Previewing decision day for Auburn CB target Jalyn Crawford
Four-star defensive back Jalyn Crawford from Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview is set to make his decision on Saturday. Crawford is one of the top defensive targets remaining on the board for Auburn. Crawford has a final three of Auburn, Florida, and LSU. Clemson was once in the mix, but fell out towards the end.
Crawford earned offers from Auburn, LSU, Florida, Clemson, Tennessee, North Carolina, Michigan, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, Florida State, Arkansas, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and many others.
Crawford, who Auburn is recruiting as a corner and nickel, will make one SEC fanbase very happy on Saturday.
Here is a quick preview of Crawford’s commit announcement:
TIME: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 p.m. CT at New Mercies Christian Church
RANKING/RATING: Crawford, who is listed at 6-feet 180 pounds, is the No. 192 overall player, the No. 22 corner, and the No. 26 player in the state of Georgia according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Crawford holds a 91.44 On3 Industry rating and an 89 rating from On3. Crawford is considered a 4-star by three major recruiting sites.
THE 411: Crawford has been courted by many top schools. He visited Auburn unofficially a couple of times in early 2023, then took an official visit in June. LSU had been the perceived leader for a while, then Auburn made its move. Florida jumped into the picture with an official visit as well.
Florida, LSU, and Auburn all have had confidence at some point in this recruitment. In the last few weeks heading into Crawford’s announcement, Auburn has seemingly gained some momentum.
Quotes of note
— “If I come here they can develop me as a player on and off the field. It would be a great experience for me to come down here and be with the family.”
— “It’s big because I already know Terrance Love and Kayin Lee. They talk to me about the atmosphere and what all goes on and how it really goes down at Auburn. They said it’s a great place and I can’t go wrong. It’s very important because I really get to see the inside of things and what it’s all about.”
— “We did a lot of hanging with the coaches and talking with them and building that player-coach relationship. That’s what you want during this process. You never know what can happen. A coach can leave but you can have a good relationship with the GA or the next man up and you can get along well and before long he can be the main coach… That’s what stood out. How we bonded, me and the coaches. Me coach (Hugh) Freeze and everybody. Everyone was happy.”
Why it could be Auburn/Our pick
RECRUITING PREDICTION MACHINE: The RPM favors Auburn at 93.4%
IF AUBURN LANDS HIM: It would give the Tigers commitment No. 11 in the 2024 class and possibly jump a few spots into the top 20.
WHY IT COULD BE AUBURN: Relationships with Freeze, Wesley McGriff, Love, and Lee. Proximity to home. Possible early playing time at corner.
WHY IT COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE: LSU made him a priority long ago and has a rich history of sending corners to the NFL. Florida surged into the picture late and made a real impression on Crawford.
OUR PICK: Auburn. With LSU and Florida both having a shot, the Tigers seem to have the upper hand going into his announcement. He feels comfortable at Auburn and with several people involved.
