Top-100 EDGE Jaquez Wilkes commits to Auburn: 'I just wanted to stay home'

Auburn offered Jaquez Wilkes of Wadley (Ala.) during his sophomore year. From the time the Tigers offered, they have made the in-state recruit feel like a must-have in this class. Their effort paid off when the No. 96 prospect in the Rivals Industry Ranking committed to Auburn over Texas A&M.

“I just wanted to stay home,” Wilkes told Rivals. “After I took my official visit to Auburn, I went to Texas A&M for my official visit… After that, I went back to Auburn two more times in June and I just knew it. It was a different feeling at Auburn than at Texas A&M or anywhere else.”

That feeling Wilkes had a hard time putting into words when he was at Auburn pushed the Tigers to the top of his list. That was the biggest factor.

“It is Auburn… War Eagle. That is about all I can say. I have visited Auburn for games, practices and I would go over there during the week for random visits, so I have been there too many times to count. How I was always welcomed made a difference. Everyone showed love, everyone made me feel wanted and it was home.

“Everyone at Auburn is like one big family. From the coaches to the players, everyone is together and everyone is family. That environment drew me all the way and made me want to be there.”

Wilkes felt wanted by the Auburn staff

Over 30 schools offered the new commit. Hugh Freeze was active in his recruitment, but DJ Durkin led the way for the 6-foot-4, 218-pound four-star.

“All they would tell me is that Auburn is home for me,” Wilkes said. “The relationships and the love at Auburn are real for me. Coach Durkin has been texting me almost every day to check in on me. He let me know I could visit at any time and he wanted me in his defense. I love how calm he is off the field, how intense he is on the field and how he wants to use me at linebacker.

“Coach Freeze is great too. He was always checking on me too. I love how he presents himself, how he carries himself and what he is doing with the program. Auburn is about to have a big turnaround under coach Freeze and I get to be a part of it in front of my family and friends.

“Auburn is a great fit for me on and off the field.”