Tag: Malik Blocton

Two Tigers named Mid-season Freshmen All-Americans by On3

Auburn has used plenty of freshmen on the field this season, and these two have caught the eye of a national publication

Auburn football has relied heavily on freshmen through six games. Two of those newcomers were recently recognized by On3.

Charles Power, On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, recently dropped his picks for the Midseason Freshmen All-American Team and included two Tiger defenders, defensive lineman [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag] and safety [autotag]Kaleb Harris[/autotag].

Blocton, a freshman from Pike Road, has registered seven tackles through six games with one sack. Outside of true tackles, Blocton has become a threat to opposing quarterbacks in his short time on the Plains. According to Pro Football Focus data, Blocton has created five pressures, four being registered as quarterback hurries. In Auburn’s most recent game at Georgia, Blocton graded out at 78.8 overall and 80.6 in rush defense.

Harris is the team’s best tackler according to PFF. The freshman from Alabaster grades at 90.1 in the category and is No. 2 in coverage with 77.8 as opposing receivers have caught just three of nine passes when guarded by Harris. He has accumulated 15 tackles to this point of the season and has swatted four passes.

Blocton and Harris have earned their place on Power’s midseason team, but several others missed an opportunity to also earn the honor.

Freshmen receivers [autotag]Malcolm Simmons[/autotag] and [autotag]Cam Coleman[/autotag] are No. 2 and No. 3 in receiving for the Tigers with a combined statline of 27 catches for 472 yards and three scores. Cornerback [autotag]Jay Crawford[/autotag] has also had a great start to his collegiate career by making six tackles and holding opposing receivers to a 33.3% catch rate.

Watch out for Blocton, Harris, and the rest of the Auburn freshmen as they look to play an instrumental role in the team’s second-half success in 2024.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

4-star DL Malik Blocton signs letter of intent with Auburn

Malik Blocton is Auburn’s first signee of the day.

[autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag] is Auburn’s first signee of the 2024 recruiting class, with Auburn announcing he had signed his national letter of intent Wednesday morning.

He is coming off of a dominant senior season for Pike Road, where he recorded 118 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 14.0 sacks and 21 quarterback hurries in 14 games. The younger brother of former Auburn star [autotag]Marcus Harris[/autotag], Blocton held his signing ceremony on Dec. 11 but couldn’t officially sign until the early signing period opened on Wednesday.

He is the No. 411 overall player and No. 46 defensive lineman in the 247Sports composite ranking. He is also the No. 23 player from Alabama.

At 6-foot-4 and 275-pounds he has the size and strength to play along the interior of the defensive line for [autotag]Jeremy Garrett[/autotag] but also has the athleticism and speed to line up at defensive end. With Auburn lacking numbers across the defensive line, that versatility is key and could lead to some early playing time, even though it is tough for true freshmen to play along the lines.

Stay up-to-date with the latest signing day news by checking out Auburn Wire’s early signing period tracker.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15

Five Auburn commits make Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game

Auburn commits Perry Thompson, Bryce Cain, J’Marrion Burnette, Jayden Lewis and Malik Blocton have been named to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.

Auburn is going to be well represented at the 2023 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game with five commits being named to the roster.

The AHSAA announced the roster on Saturday and wide receivers [autotag]Perry Thompson[/autotag] and [autotag]Bryce Cain[/autotag], running back [autotag]J’Marrion Burnett[/autotag]e, defensive back [autotag]Jayden Lewis[/autotag] and defensive lineman [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag] all made the cut.

The AHSACDA All-Star Selection Committee selected the players from nominations submitted by member school coaches at a meeting this week at the AHSAA Office.

Thompson, Auburn’s five-star commit, has caught 33 passes for 466 yards and four touchdowns for Foley. He has also rushed and thrown a touchdown for Foley.

Cain is enjoying a breakout season for Baker. The speedster has snagged 26 receptions for 654 yards and 10 touchdowns, he has over 100 yards receiving in five of their six games.

Burnette has been battling an ankle injury and has played in just three games for Andalusia. He’s rushed for 157 yards and is averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

Blocton has made his presence felt for Pike Road so far, making 47 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. Stats are not available for Lewis’ season but he has helped lead Anniston to a 4-3 record.

