Auburn – Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze spoke Wednesday of the new additions to the Auburn football program. “I’m excited about this class. We focused on the high school class; we wanted them to know they are our priority. We did not chase everyone in the portal who could play, and there are a lot that could, because we were committed to our high school class and establishing a true rebuild here at Auburn.

 

“Our receiver class and our linebacker class have to be two of the tops in the country. We’ll go from here to fill in the missing pieces that we did not land.

 

“I really believe in the young men we’ve signed and the families they come from. I love these kids; I think they want to help the program reestablish itself as one of the elite programs in the country, and I’m excited to get a lot of them here soon and go to work.

 

“Making our first class here a Top 10 class was our goal. That’s how you start to build a program that is able to stack itself and create competitiveness on the roster. We had to close the gap to get into the battles for some of the top guys, and we did that by building relationships. I’m very thankful for the efforts of so many people who contributed to what was a large task.”

 

D.J. Barber (LB, 6-0, 230; Clay-Chalkville HS; Birmingham, Ala.): Do-everything linebacker with a high football IQ … totaled 152 tackles with 2 sacks, 8 TFL, 2 forced fumbles and an interception as a senior team captain … led the Cougars to the Class 6A state championship under Coach Drew Gilmer … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … 145 tackles as a junior, including 12.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 interceptions … three-year first team all-state ... state champs his sophomore season … four stars from Rivals and top 16 prospect at his position … ranks among top 40 prospects in Alabama by 247Sports, On3, ESPN … A-B Honor Roll … also a basketball and baseball letterman

 

Malik Blocton (DL, 6-4, 280; Pike Road HS; Pike Road, Ala.): Dominant defensive line prospect who registered 118 tackles (school record), 30 TFL, 14 sacks as a senior for Coach Granger Shook at Pike Road High … career stats: 323 tackles, 45 sacks (both school records) … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … second team all-state as a junior … four stars from Rivals, 24/7 … ESPN, On3, 247Sports, Rivals ranks him among top 25 prospects in state of Alabama … leadership council and honor student … also a basketball letterman … brother of Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris

 

J.R. Buckner (LS, 6-0, 235; Auburn HS; Auburn, Ala.): Hard-working long snapper with strong potential … special teams captain for Coach Keith Etheredge at Auburn High … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … National Honor Society, FCA, Junior Civitan … also a tennis and track and field letterman

 

Bryce Cain (WR, 5-11, 165; Baker HS; Mobile, Ala.): Fast, fluid wide receiver with plenty of upside … 69 receptions for 1,445 yards and 21 TD in just two seasons of football for Coach Steve Normand at Baker High … 7A regional leader with 43 catches for 948 receiving yards as a senior … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … four stars from On3, 247Sports, Rivals, ranking him among the top 15 prospects in the state of Alabama … also a baseball and track letterman

 

Dre Carter (OL, 6-5, 340; Mater Dei HS; Temecula, Calif.): Outstanding offensive line prospect who projects among the nation’s best on the interior … three-year starter at left tackle for Mater Dei High … helped the Monarchs under Coach Frank McManus capture the CIF state open division title as a senior … All-American Bowl … Polynesian Bowl … Max Preps All-American … three-time all-state and four-time all-Trinity League … OCVarsity Hot 150 … four stars from On3, Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN … ESPN ranks him the top O-line prospect nationally; top 10 from Rivals, On3, 247Sports … honor roll student

 

Cam Coleman (WR, 6-3, 190; Central HS; Phenix City, Ala.): Explosive receiver with speed and acceleration … 61 receptions for 1,372 yards and 18 scores as a senior … led Coach Patrick Nix’ Central High Red Devils to the Class 7A state championship … 73-yard TD reception in the title game to earn MVP honors … team captain … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game invitation … 31 catches gained 542 yards with 6 scores as a junior … AL.com A-List … Maxwell Award offensive semifinalist … Max Preps All-American … consensus five-star rating … rated as top recruit in Alabama by On3, 247Sports, Rivals … ESPN ranks him the top WR prospect nationally … also a basketball letterman

 

Jay Crawford (DB, 6-0, 190; Parkview HS; Lilburn, Ga.): Outstanding cover corner who ranks among the top prospects in Georgia … three-year starter for Coach Joe Sturdivant at Parkview High … team captain … Under Armour All-American … GACA North-South Game … Gwinnett Super Six … all-state, all-district, all-county and all-region … four stars from Rivals and ESPN, which rate him among the top 20 corner prospects nationally … also a track and basketball letterman

 

