Current Alabama commit Duke Johnson, a 5-star linebacker, was impressed by the Auburn football coaching staff.
Several prominent recruits, one of whom has verbally committed to in-state rival Alabama, visited the Auburn football program over the weekend. Five-star linebacker Darrell “Duke” Johnson visited the Plains this past weekend for an official visit with the Auburn Tigers, although he committed to the Tide a few months prior in March.
Johnson, a native of Eastman, Georgia, is rated as the #4 linebacker in the 2025 recruiting class and the #9 prospect from Peach State. The Tide recruit had the opportunity to speak with defensive coordinator DJ Durkin of the Tigers in-depth in the film room, according to Auburn Rivals. The LB thinks he’ll fit in well with the Plains and has the chance to get some playing time right away.
Johnson remarked, “He’s very intense with football.” Since I’m also really intense, I like that. I can create plays and enter with this plan. Plays are simple to produce at the ‘Mike’.”
The only other team vying to flip the linebacker is UCF, and Johnson’s official visit to Auburn was his final one of the summer. He anticipates graduating in December and deciding on his course of action in October or November.
The Tigers are attempting to acquire multiple players from Alabama in addition to Johnson. During his official visit to Auburn earlier this month, 4-star wide receiver Derick Smith forged close relationships with both offensive coordinator Charles Kelly and wide receivers coach Marcus Harris. He has yet to see how the Tigers perform this autumn, but he will select between Alabama and Auburn.
Antonio Coleman, a defensive lineman who initially committed to Alabama before switching to Auburn and then returning to Alabama, is still a target for the Tigers. Coleman, like Smith, intends to wait until September to decide which college he will play for in the end.
