With the spring practice period coming to a close in Auburn following A-Day it has become very apparent that not only is Auburn returning a collection of defensive stars, but they are also adding an impressive group through this past recruiting class.
The class of 2025 was the Tiger’s second top-10 class in a row and features some key pieces to this upcoming year including possible starting linebacker Elijah Melendez along with linebackers JJ Faulk and Bryce Deas. A collection of standout defensive line talent was added as well including Jared Smith, Jourdin Crawford and Malik Autry. In addition to the linebackers and lineman the defense also gained impressive four stars Eric Winters, Donovan Starr and Anquon Fegans.
“I do feel optimistic that with the two we’ve had,” head coach Hugh Freeze said regarding his two top ten recruiting classes. "We can compete, should compete this year, so it does look different.”
When looking at the different positions that have gained stars the one that sticks out the most is the linebacker group who added Melendez and Faulk. Melendez will be wearing No. 9 this season and be the only freshman on the team outside of QB Deuce Knight with a single digit. He was regarded as a top recruit that flew under the radar for most because of his late commitment. Despite his late switch Melendez enrolled early and has impressed in spring ball both in the weightroom and on the practice field. Melendez reportedly has worked some in practice as the mic for the defense as well showing his maturity even as a freshman.
Faulk plays outside linebacker and sometimes edge rusher and is someone that could see work his way into contributing for the Tigers defensively. Faulk is the younger brother of one of the defensive leaders of the team lineman Keldric Faulk who is an upcoming junior. Deas has also made a name for himself as a linebacker standout and had a solid day in the A-Day scrimmages.
Auburn’s next biggest impact from the freshman class will be from the incoming defensive line group featuring guy like five-star Malik Autry and four-star Jared Smith. Rounding out the group will be interior lineman Jourdin Crawford who had a noticeable showing at A-Day with his run stopping abilities.
“They look really advanced compared to me when I came in,” sophomore DL Malik Blocton said about the new recruits. "Like, they look way more advanced than I did. Malik Autry has been one that stood out to me the most because he just, he learns so fast. He picks up stuff quick. And he’s really been taking his game to another level.”
Completing the defensive recruitment class is the defensive back group are the corners, namely Starr, Fegans and Winters. Fegans looked very impressive at A-Day and even picked off Knight during their red zone period. Winters looked impressive to as he had a pick of his own during the practice and his an impressive size as a freshman defensive back.
“There ain’t gonna be no redshirting them guys,” Blocton said in summary about the recruits. "They’re gonna play this year.”
The Tigers will look to build upon what was a solid defensive showing last season and make it extraordinary next year with new key pieces to help
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Reid is a freshman, exploratory major. He joined the Plainsman in the fall of 2024.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @ReidFarris2
