It hasn’t taken long for Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers to see the results of their efforts with their 2024 signing class, which ranks eighth nationally according to 247Sports.
While the class is headlined by Auburn’s impressive group of wide receiver recruits, it seems they’ve also found success with several other signees from 2024.
When asked which freshmen, aside from the highly-touted wide receivers, have impressed during fall camp, Freeze quickly named several standouts.
Topping Freeze’s list was five-star linebacker Demarcus Riddick, one of Auburn’s key recruits from last summer. Following Riddick’s commitment in late July, four-star wide receiver Malcolm Simmons and five-star wide receiver Perry Thompson soon followed suit.
“I think he’s going to be outstanding,” Freeze said of Riddick. “He’s gotten bigger and can run. I would start right there.”
Auburn senior linebacker Eugene Asante also praised Riddick, highlighting the freshman’s speed and athleticism, and predicting he’ll contribute significantly to Auburn’s defense in 2024, especially on third downs.
Freeze also highlighted former four-star defensive back Jay Crawford, who’s been competing for a spot at cornerback behind Kayin Lee and Keionte Scott since spring.
“He’s going to be really good,” Freeze said of Crawford, a sentiment echoed by Auburn wide receiver Robert Lewis this fall.
“He’s got some speed, and he’s been patient at the line,” Lewis said of Crawford. “He’s going to get hands on you, too.”
On the defensive line, Freeze mentioned freshman Malik Blocton, the younger brother of former Auburn defensive lineman Marcus Harris.
“Malik Blocton is going to play as a freshman. He’s got something to him,” Freeze said.
During Auburn’s recent scrimmage, Blocton lined up with the first-team defense, although defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams noted that might not always be the case. Nonetheless, Blocton has earned consideration for first-team reps.
“He’s a football junkie. He wants to know everything that’s going on. When you ask questions in the meeting room, he’s answering them,” King-Williams said. “And you can coach him hard. Those are the things that make you say, ‘Wow, he reminds me of someone we’ve had before.’”
Freshman edge rusher Amaris Williams also garnered praise from Freeze.
“Amaris Williams is really, really talented,” Freeze said.
Williams, a surprise signing day flip from Florida to Auburn, has already shown his potential. Auburn defensive edge coach Josh Aldridge confirmed Williams will see playing time.
“He’s gonna play for sure,” Aldridge said of Williams. “He makes plays even with bad fundamentals because he’s such a great athlete. That’s part of growing and learning.”
Rounding out Freeze’s list of impressive freshmen is offensive lineman DeAndre Carter.
“We definitely hit on him. He’s got to change his body a little, but his feet are good for a big guy,” Freeze said of Carter, who stands at 6-foot-4 and 345 pounds.
Carter, from Mater Dei High School in California, was the No. 15 interior offensive lineman in the 2024 class, per 247Sports.
“DeAndre Carter is a football player. I’m excited,” said Auburn offensive line coach Jake Thornton. “We’re getting him in shape, and when he flashes, you can see the player he’ll become.”
And despite focusing on other positions, Freeze remains excited about the elite freshmen in the wide receiver group.
“I’m not mentioning the receivers, but they’re being talked about,” Freeze said. “We’re high on Malcolm, Perry, and Bryce. We hit on all four of those receivers.”
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