Auburn 2022 signee power ranking countdown (No. 8 - No. 1)

Auburn signed some big time players in it’s early signing period. I have put together a power ranking for all of them. Let me start by saying, I’m sure that I will be wrong about most if not all of these guys. This is purely my ranking. Everyone likes a good countdown and this is all in fun, however, this is the way I am viewing the 2022 signees. so far.

This ranking has nothing to do with early playing time and everything to do with who could have the best career at Auburn. These can be tricky because you truly never know. 4 years ago Roger McCreary was one of the lower ranked guys in the class. Now? He’s gearing up to be a first round draft pick.

Again, this ranking will be based on talent, Auburn fit, football IQ, and ceiling. Feel free to bring this back up in 3-4 years if (or when) I am wrong. For the record, I had a tough time with this. I think each of these signees can be pretty good, or even really good, on the college level.

No. 8 – LB, Robert Woodyard

Much like Powell Gordon, Woodyard is somewhat of a mystery. In other words, what will he be as a true linebacker? We know he is somewhat of a freak athlete, but can he be an SEC, every down linebacker? I think so. He probably won’t be the top guy in year 1 even with an open competition, but he will be tough to keep off of the field because he has game changing ability.

No. 7 – WR, Omari Kelly

I’m sure I say this often, but Kelly is possibly the most under the radar top-300 4-star prospect ever. This guy gets almost no press. I think he is good at just about every aspect of the receiver position. I questioned his physicality as he isn’t a big guy, but when he was used as a running back at times as a senior, my opinion changed on that. He’s got great straight-line speed and good hands. Early contributor at Auburn? It really feels like he could be.

No. 6 – OL, EJ Harris

Auburn fans who have clamored for offensive linemen should be overjoyed to have Harris. This guy could easily be a first year contributor depending on what happens in the portal. The Harsin era has to have a centerpiece at each position and for offensive line, Harris is the guy. Not to mention, he’s a hometown guy, he loves Auburn and is open about that. When talking about personality matches with Harsin, Harris certainly matches the intensity.

No. 5 – CB, Keionte Scott

If there is anyone who could play early, my pick is on Scott. I think he is the most SEC ready player in the class. He’s got all the tools to be a successful corner in the SEC, and in 2022. I love his mentality the most. He is strictly business in everything he does and that will work well for this program that Harsin is building.

No. 4 – K, Alex McPherson

Kickers need love too. There isn’t much to say here other than McPherson IS the answer to the question, “What do we do without a Carlson at kicker?” He should be a MAJOR weapon in the future.

No. 3 – DL, Jeffrey M’ba

M’ba could sneak into an NFL Combine right now and most every scout would ask the guy next to him, “Who is that guy?” He will be the most impressive guy getting off the bus. What about him as a player? He can play, and he can play now. What’s crazy is that he’s the biggest guy on the defensive line, and would probably beat the whole group in a race by about 5 yards.

No. 2 – CB, JD Rhym

Keionte Scott probably plays before him, but Rhym has future NFL corner written all over him. He can play man coverage, zone coverage, and doesn’t get thrown at much. I’m not really comparing him to Carlton Davis, but his impact on the defense could be similar. I think this was the biggest pickup in the class.

No. 1 – QB, Holden Geriner

Who else could it be, right? Earlier in the year he wouldn’t have been number 1, but he just keeps impressing. Now, he will get a shot in the Under Armour All American game against the best players in his class. Based on his accomplishments thus far, he should excel yet again. The best is probably yet to come as well. That quick release and leadership ability will be great tools to start his college career at Auburn with.

Follow Cole Pinkston on Twitter at @colepinkston. Follow Auburn Live on Twitter at @auburnliveon3.