Autry , 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, Opelika (Ala.) High School

Committed Feb. 1, 2023

Auburn's DL and OL Recruiting Looks Fantastic 'On The Hoof'

Auburn Recruit Makes Major Strides As A Prospect

Autry is a naturally imposing figure. His huge arms stand out, and his powerfully built from his legs to his shoulders. Autry’s best skill would be the ability to explode off the snap of the football, staying low, engulfing the opposing blocker, finding the ball carrier, and then moving laterally along the line of scrimmage to make a play on players who weigh 100 pounds or less than himself.

Additionally, Autry will push his counterpart into the backfield and blow up the play. He uses spin moves and one-arm rip moves to evade blockers as well. Autry also shows consistent effort and that’s not a given with many big-time defensive tackle recruits. This is a player who’s enthusiastic about football and has a chance to be a special college football player.

Antonio Coleman, 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, Saraland (Ala.) High School

Committed July 27, 2024

Coleman's brute strength is accented by his lateral quickness. The combination of natural skills makes him a threat to penetrate into the backfield during any given play. Capable of playing defensive tackle or nose guard, Coleman is a player teams will have to prepare for.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of his game is being an inside pass rusher. Few interior defensive linemen will create quarterback pressures the way Coleman consistently does. A quick two-hand swipe or lateral cut can leave an offensive lineman grasping at air instead of Coleman's shoulder pads.

Overall, Coleman's power and athleticism make him a strong candidate to play early for Auburn.

Jourdin Crawford , 6-foot-1, 305 pounds, Birmingham (Ala.) Parker

Committed Oct. 16, 2023

Prospect Profile for Jourdin Crawford

Power player; can two-gap as a zero-technique or 1-technique. Crawford’s athleticism and size are likely going to draw a lot of double teams, even at the SEC level. Still possesses the quickness to chase down ball carriers from behind, and that’s at over 300 pounds. While still refining his technique, Crawford does utilize his hands to keep offensive linemen away from him.

Perhaps his most unique talent would be as an interior pass rusher that teams cannot discount applying pressure to the quarterback. Most nose guards struggle to rush the passer. With Crawford's athleticism and strength, he’s a threat to smack the opposing signal caller.

Linebacker: 1

Bryce Deas , 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances

Committed June 11, 2024

Looking at his long-term position flexibility, Deas is one of the nation’s most versatile defensive recruits. He plays a standup pass rusher role for St. Frances. Watching his explosiveness, ability to beat blockers with quick lateral cuts, and hand-eye coordination also helps one see how Deas could play outside linebacker or inside linebacker at the college level.

Athletically, Deas could play wide receiver or be a flex tight end. He’s naturally a physical football player, too. With his mindset of attacking, it’s still best for him to line up in Auburn’s front seven. Now figuring out exactly where is debatable.

Because of Deas’s all-around talent, expect to see him play multiple roles for the Tigers. Being an off-ball linebacker could be his calling – depending on the opposition – to give Auburn a favorable one-on-one matchup. The next week he might be used more as an outside linebacker who constantly rushes the passer. Bottom line, Deas has unique skills and will help Auburn’s football team in a multitude of ways.

Cornerback: 4

Dante Core, 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, Fort Walton Beach (Fla.) High School

Committed May 18, 2024

Core is a great under-the-radar find for the Tigers. Playing in the Florida Panhandle, he's not seen nearly as often by recruiting services but that did not stop the likes of Auburn, Missouri, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, and many other programs from offering him.

He's also a savvy player who does well with press coverage and press-bail coverage. Core will pick off a pass even when the pass is thrown to a receiver he's not defending. Tremendous eye discipline and a quick change of direction allow him to make those plays.

As Core gains strength, he will be a capable cornerback playing toward the boundary, field, or in the slot. He's a physical player so that trait opens up more possibilities for his future as a Tiger.

