Auburn caps off early signing day in 2021 with 16 total signees.
This includes seven on offense: three wide receivers, one quarterback, one running back, one tight end and one offensive lineman.
Auburn also added eight players on defense. This includes three corners, two safeties, two linebackers and one defensive lineman.
Last but not least is 3-star kicker, Alex McPherson.
Auburn also got its first commitment flip from Alabama since 2014 in 4-star linebacker Robert Woodyard.
The Tigers were able to fill several positions that were significant needs for the team. They signed a 3-star quarterback in Holden Geriner. The team has a hole to fill at quarterback after three-year starter Bo Nix announced his decision to enter the transfer portal.
Auburn has also shown a focus on improving the secondary, as the team signed six defensive backs.
"We lost a very good player, Roger McCreary... I think coach (Derek) Mason and coach (Zac) Ethridge and our defensive staff did a great job of making sure that we were developing our players now, but also that shows up in the type of players now that want to be a part of our program," said head coach Bryan Harsin.
This is Harsin's first full recruiting class at Auburn. He stressed that recruiting in the Southeastern Conference is not much different to him from past schools he has coached for.
"First of all, our entire purpose and focus in recruiting is just to bring in the right people. That was number one. Character matters... You win with people. That part of it has never changed," Harsin said.
Harsin emphasized the importance of bringing in guys who have big goals and aspirations for their time at Auburn. Guys who want to build something special under a new coaching era is of utmost importance. He said this is something that he loves about this recruiting class and he described them as "determined."
The coach credited Auburn's fan base and game day atmosphere as a crucial aspect in bringing guys to Auburn.
"One of the big reasons why I think a lot of guys were excited about our program is because they get to be in our game day atmosphere," Harsin said.
This also includes a brand new training facility for football players.
"These signees and everybody that's here at Auburn has a chance to move into a new facility and make it our own. That's pretty cool," Harsin said.
The coach said one of the main characteristics they look for in recruits is attention to detail and guys who prepare well.
"They're going to be note takers. They're going to be guys that are focused. I say this about the entire group. When you get into the meeting room, these guys are going to pull out the notebook and the pens and they're going to take notes," Harsin said. "They're going to learn, study, be detailed and that's going to translate onto the field."
Harsin thinks the team was able to build momentum with this recruiting class. He feels that Auburn is an excited environment heading into the team's bowl game.
"That's the beauty of the bowl game. It gives you a chance to have more practices before you go play and get other guys in there and see those guys compete to see where we are," Harsin said.
Harsin expects Auburn to sign a few more players at each position in this next signing period. Auburn is currently listed at No. 14 in the 2022 recruiting class rankings by 247Sports.
These signings help bring some excitement and pep to a team coming off four straight losses to end the season.
Auburn will finish out the 2021 season in Birmingham on December 28 in the Birmingham Bowl against Houston. But, for now, the team has a lot to look forward to following the game.
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