Auburn Recruiting: Which Elite Recruits Are Still In Play?

The one-time Texas A&M commitment lives near Houston where LSU is a prime threat for many recruits. Out of all the players on this list, the next 48 hours will be huge for Auburn. The Tigers must find a way to get Echols from feeling the pressure to play inside of Death Valley.

As a player, Echols is likely to play guard and could even play center at the SEC level. He's a tremendous athlete and comes from a tradition-rich prep football program. Echols is a candidate to play very early no matter the school selected.

Ryan Williams, Wide Receiver, Saraland (Ala.) High School

The recently reclassified wide receiver and playmaker appears to be down to Alabama and Auburn. He's technically committed to the Tide. That said, he's not signing until February 9 on his birthday. There will be many twists and turns within the Williams recruitment before then.

Of note, it still needs to be decided when Williams will take his official visits to Bama and Auburn. He could technically take a visit to another school as well, like Texas, where friend and Saraland quarterback KJ Lacey is a commitment.

The good news for Auburn is that he will be on the Plains for the men's basketball game at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, as Southern California comes to Neville Arena. 

As a player, Williams is just incredible to watch. He's a 10.3 100-meter sprinter and that's when he was not even 100% healthy [sic]. He aims to reach 10.1 by the end of this spring's track season.

Williams is a threat to score anytime he touches the football. Straight-up baller as an outside receiver, slot receiver, kick returner, or even running the Wildcat. All of his skills are why Rivals still has Williams as a 5-star despite reclassifying to the class of 2024.

LJ McCray, Defensive Line, Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland

Committed to Florida and living fairly close to Gainesville, many people are still unsure of where this young man will go. A recent visit to Florida State gives the Seminoles hope, but he's also been to Auburn multiple times. While Tigers fans can be assured that Williams truly likes Auburn a lot, this recruitment is simply not over.

There's a lot of conflicting information being bandied about. Everyone will know this next Wednesday when McCray signs a national letter of intent with the school of his choice. There are reasons so many schools want him.

The ultimate "upside" recruit, McCray's elite athleticism and 6-foot-5 and 275-pound frame would be the combination college coaches covet. It's important to note that he's looked at with high regard because he's only dedicated this past season to fully focusing on defensive play. Even then, he would play standing up as an outside linebacker so he's just getting his feet wet as a defensive line prospect; tight end is McCray's former position.

Amaris Williams, Defensive Tackle, Clinton (N.C.) High School

Williams is another Florida commitment, like McCray. That does not appear likely to last. From intel, the Gators are not likely to sign Williams. Ohio State and Auburn are the more likely landing spots. His Auburn visit (Dec. 10) would be the most recent for for Williams.

He did trek to Columbus to see the Buckeyes (Oct. 21), not all that long ago, but after seeing the Buckeyes trend as the prohibitive favorite, Williams never committed. Why not? Maybe it's because of Auburn.

Since then, Auburn's recruitment of Williams is something to note. Right now, the safest pick is for Williams to land on the Plains this National Signing Day. As a player, he's an incredible talent, too.

Williams is a true hand-in-the-dirt defensive lineman, at least when he gets to the soon-to-be Power 4 level. His senior film is fantastic and any Auburn fan should check it out. 

Williams is a high school player who lines up in the Wildcat, at running back, defensive end, defensive tackle, and just about in any way the Clinton High School coaching staff can place the elite talent in a position to make a play.

Despite playing in rural North Carolina where there are not many scouts, Williams is still the #64 recruit in the nation by Rivals. For the record, I believe he's the nation's best interior defensive line prospect, long-term, even above David Stone. Stone is a future NFL player and is currently a 5-star by all the recruiting platforms.

William's ability to change directions resembles a basketball player despite being 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds. He routinely runs over defenders when he has the football and also blows by blockers when he's on defense. Just an incredible talent.

KJ Bolden, Safety, Buford (Ga.) High School

The Florida State commitment is visiting the Noles this weekend. Will it matter? Georgia and Auburn are coming after Bolden hard. The intel suggests that Auburn is right there for Bolden, but do not count out the Dawgs either. FSU is honestly the wildcard.

There's less intel on where FSU stands with Bolden than the two SEC programs, ironically. Bolden already held in-home visits with Kirby Smart, Hugh Freeze, and Mike Norvell. 

As a player, Bolden is a superb athlete who could play on either side of the football but prefers safety because he feels it's his best path to the NFL. He's fantastic at reading the quarterback and making a break on the ball in the air. Once he picks off a pass, Bolden's speed and elusiveness give him a chance to score.

His overall range from the middle of the field to the sideline is better than any other 2024 safety. Bolden's speed is like an MLB centerfielder and that's part of why he's the #1 safety by each of Rivals, ESPN, 247, and On3.

Recruiting Pages to Bookmark

2024 Auburn Commitments and Evaluations

2025 Auburn Commitments and Evaluations

2026 Auburn Commitments and Evaluations