Donovan Starr, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, Brentwood (Tenn.) Ravenwood

Committed June 6, 2024

Starr’s ability to break on the football is fun to watch. When combining his foot quickness with how well he’s being coached at the prep level, it’s easy to see why offers came in from programs across the country like Michigan, Clemson, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Missouri, Florida, Miami, and North Carolina.

Starr utilizes his talents when playing off-ball coverage or playing aggressively. His HUDL film displays his savvy play in reading the receiver and the quarterback, too. He has a knack for creating big plays by reacting quickly. When he’s not playing cornerback, Starr contributes as an offensive playmaker.

It’s not wise to kick Starr the football. He has good vision to weave through a defense and score; his speed is key in helping make it happen.

Devin Williams , 5-foot-11, 168 pounds, Buford (Ga.) High School

Committed Feb. 26, 2024

Williams is a tremendous all-around football recruit. His experience as a cornerback, free safety, and wide receiver will allow him a smoother transition to college than many other prospects. The Tigers could also use Williams as a nickel cornerback.

his natural backpedal allows him to stay in front of a wide receiver longer than the majority of cornerback recruits. That point also allows Williams to wait longer before he turns his hips to run, as well as more time to watch the receiver and decide if it's best to jump a route. The bottom line, Williams possesses the natural athleticism necessary to play cornerback.

Even when he is beaten, his speed and length allow him to catch up to the receiver and knock the football away. Williams' playmaking skills are all over his junior film . He also brings another prime component to Auburn.

Williams will play in the box as a run defender and take on bigger blockers to bring down a receiver after catching a bubble screen. His fearlessness is commendable. Plus, Williams' penchant for delivering the blow allows him to eventually play multiple positions in the secondary. Williams will simply need to learn the playbook to make that happen as his mentality fits multiple roles.

Blake Woodby, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances

Committed July 27, 2024

Speed is a major attribute for Woodby as he ran an electronic 4.38 at the 2023 Under Armour Future 50 event. He is a cornerback who runs with the best receivers in the nation and comes up with big plays.

It will help Woodby's transition to Auburn that he's playing for one of the nation's best prep football programs. St. Frances plays a national schedule and produces some of the nation's top football recruits. He's gaining as much, if not more, from going to practice as he does from playing on Friday nights.

Beyond playing cornerback, Woodby's speed and athleticism will provide an opportunity to be a punt and kickoff return man. He's a threat anytime he touches the football.

Safety: 2

Anquon Fegans, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson

Committed July 29, 2024

A true playmaker on the backend of the defense, Fegans’ ability to break on the football and create pass breakups and interceptions is spectacular; he has quick feet, excellent change of direction skills, and the speed to make those types of plays look routine.

With his all-around talent, Fegans will also be a weapon near the line of scrimmage. He’s capable of playing tight man coverage and even lining up in a bump-and-run technique as he’s done for Thompson. Looking to the future, the defensive staff for the Tigers could utilize Fegans near the goal line or during short-yardage plays, at the very least.

No matter where he lines up, this young man is a gifted football player with more than just the physical skills to help Auburn win football games. Fegans is also football-savvy. His knack for finding the football is hard to define. Look for all of Fegans’ talents to help him play early for the Tigers.

Eric Winters, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Enterprise (Ala.) High School

June 15, 2024

Regardless of state, Winters is one of the most versatile recruits in all of the 2025 class. Quarterback, running back, receiver, linebacker, and safety are positions he is accustomed to playing. Do not forget about being a special teams demon either, as Winters will come off the edge and block a punt.

As for his opportunity at Auburn, look for him to end up at playing the hybrid safety position. Playing in the slot and guarding a wide variety of offensive players is not easy but one in which Winters provides the length, quickness, speed, and power to be impactful.

Make no mistake, he will be able to maneuver into other positions. Nickel and dime packages, end-of-game scenarios, or other specific situations could see him rushing the passer or spying the quarterback; Winters is a truly rare defensive prospect.