AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - As the 2021 National Signing Day comes to a close, Auburn currently ranks 30th nationally, which is the lowest they have ranked since they finished 30th back in 2004. Getting a late start in recruiting due to the coaching change has not helped the Tigers in the recruiting department. In response to the setback, new head coach Brian Harsin has looked elsewhere for a quick fix to support the 2021 class: the transfer portal.
So far, Harsin has signed three transfers, one from a Power 5 school and two others from JUCO.
Kamal Hadden | CB Independence C.C. | 6-2 185 | 3 star
Joko Willis | ILB Independence C.C. | 6-3 215 | 3 star
Andrew Leota | DE Northwestern | 6-3 220 | 3 star
The main purpose of the transfer portal for coaches is to add players to the roster for a position that is in need of a swift repair. However, Harsin believes that it is not all about "plug and play" but more about how they fit within the culture of the team.
"It's not just football; it's academically, it's socially. It's all these things that matter when you choose a university to be a part of, whether you're a transfer or not," Harsin said.
With transfers, coaches are able to have an idea of their skillset against the college-level competition. This allows coaches to know exactly how a player is going to make a difference on the team without having to get their feet wet.
"You just have a little bit more of an idea of their level of competition when you get a chance to see them at certain places," Harsin said.
Even though National Signing Day is over, there are many players still left in the transfer portal that Harsin and the Tigers are eyeing. With an Auburn recruiting class that is not up to par, the transfer portal will become a vital place for Auburn to find players that will have an immediate impact.
"I would anticipate that we're not done, Harsin said.
Currently in the transfer portal are a numerous number of four-star recruits. Be on the lookout because if Auburn lands another transfer, it might turn this recruiting class around.
