The Tigers just landed a commitment from one of their top running back targets.

Well this is a big one. Instate recruiting can be a challenge at times for Auburn going up against a program that’s currently on one of the greatest runs in college football. Typically, Alabama tends to land the kids instate they really want. Not this time.

In front of a packed auditorium, 4* RB Asa Martin announced he was going to be a Tiger.

Martin was one of, if not the first offers sent out upon Chip Lindsey’s arrival to the Plains. Since that moment, he’s been a top target for the Tigers. He spent last season at IMG Academy learning what it’s like to live away from home and kickstarting his recruitment. Now he’s back home in Decatur, AL playing once again for Austin High School.

The Tigers beat out Alabama, Clemson and Florida for the talented back’s signature. The Gators at one point in time were the team to beat but AU made a charge this past summer thanks in large part to Big Cat Weekend and their cookout event. Alabama seemed like the team to beat leading up to this week but it turned out the Tigers had done enough to convince the North Alabama stud to don the orange and blue in 2018.

Highlights

Scouting Report

In baseball they would call Asa Martin a “five tool player” meaning he can do everything. He can run the ball between the tackles, make guys miss on the perimeter, catch passes out of the backfield or stay in and pass protect when needed. He’s a guy that will come to Auburn more than likely ready to play early. I have some questions about him being a 25+ carry guy in the SEC but I think a year with Ryan Russell in the weight room will help alleviate those concerns. Don’t be shocked if Martin flies up the rankings this fall now that he’s back to being the featured back for his high school program. Martin appears to be the prototype for the type of running backs Chip Lindsey wants to utilize in his system moving forward.

The Class

Barring something wild happening, Auburn is most likely done at the running back spot. With 3* Shaun Shivers and now Asa Martin on board, the Tigers can feel confident they are keeping the RB spot well stocked. Both backs are explosive players out of the backfield and should give Lindsey the option to do a lot of different things in the coming years.

Auburn is now up to thirteen commits in this class and that is probably where the number will stay heading into kickoff on September 2nd. However, keep an eye on 4* Buck Richard Jibunor, who could pop before things get going. Either way, the Tigers have some serious momentum on the recruiting trail heading into the football season after landing quite a few of their top targets the past two months. A big year on the field could lead to this class being a pretty special one.

War Eagle Asa!