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JUCO lineman Maurice Swain recently named Auburn his leader. (Photo by 247Sports, Illustration by Wesley Sinor)
National Signing Day is six months away, but Auburn has already put together one of the nation's top recruiting classes. One glaring need that has yet to be filled, however, is the defensive line.
Jauntavius Johnson became Auburn's 19th commitment in the 2015 cycle this week and is the only defensive lineman to join the class. The Tigers will likely attempt to round things out with a few more tackles and ends, so let's take a look at a few of the top targets below.
HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTS
TRENT THOMPSON
5-star defensive tackle | Nation's No. 2 overall prospect | Albany, Ga.
Thompson has shuffled his list of leaders plenty this offseason, but Georgia has always been his favorite. He is set to announce his commitment next week and the Bulldogs are the team to beat for the 6-foot-4, 292-pounder, despite Auburn's recent push.
DARON PAYNE
5-star defensive tackle | Nation's No. 27 overall prospect | Birmingham, Ala.
Payne's stock dipped a bit this offseason, but he remains an elite prospect and a top Auburn target. He grew up an Auburn fan, but is considered a strong Alabama lean. He is expected to announce his decision in December, so keep your eye on him.
JONATHAN LEDBETTER
4-star defensive end | Nation's No. 70 overall prospect | Tucker, Ga.
Ledbetter is committed to Alabama, but has shown strong interest in other programs like Auburn and Georgia. His teammate, Elijah Sullivan, is committed to Auburn and has been recruiting him to the Plains. Is a flip on the horizon? It's certainly possible.
D'ANDRE WALKER
4-star defensive end | Nation's No. 160 overall prospect | Fairburn, Ga.
Walker remains uncommitted and appears to have narrowed down his leaders to Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee. He has a strong relationship with Rodney Garner, but says Georgia is after him the hardest. The 6-foot-2, 218-pounder is planning to announce his commitment at the 2015 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Florida is the current favorite to land Kendrick Norton (left), but the Gators will likely have to improve on the field to land him. (247Sports)
KENDRICK NORTON
4-star defensive tackle / offensive guard | Nation's No. 239 overall prospect | Jacksonville, Fla.
Norton has been recruited to Auburn by teammates Ben Edwards and Jalin Buie this offseason, but Edwards recently de-committed from the Tigers. For now it appears Norton is bound for Florida, but he may wait and see if the Gators improve on the field after a rocky 4-8 season in 2013.
JOHNATHAN CALVIN
3-star defensive end | Nation's No. 55 overall JUCO prospect | Jackson, Miss.
This under-the-radar prospect committed to Mississippi State last month, but could flip to the Tigers if Auburn decides to make a late push. The 6-foot-4, 255-pounder narrowed his final two schools to Mississippi State and Auburn after Big Cat Weekend.
MAURICE SWAIN
3-star defensive tackle | Unranked | Hattiesburg, Miss.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast standout was long considered a take for Mississippi State, but he named Auburn his leader after picking up an offer from the Tigers last weekend. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder has two former teammates (Derrick Moncrief and Duke Williams) enrolled at Auburn and two current teammates (Jason Smith and Tony Bridges) who have pledged to the Tigers. Swain could very well be the next Auburn commitment.
(Note: Star ratings and rankings are taken from the 247Sports Composite.)