Kaleb Harris (DB, 6-1, 190; Thompson HS; Alabaster, Ala.): Skilled safety with great physical versatility … accomplished defender and team captain for Coach Mark Freeman at Thompson High … 130 tackles, 15 TFL, 4 interceptions, 6 PBU, 4 fumble recoveries as a senior leading the Warriors to the Class 7A state finals … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … part of state championships teams as a freshman, sophomore and junior … Rivals rates him among top 25 prospects in Alabama

 

Gage Keys (DL, 6-5, 290; Kansas; Hilliard Davidson HS; Hilliard, Ohio): Transfer defensive lineman from the Kansas Jayhawks … had 21 tackles, 4 QB hurries last fall, playing in every game … played 2020-22 at Minnesota, seeing action in seven games in 2022 … playing at Hilliard Davidson High for Coach Brian White, recorded 60 tackles, 20 TFL as a senior … No. 22 ranked recruit in Ohio and No. 34 ranked strong side defensive end in the country by 247Sports … also a basketball letterman

 

A’mon Lane-Ganus (DB, 5-11, 185; Moody HS; Moody, Ala.): Determined defender with speed and strength … played at Moody High as a junior and senior for Coach Jake Ganus … team captain … first team Class 5A all-state as a junior, recording 55 tackles, 9 PBU … injury hampered his senior campaign … Under Armour All-American … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … four stars from ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports … top 25 safety prospect nationally by 247Sports, ESPN … state finalist as a sprinter

 

Robert Lewis (WR, 5-11, 185; Georgia State; Newton HS; Covington, Ga.): Transfer receiver from Georgia State … set GSU single-game record with 220 receiving yards vs. Charlotte on just six catches; 97-yard reception was also a school record … third team all-Sun Belt in 2023 … in 32 career games played for the Panthers, 90 receptions for 1,019 yards, 10 TD … Athletic Director’s Honor Roll … Class 7A all-state selection for Coach Camiel Grant Jr. at Newton High ... first-team all-Region 8-7A … career totals of 62 catches for 1,238 yards and 16 TD for the Rams … brother Akeem Hunt played at Purdue and in the NFL

 

T.J. Lindsey (DL, 6-5, 270; IMG Academy; Little Rock, Ark.): Promising defender who spent his senior season at IMG (Fla.) Academy playing for Coach Billy Miller … as a junior, helped Bryant (Ark.) High to a 12-0 season and fifth-straight state title … two-time Class 7A all-state … 205 career tackles, 26 sacks, 4 forced fumbles … four stars from Rivals … ESPN, Rivals rate him among top 25 recruits at his position nationally … also a basketball letterman

 

Kensley Louidor-Faustin (DB, 6-0, 175; Naples HS; Naples, Fla.): Versatile defensive back with great instincts … 65 tackles, 5 interceptions, 12 PBU as a senior for Coach Rick Martin at Naples High … All-American Bowl … 3s/4s player of year … SW Florida defensive player of year finalist as a junior, recording 42 tackles, 5 interceptions for the Golden Eagles … all-area and three-time all-region … career totals: 209 tackles, 9 TFL, 17 interceptions, 31 PBU, 8 forced fumbles, 5 fumbles recovered … four stars from On3, Rivals, which rank him among the top 50 overall recruits from Florida … National Honor Society … also a track and field and basketball letterman

 

Dorian Mausi Jr. (LB, 6-2, 235; Duke; Detroit Jesuit HS; Detroit, Mich.): Transfer linebacker from Duke where he was a two-year starter … in 44 games played (2020-23), totaled 193 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 4 PBU … Academic all-ACC … played four years at University of Detroit Jesuit High for Coach Matthew Lewis, making two playoff appearances ... team captain, defensive player of the year, two-time all-city selection, and all-Catholic pick ... 2019 Detroit Free Press first team all-state … consensus three-star prospect by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals 

 

Keaton McNutt (LS, 5-11, 210; East Coweta HS; Newnan, Ga.): Talented long snapper with excellent consistency … GHSA Region 2-7A specialist of the year for Coach John Small at East Coweta High … 5-star rating from Kohl’s kicking … also plays lacrosse

 

Joe Phillips (LB, 6-2, 240; Booker T. Washington HS; Shorter, Ala.): Well-rounded pass rusher with excellent play speed … as a senior, recorded 130 tackles, 28 TFL, 7 sacks, 20 QB hurries and 5 forced fumbles for Coach Lawrence O’Neal as team captain at Booker T. Washington High … also rushed for 420 yards and 5 TD, leading the Golden Eagles to the Class 4A state semifinals … career totals: 212 tackles, 22 sacks … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … AL.com A-List … four stars from Rivals, On3, 247Sports, ESPN, which rate him a top 10 recruit from Alabama … National Honor Society … also a basketball letterman, advancing to the state finals as a sophomore, and played baseball, track and soccer

