AUBURN, Ala. – Adding his first six signees to a 2021 recruiting class that still has room to grow, Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin welcomed the new recruits Wednesday while making his pitch to future Tigers.
"This is a big moment for everybody," said Harsin, who took over as Auburn's head coach on Dec. 22, six days after 11 members of Auburn's 2021 class signed with the Tigers. "These guys that chose Auburn University, they made that simply through building a relationship with our coaches. There's still several spots left, so we're not done.
"I'm proud of the guys who are here on campus, I'm proud of the guys that have signed earlier who will be here this summer, and I'm proud of the guys we just signed today."
Above all other concerns, Harsin said fit was the primary factor Auburn considered in signing student-athletes.
"Do these guys love football? High-character guys, competitive guys who want to come in here and work hard, guys who are winners. Guys we can develop, who we know their best football is ahead of them, who want to develop and are going to do the work necessary to get better each and every day. We wanted guys who want to be at Auburn. There's no doubt in my mind we got the right ones."
Among Auburn's December signees, quarterback Dematrius Davis, cornerback Kamal Hadden, safety Ahmari Harvey, defensive tackle Lee Hunter, tight end Landen King and offensive lineman Garner Langlo enrolled in January and are already participating in strength and conditioning workouts. Auburn's five other December signees will enroll this summer after graduating from high school.
"We still have several spots to fill," Harsin said. "Recruiting never ends. The opportunities for guys to be a part of this program are still available. We'll do that throughout the spring.
"It's not only depth, we're creating competition. We want everybody on this team to have an opportunity to play, whether that's offense, defense or special teams. We want guys who can contribute somehow some way, and handle their business and want to be a part of Auburn University and graduate from here and will have opportunities, hopefully within the game of football where they can continue that.
"That's why I'm fired up on these guys because they know what they're getting into. These guys will work extremely hard and are going to help our program be successful."
Auburn's 17-member 2021 recruiting class includes six offensive players and 11 defensive players, hailing from these states: Florida (four), Texas (three), Alabama (three), Georgia (two), North Carolina (two), Michigan (one), Mississippi (one) and Missouri (one).
In his Zoom call with reporters, Harsin made the case for why elite prospects would be wise to consider Auburn.
"We have something here at Auburn University that is different," he said. "When players and families get a chance to be here and be around the culture and the people and see what I saw when I came here for the first time, that's really what it comes down to.
"They know they're in good hands. As a family member, that's all you can ask for. My son's going to be around good people. He's going to be in a great place. He's going to have a chance to accomplish his goals and dreams, and he's going to be developed.
"Those are the things that I think become the deciding factor. These guys know that. They're going to put in the work, do things right, and when they leave our program, they're going to be better for it.
"They're going to have a process of how to be successful and how it should be done the right way. I believe the players and parents really appreciated hearing that from our coaches and what it is we're trying to build in our culture here."
Coach Bryan Harsin on the February signees…
Cayden Bridges: "Hard hitter, plays hard, physical. A guy who's had very good stats. You see the potential of his development. A guy who handles his business, very focused and determined. Great family, great support system. We're excited about him coming in here and being in that defensive backfield for us."
Tar'Varish Dawson Jr.: "Never wavered one time through the coaching change. High energy, fun to talk to and a great player. Great hands, great speed, a pleasure to recruit. He's helped us. A guy who loves Auburn, wants to be here, wants to be a part of this family."
Juwon Gaston: "Just down the road. Juwon is a competitor. Did a great job his senior year, 96 tackles, five interceptions, seven kick returns for touchdowns. Playmaker, football player. Enjoyed getting to know him and his mom. A guy I know is going to come give everything he's got."
Eku Leota: "Graduate transfer from Northwestern. A guy who is all about the fit and culture, his development and being a part of this program and wanting to be here. He's had experience playing against Auburn. We're looking forward to him being a guy on the edge for us who can provide that pass rush. A very good player. Will have his degree and has three years to come in and be part of this program."
Colby Smith: "This guy is a big human being. Great personality. Wonderful family, wanted to be here. A guy who will continue developing, his best football is ahead of him. A guy who's going to come in here and help us in that offensive line room who we can develop and will continue to grow into our program."
Joko Willis: "Outside/inside linebacker. A lot of range, very speedy player, great quickness and can run. A guy who loves ball and certainly fits what we're looking for. It's been great to get to know him. His energy, enthusiasm and desire to be here once this opportunity came up, there was no question this was the right fit for him."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer