The focus on local recruiting is paying off

AUBURN | There have been many, many years where separating or even coming close to separating the state’s top prospects from Alabama would have been quite an accomplishment for Auburn recruiting.

That certainly wasn’t the case this year, not even close.

The Tigers dominated in-state recruiting, signing six of the top 10 and 11 overall from the state of Alabama. The Tide didn’t sign any players in the top 10 and only signed two from the state.

“It was priority No. 1,” AU coach Hugh Freeze said. “We have to win our share of battles in the state. When we got here, I made it clear to our staff how I see recruiting and how I see it geographically, and that’s where it starts. This year was definitely a success, I almost became even more successful. We fought in all the really good fights.

“I think it’s important. It is still important that you represent your home state at the school you plan to attend. That’s what we’re going to try to push forward and lay the foundation here from the inside out.”

Auburn’s in-state haul this year included No. 2 running back Alvin Henderson, No. 3 safety Anquon Fegans, No. 7 safety Eric Winters, No. 8 wide receiver Derick Smith, No. 9 defensive tackle Malik Autry and Edge No. 10 Jared Smith.

The Tigers also signed No. 13 linebacker Jakaleb Faulk, No. 15 defensive tackle Antonio Coleman and No. 33 defensive tackle Jourdin Crawford, as well as wide receiver Erick Smith and punter John McGuire, who were not ranked in the top 45.

Fegans, Smith and McGuire helped Thompson win the Class 7A state championship just hours after signing with Auburn. Of the remaining top 10 in-state prospects, one each chose Oregon State, Texas State, Clemson State and Ohio State.

Freeze began focusing on in-state recruiting with his first full class last season, signing four of the top 10 and 10 of the top 25 in the 2024 class. Alabama signed five of the top 10 and six of the top 25.

The Tigers have a chance to field another very strong all-state class in 2026. Of the current top 12, three are tied to Auburn, one is tied to Alabama, and the other eight are currently undecided.

“It is a priority that we win our battles in the state, or at least our fair share of them,” Freeze said. “I’m not naive. I know you won’t win every single one of them.

“We have a lot of great high school programs here and a lot of great high school coaches. And we have great relationships with them.”