With Gus Malzahn announcing the firing of defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson over the weekend, the immediate impact from that choice will affect Auburn’s efforts with its 2015 recruiting class.
Seven of the Tigers' 19 current commitments are slated to play defense on the Plains.
Additionally, there are a number of top defensive players that the Tigers are active with two months prior to signing day.
Which top recruits might be impacted by the change to the Tigers coaching staff?
Byron Cowart
The early speculation on Johnson’s potential replacement has centered on former Florida head coach Will Muschamp, as noted by Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports.
If that scenario comes to fruition, expect some new names to pop up on Auburn’s radar—with the biggest potential prize being 5-star defensive end Byron Cowart.
Josh Newberg of Noles247 (subscription required) reports that the Tigers could emerge as the favorite in the Cowart sweepstakes should Muschamp end up in Auburn.
Cowart has tentatively scheduled a visit to Auburn on Jan. 16, and he told Keith Niebuhr of AuburnUndercover (subscription required) that the Tigers could move up on his list depending on who they hire.
"That would be crazy if they got Will Muschamp," Cowart told Niebuhr. "It would help them."
Richard McBryde
Another pressing question for the Tigers’ commits is which scheme the new defensive coordinator will install, and if it will have any similarities to Johnson’s base 4-2-5 look.
Richard McBryde, a 4-star linebacker pledge, is one of the players who was a perfect addition for Johnson’s scheme, as noted by Niebuhr (subscription required).
However, as Niebuhr reports, McBryde has indicated that he’s “pretty sure” that he’s sticking with Auburn.
It will be interesting to see whether the new hire wants to make wholesale changes to the defense or adapt to the personnel currently on hand and in the recruiting class.
Daron Payne
One of the Tigers' top remaining targets in the 2015 class is 5-star defensive tackle Daron Payne.
The 6’2”, 325-pounder—who checks in as the top prospect in the state of Alabama—visited Auburn two weeks ago for its home finale against Samford, and he was in attendance for last weekend’s Iron Bowl.
It’s no secret that one of Auburn’s biggest needs in the 2015 cycle is at defensive tackle, and that’s been a huge part of Malzahn’s pitch to Payne, as noted by Niebuhr (subscription required).
The Tigers are in a tight battle with Alabama for Payne—who is scheduled to announce his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game next month.
Considering the timing of Johnson’s departure, the Tide would figure to be in the pole position for Payne at the moment.
However, Payne figures to be a top priority whenever the new defensive coordinator is announced.
D’Andre Walker
Another hotly contested race in the 2015 cycle has been the tug-of-war between Auburn and Georgia for 4-star defensive end D’Andre Walker.
Walker visited both the Tigers and the Bulldogs last month, and this news may be enough for the home-standing 'Dawgs to make a surge with the 6’2”, 218-pounder.
Walker told Niebuhr (subscription required) that the Tigers’ depth chart is one of the biggest reasons that he is heavily interested in Auburn.
The Tigers will still have a need for athletic edge-rushers such as Walker regardless of which direction Malzahn turns to in his search to replace Johnson.
Other Recruits of Interest
Before Johnson’s departure, the Tigers were making inroads with other talented prospects, such as 5-star defensive end Terry Beckner Jr., 4-star defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and 4-star linebacker Jeffery Holland.
It will be interesting to see how the new defensive coordinator prioritizes these players and whether they are as receptive to the new staff.
Regardless, this vacancy will have a ripple effect on some of the biggest names in the 2015 cycle.
If Malzahn can lure a top defensive mind to the Plains, expect Auburn’s class to finish on a high note come national signing day.
Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
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