An Early Look at Auburn’s 2020 Class

The 2020 recruiting cycle is right around the corner so here’s an early introduction to next year’s class.

Auburn still has up to 9 spots to fill in its 2019 class so this current cycle is far from over but the truth is the 2020 recruiting cycle is already in full swing. Moving forward, coaches who have already done their work in the 2019 class will begin to focus solely on the future. Typically, Auburn has a huge junior day right before National Signing Day as well that gives a very early picture on who the Tigers might be focusing on.

There’s already been plenty of drama in the 2020 class. The Tigers have already lost two commitments, one by choice (Deondre Jackson) and one not so much (Andy Boykin). They also hold commitments from four prospects and I wouldn’t be surprised if that number grew a bit by signing day next month. With the early signing period everything has been accelerated in the recruiting world and if you don’t enter fall camp with most of your class filled up, you are probably behind.

So here’s an early look at the current 2020 Auburn recruiting class.

4* ATH Kobe Hudson | 6’1” | 186 lbs | Lagrange, GA

Hudson is listed as an athlete but is expected to play wide receiver for the Tigers. But his high school team needed to replace a talented outgoing QB after the 2017 season and turned to Hudson this past year. So what did he do? Oh just a casual 3,386 yards through the air and 32 touchdowns on 172-302 passing while also carrying the ball 151 times for 1,410 yards and 18 touchdowns. Not bad eh?

What jumps out with Hudson is his ability to get to top speed so quickly. Yes he’s fast but it’s insane how easily he can go from standing still to blowing by people at full speed. Hudson is also dynamic in the open field, expertly navigating his body to avoid reaching hands and weaving through traffic almost untouched. He was arguably one of the best wideouts in the state as a sophomore and has now asserted himself as one of the best quarterbacks. He’s got a chance to finish ranked as a top 50 player in the country next cycle.

As for his recruitment, Hudson wanted to commit so early so he could help build this class. He’s a leader and I expect him to quickly become a fan favorite for Auburn fans. As long as Gus Malzahn is employed at Auburn, I think Hudson is a solid to the Tigers.

4* LB Demouy Kennedy | 6’2” | 204 lbs | Theodore, AL

2019 has been a weird cycle for Auburn’s linebacker recruiting efforts. On one hand, T-WILL landed arguably the best LB prospect in the country. One the other, he basically whiffed on all the remaining top targets. Now I expect Williams to close 2019 out strong but it sure wouldn’t hurt to land at least a pair of studs in the 2020 class to pair with Pappoe for the future.

Meet Demouy Kennedy. It’s usually easily to tell when watching a Theodore game when Kennedy makes a tackle. There’s usually a mouthpiece and/or chin strap flying into the air and a poor ball carrier flat on his back. Kennedy is fast, long and mean as hell. He’s a sloppy tackler that will have to improve his technique at the next level but you can’t coach his athleticism. He and Pappoe on the field together would give Auburn two guys capable of playing sideline to sideline against the fastest offenses in the country.

Expect Alabama to come HARD after Kennedy this cycle. Typically, T-WILL doesn’t lose kids so I’m not too worried about his commitment but it’s still early and anything can happen. But as of now, the Tigers are off to an outstanding start to the 2020 class on the defensive side of the ball and Kennedy is a big reason why.

4* Buck Quandarrius Robinson | 6’4” | 207 lbs | Birmingham, AL

Jackson-Olin has been good to Auburn in recent years. In 2017, it sent 4* Buck TD Moultry to the Plains. In 2018, Auburn beat out Alabama for 4* DT Coynis Miller’s services. Now it’s time to add Quandarrius Robinson’s name to the list.

There might not be a prospect in the state with higher upside than Robinson. As a sophomore, Robinson was more of a hybrid safety/linebacker. This past season he transitioned to defensive end where he became a sack master for the Mustangs. Robinson is extremely raw but the tools are there to develop into an elite pass rusher. He’s got great length, insane burst and an outstanding motor. He’s gotta get stronger and learn to play a little more under control but you can see the huge potential in this kid when you watch him play. He appears locked in with the Tigers.

3* DT Damarjhe Lewis | 6’2” | 270 lbs | Griffin, GA

Lewis is Auburn’s most recent 2020 commit. While not highly rated, he’s a kid that Rodney Garner reportedly LOVES and was an early priority in this class. He’s a load in the interior at 6’2” 270 lbs and looks to have the makings of a future “Stump” like force at defensive tackle. What I really like about Lewis is his effort and hands. He’s trying to run down ball carriers every snap and does a very good job controlling his blockers with great hand placement. Also has an explosive first step that allows him to quickly disrupt the inside run game. Lewis also appears solid to the Tigers at this time.

The coming weeks are not only extremely important for Auburn’s efforts in closing strong on the 2019 class but to also get rolling in the 2020 recruiting cycle. Expect plenty of underclassmen to make trips to the Plains in the coming months. Next week, we will start taking a look at names to know next cycle.

War Eagle!

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/1/8/18167027/early-look-auburn-football-2020-recruiting-class