The game is set to be played Saturday, Dec. 16 at Carlisle H.H. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15

Auburn DL target Dimitry Nicolas to announce commitment Friday

He will be picking between Auburn, Miami, Florida and Pittsburgh.

Defensive lineman [autotag]Dimitry Nicolas[/autotag] is ready to announce his commitment, the three-star prospect has moved his commitment date to Friday and he will be picking between Auburn, Miami, Florida and Pittsburgh.

“Yeah I’m just trying to get it out of the way,” Nicolas told Auburn Undercover’s Christian Clemente. “I’m ready.”

Nicolas was in Auburn for Big Cat Weekend and said the way Auburn has treated him “more like family than a player” is what has them in his final group.

He is the No.  545 overall player and No. 54 defensive lineman in the 247Sports Composite ranking. The Opa Locka product is also the No. 74 player from Florida.

If he picks Auburn, he would be their 17th commit overall and third commit along the defensive line, joining four-star prospects [autotag]TJ Lindsey[/autotag] and [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag].

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

It’s down to two SEC programs for Auburn edge target Jakaleb Faulk

One of the top defenders in the 2025 class is ready to make his commitment.

It’s down to Auburn and Alabama for [autotag]Jakaleb Faulk[/autotag], one of the top defenders in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Faulk spoke with Auburn Undercover’s Christian Clemente to preview his commitment on Monday and broke the news that his recruitment was down to the two in-state programs for the Highland Home product. He revealed the quick work that [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] has done at Auburn is one of the things that made the Tigers a finalist.

“What stands out about Auburn is the way they’re building stuff so fast. The way that the energy is with Coach Freeze about everything he’s bringing to the school. It’s just amazing to watch.”

He would know about the turnaround than most, his older brother is defensive end [autotag]Keldric Faulk[/autotag] who has been a star of spring and fall practice for the Tigers.

The younger Faulk is the No. 123 overall player and No. 12 edge in the 247Sports Composite ranking. He is also the No. 11 player from Alabama.

Two of Auburn top recruiters are leading the charge for the Tigers with secondary coach [autotag]Zac Etheridge[/autotag] and linebackers coach [autotag]Josh Aldridge[/autotag] working to land the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder.

Auburn has already landed one defensive lineman in the 2025 cycle, in four-star Opelika product [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag], adding Faulk would give them a great foundation to the class.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Social Media reacts to Auburn landing 4-star defenisve lineman TJ Lindsey

Auburn is still hot on the recruiting trail.

Auburn has landed yet another blue-chip recruit. This time it’s four-star defensive lineman [autotag]TJ Lindsey[/autotag] who picked the Tigers over Texas, Miami and Texas A&M Saturday afternoon.

Lindsey is Auburn’s 16th commitment in the 2024 recruiting class, 14 of which are blue chips. He is the second commit that defensive line coach [autotag]Jeremy Garret[/autotag] has landed, joining four-star [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag].

Originally from Arkansas, he is set to play his senior season at IMG Academy in Florida. He is the No. 304 overall player and No. 34 defensive lineman in the 247Sports Composite ranking.

The addition of Lindsey fired up the Auburn fanbase which took to social media to celebrate, here are the top reactions.

Auburn DL target TJ Lindsey announces top five, sets commitment date

The Tigers are battling Alabama, Texas A&M, Texas and Miami for the talented defensive lineman.

Defensive lineman [autotag]TJ Lindsey[/autotag] is one of Auburn’s top remaining targets and the interest is certainly mutual. The four-star prospect has taken multiple trips to the Plains and on Monday included the Tigers in his top five schools.

They will be battling Alabama, Texas A&M, Texas and Miami for Lindsey also set his commitment date for Saturday, Aug. 12.

He officially visited all of his finalists, except for Alabama, in June and was planning to return to Auburn for Big Cat Weekend but was unable to do to practice at IMG Academy. However, his parents were able to check out the event and he FaceTimed in to enjoy the big day.

He is the No. 304 overall player and No. 34 defensive lineman in the 247Sports Composite ranking. He is also the No. 46 player from Florida.

Plenty can change before his commitment date but the Tigers are currently leading for the 6-foot-3, 291-pounder. They received two 247Sports crystal balls back in July with Texas A&M having one that was made back in April.

