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A spirit that is not afraid

Harsin signs six on National Signing Day


Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin talks during the signing day presser on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2020 in Auburn, Ala.
Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics
Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin talks during the signing day presser on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2020 in Auburn, Ala. Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

On Wednesday, Bryan Harsin and Auburn signed six players to its 2021 recruiting class. The Tigers now have signed 17 total players to their 2021 class. 

While Auburn sits at 17 total, Harsin feels that Auburn could add more players as the spring goes on. 

“Like I said, we’re not done,” Harsin said. “We still have several spots that we need to fill. We’ll do that throughout the spring and make sure we’ve got the right people in here."

Here’s some info on each player that signed on Wednesday and what Harsin had to say about them.


Colby Smith (OT, 6-7, 315; Rockingham County HS; Reidsville, NC): The first signee of the Harsin era is Smith. Smith is a 3-star offensive tackle and is rated as the No. 49 offensive tackle in the class of 2021, according to 247Sports composite rankings. 

“This guy’s a big human being and has a great personality, a wonderful family, wanted to be here and a guy who, as Coach Friend and I watched, he’s a guy who will keep developing,” Harsin said. “His best football is ahead of him, and he’s a guy I really enjoyed in this process and just straightforward, good to get to know, and certainly a guy that’s going to come in here and help us in that offensive line room. And also a guy we can develop who is young and will continue to grow in our program.”


Joko Willis (ILB, 6-3, 215; Independence Community College; LaGrange, GA): Willis is Auburn’s second 2021 signee from Independence Community College, joining cornerback Kamal Hadden on the Plains. Willis is a 3-star inside linebacker and is rated as the No. 2 inside linebacker, according to 247Sports JUCO composite rankings. 

“Joko Willis, from Troup County there and Independence Community College. So, originally from Georgia, but linebacker—outside, inside linebacker, got a lot of range, really speedy player on the field there,” Harsin said. “He’s got great quickness, short quickness and can run, and a guy that loves ball. Certainly fits what we’re looking for with that linebacker spot. It’s been great to get to know him with our coaches, so just the conversations, his energy, enthusiasm, desire to be here. Once this opportunity came up, there was no question it was the right fit for him.”


Tar’varish Dawson (ATH, 5-10, 175; Lehigh Senior HS; Lehigh Acres, FL): From Lehigh Acres, Florida, Dawson is a 3-star athlete and is rated as the No. 25 athlete in the class of 2021, according to 247Sports composite rankings.

“Tar’varish Dawson,” Harsin said. “Wide receiver. Never wavered, one time, even through the coaching change. High energy, fun to talk to. Great energy on the phone, zooms, things like that. And a great player. Great hands, great speed, and a guy that has just been a pleasure to be recruiting during this time and I think has helped us. A guy that loves Auburn, wants to be here, wants to be a part of this family.”


Eku Leota (DL, 6-4, 250; Northwestern, Asheville, NC): Leota is signing with Auburn after spending three seasons at Northwestern. In 18 career games with the Wildcats, Leota racked up 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. He played in eight games in 2020 and led Northwestern with four sacks.

“Eku Leota, d-lineman transfer from Northwestern and North Carolina, a graduate transfer here but a guy that’s all about the fit, the culture and things that we talked about here, his development, being part of this program and wanting to be here,” Harsin said. “We’re looking forward to him being a guy on the edge for us that can provide that pass-rush. He’s a very good player, developed, will have his degree and has three years to come in here and be a part of this program.”


Cayden Bridges (S, 6-2, 190; Magee HS, Magee, MS): A late target for Bryan Harsin and Auburn, the Tigers offered Bridges late and were able to flip him from his South Alabama commitment. In-state Mississippi State offered shortly after Auburn, but the Tigers ultimately brought in Bridges. Bridges is a 3-star recruit according to 247Sports composite rankings.

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“Starting with Cayden Bridges. DB from Mississippi,” Harsin said. “So, a guy you watch on film. Hard hitter, plays hard, physical, a guy that’s had some very good stats. You can see the potential of his development and get to know him. A guy that handles his business and is very focused and determined. Great family, great support system. We’re excited about him coming in here, alright, being in that defensive backfield for us.”


Juwon Gaston (S, 5-11, 187; Carver HS, Montgomery, AL): Rounding out Auburn’s National Signing Day class is Gaston. Gaston is a 3-star safety and is rated as the No. 49 safety in the class of 2021, according to 247Sports composite rankings.

“Juwon Gaston, from just down the road there," Harsin said. "Juwon’s a competitor and did a great job his senior year – 96 tackles, five interceptions, seven kick returns for touchdowns, so a playmaker and football player. Really enjoyed getting to know him, enjoyed getting to know his mom through this process. He’s a guy that I know is going to come here and compete, give everything he’s got.”


Jake Weese | Sports Editor

Jake Weese, senior in journalism with a minor in history, is The Plainsman's sports editor.

@TheJakeWeese

Sports@theplainsman.com 


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