 

Demarcus Riddick (LB, 6-3, 220; Chilton County HS; Clanton, Ala.): Sideline-to-sideline defender with all the tools … totaled 92 tackles, 12 TFL, 3 sacks, an interception and a defensive touchdown as a senior captain for Coach Marvin Morton at Chilton County High … All-American Bowl … one of 12 national semifinalists for high school Butkus Award … 109 tackles, 19 TFL, 7 sacks as a junior … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … AL.com A-List … Clanton Advertiser defensive player of year … four stars from On3, Rivals, 247Sports, ESPN, which all rate him among the top five LB recruits nationally … also a basketball and baseball letterman and a state qualifier in javelin and long jump

 

Laquan Robinson (DB, 6-3, 195; Holmes CC; Greenville HS; Greenville, Ala.): Top-rated juco safety who is a proven playmaker … first team all-MACCC North defender for the Holmes CC Bulldogs recording 49 tackles, an interception and 7 PBU … started playing football in high school at Greenville High for Coach Josh McLendon … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … top-ranked juco safety nationally by On3, 247Sports, ESPN … also a basketball letterman

 

Malcolm Simmons (WR, 6-0, 180; Benjamin Russell HS; Montgomery, Ala.): Athletic receiver prospect with explosive skills … team captain who led Coach Smitty Grider’s Benjamin Russell High Wildcats to the Class 6A quarterfinals and regional title … 60 receptions for 1,439 yards and 24 TD as a senior; also scored 8 rushing TD … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … four stars from On3 and Rivals … ranked among the top 25 recruits in Alabama by ESPN, 247Sports, On3, Rivals … also a basketball letterman and state long jump and high jump champion as a junior

 

Perry Thompson (WR, 6-4, 215; Foley HS; Foley, Ala.): Physical receiver with unlimited potential … played offense, defense and special teams for the Foley High Lions and Coach Deric Scott … on offense, caught 53 passes for 718 yards and 7 TD, completed 5-6 passes for 93 yards and 2 TD and rushed for 102 yards and a TD as a senior … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … 87 catches for 1,059 yards, 9 TD as a junior, earning first team all-state honors … AL.com A-List … five stars from 247Sports … rated among top five overall recruits in Alabama by 247Sports, On3, ESPN, Rivals … also a state sprint qualifier in track

 

Jamonta Waller (Edge, 6-2, 235; Picayune Memorial HS; Picayune, Miss.): High-energy defender who plays with a purpose … MHSAA/MAC Class 6A Mr. Football … team captain who led Coach Cody Stogner’s Maroon Tide into the South state finals as a senior after back-to-back state titles … 69 tackles, 9 sacks, 22 TFL, 2 forced fumbles and a blocked punt as a senior … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … first team all-state … Under Armour All-American … Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen … 106 tackles, 24 TFL, 11.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries as a junior … five stars from ESPN … 247Sports and ESPN rate him the No. 1 overall recruit in Mississippi … also a basketball letterman

 

Walker White (QB, 6-4, 220; Little Rock Christian Academy; Little Rock, Ark.): Accomplished quarterback with a resume of success … three-year starter for Coach Eric Cohu at Little Rock Christian Academy … team captain who passed for 2,660 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior, leading the Warriors to the Class 6A state championship game … offensive player of year and all-state … career passing: 6,837 yards, 80 TD; also rushed for 30 scores … All-American Bowl … four stars from Rivals, On3, 247Sports, ESPN … Rivals and ESPN rate him among the top five QB prospects nationally

 

Seth Wilfred (OL, 6-6, 305; Snow College; Bishop Gorman HS; Mitchell, Neb.): Talented offensive lineman transferring from Snow College, where he spent the 2023 season … NJCAA All-American … rated among the top five juco O-line recruits by ESPN, 247Sports, On3 … played for the Bishop Gorman Gaels in Las Vegas his senior season … originally from Mitchell, Neb., where he played at Mitchell High … also a letterman in track and field and wrestling

 

Amaris Williams (DL, 6-3, 260; Clinton HS; Clinton, N.C.): Strong and skilled defensive line prospect … 20 of his 40 tackles as a senior were for loss, with 11 sacks, along with 700 yards rushing and 12 rushing TD … led Coach Cory Johnson’s Dark Horses to the Class 2A state title game with a 15-1 record … All-American Bowl … Maxwell Award defensive semifinalist … four stars from ESPN, Rivals, 247Sports, On3 … 247Sports rates him the top overall recruit in North Carolina … also a state finalist in the shot put and a basketball letterman