Auburn currently has the No. 16 ranked class for the 2024 recruiting cycle but has just one defensive lineman committed, four-star [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag].

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

Auburn named a ‘recruiting winner’ for the month of July

The month of July was an exciting one as far as recruiting goes.

There were few teams across the country that had a more enjoyable month in the world of recruiting than the Auburn Tigers had in the month of July.

Hugh Freeze landed six talented pieces from the 2024 cycle to his recruiting class, which was headlined by flips by five-stars [autotag]Demarcus Riddick[/autotag] and [autotag]Perry Thompson[/autotag]. Because of the Tigers’ success on the recruiting trail in July, On3 placed them in a group filled with July recruiting “winners.”

Auburn joins several big-name programs such as Ohio State, Georgia, and Tennessee as winners for the month. On3’s Keegan Pope acknowledges that Hugh Freeze is doing what he does best.

Among the biggest reasons for bringing Hugh Freeze to Auburn was his ability to stockpile talent. He has done so through the transfer portal this offseason, but what he’s done on the recruiting trail has been even more impressive. In the span of just a few days, Freeze flipped not one, but two five-stars committed to Georgia and Alabama. He started last week by beating out Nick Saban to flip UGA linebacker commit Demarcus Riddick and beat Saban again a few days later by flipping wideout Perry Thompson.

Outside of Riddick and Thompson, Auburn added wide receiver [autotag]Malcolm Simmons[/autotag], linebacker [autotag]D’Angelo Barber[/autotag], defensive lineman [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag], and cornerback [autotag]Jayln Crawford[/autotag] to his recruiting class during the month of July.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

What is Auburn getting in Malik Blocton?

The four star DL from Pike Road has zero issue breaking through and pressuring the opposing quarterback.

Auburn football ended the week on a high note by landing its second commitment of the week in four-star defensive lineman [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag].

Blocton chose the Tigers over Texas on Saturday, in what will go down as a solid win for [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. Blocton is determined to contend for early playing time, and with the Longhorns’ lack of depth at the position, it speaks volumes to Auburn’s recruiting ability that they were able to keep Blocton close to home.

Before we look into Blocton’s measurements and high school stats, here’s a look at where he ranks across all recruiting outlets:

Outlet State National
247Sports 24 43
On3 31 67
Rivals 14 21
ESPN 23 22

Across the board, Blocton is considered one of the state of Alabama’s top overall prospects for 2024, and he is seen as a top 50 defensive lineman in all but one instance. Why is that? Look no further than his ability to make players at the line and beyond.

Last season, his first at Pike Road High School, Blocton reached a career-high in tackles with 54 in 11 games played. It was also his best season at reaching the quarterback, as he recorded six sacks.

His high school head coach, Granger Shook, tells Jason Caldwell of Auburn Undercover that he has high expectations for Blocton at the next level.

“He’s the real deal,” Shook said. “He’s as good as any I have ever coached and I have been blessed to be at some pretty successful places. He’s definitely an SEC-caliber player and if he keeps progressing like I know he can, he’ll be able to play even past that. He’s coachable. He’s a hard-working young man. He’s a joy to coach.”

With Blocton’s commitment, Auburn has now climbed to No. 48 in the 2024 247Sports recruiting rankings. The Tigers now have 10 commitments for the 2024 cycle, seven of which are four-star rated.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Twitter reacts to Auburn landing 4-star DL Malik Blocton

The Pike Road, Alabama choose Auburn over Texas and Florida.

Auburn has been recruiting [autotag]Malik Blocton[/autotag] for years and on Saturday they landed the four-star defensive lineman from Pike Road, Alabama.

Blocton picked the Tigers over Texas, Florida, Alabama and Troy. The 6-foot-4, 175-pounder is Auburn’s 10th commit overall and their first along the line of scrimmage.

While he is the younger brother of Auburn defensive lineman [autotag]Marcus Harris[/autotag], he told Christian Clements of Auburn Undercover that that’s not why he picked Auburn.

“Some people are going to think I’m making this decision based off him — it’s not based off him,” Blocton said. “Because he’s going to be leaving, this is his last year, me and him will never play together. It’s just Auburn fits for me.”

Auburn fans were ecstatic about landing Blocton and took to Twitter to celebrate, here is a look at the top reactions.