Auburn football finished the 2024 recruiting cycle with the No. 8 class in the country and it’s already paying off for the Tigers.

Freshmen Malik Blocton, Kaleb Harris, Jay Crawford and Demarcus Riddick have all shined and earned the respect from the veteran players on the defense.

Junior linebacker Jalen McLeod talked about the energy the underclassman brings to locker room and used Riddick as an example of a player he wants the entire team to mirror.

“‘I’m happy to be around these freshmen. Like, they are all keyed onto the moment,” McLeod said. “When the lights are bright, They want it.”

“Riddick brings that energy that energy with the hits, open field tackling and smiling. That’s what you want. Everybody’s tight? No, let’s loosen up. That’s the energy he’s brought since arriving, and he’s still bringing it.”

Crawford, who earned a starting spot at corner after Champ Anthony’s injury, is the highest graded freshman corner in the SEC, according to Pro Football Focus.

Blocton, Harris and Riddick also became key contributors in the Tigers defensive attack through six games.

Senior linebacker Eugene Asante called the early success from the freshman a testament to what fans can expect on The Plains for seasons to come.

“It just really shows you how bright the future is and how talented those young guys are. They’re great players now and understanding that they’re going to be even greater in the future,” Asante said. “Their preparation is key. They come to meetings early and are taking detailed notes. We’re going to continue to lean on them the rest of the season.”

On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Malcom Simmons ranks 10th in Auburn freshman receiving with 18 receptions for 260 yards and two touchdowns.

His 14.4 yards per reception average has slowly made him into a secret weapon for Auburn’s offense. Heading into the second half of the season, Simmons is confident he will continue to produce at a high level for the team.

“I first came in, coach was telling me as long as you get the plays down and learn the offense, you’re going to be special,” Simmons said. “Me taking it day by day, week by week, learning everything and getting familiar with the offense, I mean, it ain’t no telling what I won’t be able to do for these next six games. So just being able to just take coaching and go out there and practice, give it a hundred percent all times. That’s it.”

According to 247Sports, The Tigers 2025 class currently ranks third in the country. With 27 commitments ahead of National Signing Day, Auburn looks to add on to another stellar recruiting class.

Auburn travels to Missouri to face the Tigers at 11 AM in Columbia, MO. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.