**Auburn Enhances 2025 Recruiting Class**
As the Auburn Tigers began Fall camp this week, the big news for the football program was not just the start of practice but the significant additions to their 2025 recruiting class. This boost has propelled Auburn to the fifth spot nationally according to 247Sports. Head coach Hugh Freeze, who prioritized recruiting when hired, has made substantial progress in enhancing the roster. Freeze has emphasized building the team through high school recruits rather than relying on the transfer portal, unlike many other programs.
**Wide Receiver Addition**
The Tigers have recently focused their recruiting efforts on bolstering their defense, but they’ve also added a key offensive player. Wide receiver coach Marcus Davis, who previously recruited standout players like Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, Bryce Cain, and Malcolm Simmons, recently succeeded in flipping Alabama commit Derick Smith from Southside Selma. Smith, primarily an athlete, is expected to play as a wide receiver. In his senior season, he recorded impressive stats: 46 receptions for 1,487 yards and 14 touchdowns, 65 rushing attempts for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns, and also contributed defensively with 74 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. Smith is ranked as the second-best athlete and seventh in Alabama by 247Sports.
**Secondary Reinforcements**
With the Tigers’ secondary facing uncertainty, as Keionte Scott is the only returning player and the team lost key players such as Nehemiah Pritchett, Jaylin Simpson, Donovan Kaufman, and Zion Puckett, Auburn has sought future solutions. They secured a commitment from four-star cornerback Blake Woodby from Baltimore, Maryland, with assistants Wesley McGriff and Charles Kelly leading the recruitment. Woodby, who also excels in track, was named to the MaxPreps Junior Preseason All-American team in 2023.
Another significant addition to the secondary is safety Anquon Fegans, a four-star recruit from the Thompson Warriors. Ranked as the third-best safety and second-best player in Alabama, Fegans amassed 59 tackles, two tackles for loss, and seven interceptions last season. This commitment is notable as Auburn has historically struggled to recruit from Thompson, particularly during the Nick Saban era at Alabama. Freeze is capitalizing on Saban’s retirement to strengthen this aspect of the roster.
**Defensive Lineman Flip**
In addition to Smith, Auburn also managed to flip four-star defensive lineman Antonio Coleman from Alabama. Coleman, who has previously switched between the two schools, recorded 22.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, along with 62 tackles overall in 2023. He is ranked as the tenth-best player in the state and 14th at his position.
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