VIDEO: Wilky Denaud excited about his future at Auburn

On3 imageby:Keith Niebuhr07/27/22

On3Keith

FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA — Wilky Denaud is happy to be an Auburn Tiger. His family is happy, too. So is his coach. And, his friends, teammates and classmates.

When Denaud, a 4-star edge rusher from John Carroll High, committed to Auburn on Wednesday evening during a ceremony at his school, the 75 or so people in attendance loudly cheered his choice.

Why Auburn?

ARTICLE: BEHIND THE COMMITMENT

“I mean (edge coach Roc Bellantoni) is really a main part of that,” Denaud told Auburn Live. “He’s told me everything that I’ve needed to be successful. I definitely think I’ll be able to come in and help.”

Mom and dad are supportive of his decision to pick Auburn

Denaud’s parents admittedly wanted him a little bit closer to home for college, yet they were happy with his choice. They accepted his decision — and supported it. His mother, Kimberly Lincoln, told Auburn Live her son was won over by the Tigers staff.

According to Denaud, “it was hard” to leave the Sunshine State (he chose Auburn over Florida State, among others). However, he added, “But at the same time, it’s kind of preparing me for the next level after college because when you get to the league, you can’t really tell a team, no, you don’t want to go there just because it’s out of state.”

Denaud, who is 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, is the No. 39 edge in the country for the On3 Consensus. He checks in as the No. 68 recruit in the state of Florida and is No. 362 nationally. Denaud holds an 89.25 On3 Consensus rating and an 88 rating from On3.

Auburn likes Wilky Denaud at edge, but he could grow into a tackle

He potentially could grow into a tackle, but prefers playing the edge.

Last season, Denaud had 55 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and an interception. He recorded 17 tackles for loss with nine sacks as a sophomore.

From Denaud’s final four schools, Auburn and FSU really had been the two to watch. The ‘Noles offered him a scholarship Feb. 3 and Auburn did the same Feb. 23.

The Tigers have heavily pursued him ever since. There are two reasons for this: 1. The staff, led by edge coach Roc Bellantoni, really likes him. 2. Auburn has a major need at the edge position and potentially could sign up to four of them in the 2023 class.

Now, he will be a Tiger.

But, it’s worth noting Denaud said it’s likely he will officially visit other schools.

You can watch our complete video interview with Denaud below …

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