The 2024 season has been underwhelming for Auburn football in terms of wins and losses. With a 4-6 record and tough matchups against Texas A&M and Alabama ahead, the Tigers’ chances of becoming bowl-eligible seem slim.
However, the future looks promising under Coach Hugh Freeze. His first full recruiting class has delivered on its top-10 ranking, showcasing a wealth of talent and potential.
Here’s a closer look at the brightest stars from Auburn’s 2024 freshman class:
Choosing Simmons over fellow freshman WR Cam Coleman wasn’t easy, but before the ULM game, Simmons had clearly been the more productive of the two.
Simmons, a summer enrollee, quickly made an impact at Auburn. Hype about his explosiveness during fall camp was validated in his debut against Alabama A&M, where he recorded three receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Through 10 games, Simmons has three touchdowns and 34 catches for 412 yards—ranking second among SEC freshmen in receiving yards, according to ESPN.
With his elusiveness and ability to gain yards after the catch, Simmons is poised to become a key offensive weapon for years to come.
Riddick has steadily risen up the depth chart, thanks to his unmatched speed at the linebacker position.
The 6’2″, 217-pound freshman has excelled as a quarterback spy, using his athleticism to track and pursue mobile QBs. In 10 games, Riddick has tallied 22 total tackles, including 15 solo stops, and two sacks, per ESPN.
This dynamic freshman has immense upside and looks set to be a defensive cornerstone for Auburn in the coming seasons.
Younger brother to former Auburn lineman Marcus Harris, Blocton has quickly established himself as a force on the defensive line.
At 6’3″ and 291 pounds, the three-star recruit has surpassed expectations, contributing immediately in the rotation. So far, he’s recorded 12 total tackles, 10 solo tackles, and 1.5 sacks, per ESPN. He was also named a True Freshman All-American by On3 at midseason.
As Blocton develops, he’s expected to play a significant role in Auburn’s defensive front, a critical component for success in the SEC.
Harris, much like Blocton, has outperformed his three-star rating and emerged as a key contributor.
The 6’1″, 201-pound safety has been remarkably consistent. Pro Football Focus reported that through nine games, Harris led the nation in tackles without a miss, with 30 total tackles. He, too, earned a spot on On3’s True Freshman All-American team.
Harris is proving to be a rising star in Auburn’s secondary, with the potential to achieve even greater accolades.Crawford began the season as a backup but has since emerged as Auburn’s top cornerback.
The 5’11”, 179-pound freshman has revitalized the secondary, recording his first career interception against Kentucky. Per Pro Football Focus, Crawford led all true freshmen with nine passes defended heading into the ULM game. Additionally, he ranks third nationally—across all classes—in fewest yards allowed in coverage, giving up just 67 yards.
Crawford’s development as a lockdown corner has been a highlight of Auburn’s season, and his future looks incredibly bright. For now, he stands out as one of the top players in the nation at his position.