Auburn’s first full-cycle recruiting class under Hugh Freeze continued to grow Friday afternoon as 3-star defensive lineman Dimitry Nicolas spurned the likes of Colorado, Florida and Georgia and committed to Freeze and the Tigers on The Plains.

Nicolas hails from Opa Locka, a town just north of Miami, where he currently plays for the Norland Vikings — a competitive program that hangs with the best of the FHSAA’s 2M classification, which is loaded with Power 5 talent.

In his junior season, Nicolas suited up with the Monsignor Pace Spartans, who limped along to a 5-5 record in the same classification. However, Nicolas was a dangerous piece on the Spartans’ defensive line, tallying 33 total tackles — of which 15 happened behind the line of scrimmage. Nicolas also recorded eight sacks and five quarterback hurries last fall.

Both 247Sports and On3 rank Nicolas as a 3-star prospect, though the two recruiting services don’t see eye to eye as to how Nicolas ranks among other defensive linemen.

The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive lineman is considered the 44th-best at the position by 247Sports, but the 82nd-best by On3.

On3′s industry ranking, which averages out the rankings of 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN and its own rankings, has Nicolas ranked as the 55th-best defensive lineman and the 74th-best prospect out of the Sunshine State.

Auburn offered Nicolas on August 22, 2022 while still under the previous coaching staff. Fortunately for the Tigers, Freeze and Co. were able to seal the deal, likely during Nicolas’ visit to campus on July 29.

With Nicolas’ commitment, the Tigers now have three commitments along the defensive front as as recent pledge joins fellow 3-stars Malik Blocton and TJ Lindsey.