AUBURN, ALABAMA (EETV) As national signing day draws to a conclusion, Auburn’s first-year head coach Bryan Harsin now has the opportunity to reflect upon his first true recruiting class. After entering the day nowhere near within 24/7 Sports’s top-20 classes, Harsin and company have silenced a large number of doubters and are poised to close the evening within the listing’s top-15.
The Tigers’ group of early signees in the class of 2022 is spotlighted by eight 4-stars paired with an additional eight 3-stars for a total of 16 signees. The offensive group is composed of three wide receivers, one quarterback, one running back, one offensive lineman.
On the defensive side of the ball, Derek Mason and company picked up three corner backs, two safeties, a pair of linebackers and a defensive lineman to boot. The Tigers signed just one special teams player: standout kicker Alex McPherson.
Harsin was pleased by the group his staff assembled, expressing gratitude for all involved.
“Great day for Auburn,” Harsin said. “Excited about the class we signed. I want to thank all of the people that made this happen: our recruiting staff, coaches, everyone who helps out in our recruiting weekends and our players were a big part of this as well.”
With the proper thanks given to the group of individuals who aided him in navigating his first full year of recruiting in SEC territory, Harsin depicted the process of signing athletes as more than merely finding the most talented group. According to Auburn’s head coach, the orange and blue were simply out to get the right guys.
“Our entire focus and purpose in recruiting was just to bring in the right people,” Harsin said. “That was number one. Character matters. Hard workers, guys that were going to compete and guys that were winners.”
Winning experience seems to be of importance to Harsin, who made sure to note that there are a slew of players — and staff — within his program who have achieved greatness at levels before reaching the Plains.
“There are a lot of guys behind me who were in very successful programs,” Harsin said. “Their high school coaches and the people that they’ve worked with, there’s a lot of success.”
Having established a clear set of qualities and parameters to work within, the first-year staff made note that — with relaxed restrictions regarding COVID-19 — performing in-home visits with recruits and their families played largely into Auburn’s favor.
“This was the first chance we’ve had to get out and see families face-to-face when they’re not here in our facility,” Harsin said. “I think that makes a huge difference.”
After utilizing the past calendar year as an opportunity to develop — and implement — a new recruiting philosophy on the plains, Harsin believes he has found the right group of guys.
“We’re talking to the right people,” Harsin said. “We’re talking to the guys that want to be a part of what we’re doing. I believe every guy on (Wednesday’s signing board) loves Auburn and is excited about their opportunity to come here and be a part of what we’re building.”
The first National Signing Day for the class of 2022 has officially drawn to its conclusion; however, the leader of the Auburn football program believes that the time for recruiting is always now.
“Recruiting never ends,” Harsin said. “We certainly are excited about this class. We’ve got another signing period that we’ll continue to work towards as we prepare for our bowl game.”
Harsin and the rest of the Auburn Tigers will take on the Houston Cougars in the 2021 installment of the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 28 at 11:00 a.m. CST.
