When did 4-star LB Jakaleb Faulk decide it was Auburn?
HIGHLAND HOME, ALABAMA – Auburn on Monday landed a big commitment from 2025 4-star linebacker/edge Jakaleb “JJ” Faulk from Highland Home (Ala.). He is the younger brother of freshman Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk.
The Faulk brothers are both built very similarly, but have different skillsets. The younger Faulk tells Auburn Live the talks with Josh Aldridge have been about inside linebacker.
Faulk is the No. 151 overall player in the country, the No. 14 edge, and the No. 11 player in the state of Alabama according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
Faulk says the decision was made in his head about two weeks ago.
“I made it about two weeks ago,” Faulk said. “It was a good competition between Auburn and Alabama. It went on communication and who I felt comfortable with and where I felt was home. I chose Auburn.”
Big Cat Weekend helped make the decision
According to Faulk’s head coach, and JJ, he didn’t make his decision solely because of his brother being on the team. He made the decision because the people at Auburn have made a lasting impression.
“I’m all about people when it comes to a school,” Faulk said. “It’s about the people that I’m going to see and be around. It doesn’t matter about how good the football team is or how much money I can make, It is about people. I’m really a people person on everything.”
The closeness with the staff at Big Cat Weekend really helped Auburn pull away form the competition.
“I love how they were involved with the kids, trying to get everybody to get in the pool, riding the golf carts around,” Faulk said of Big Cat Weekend. “It was a good experience so it set Auburn a little higher.”
Faulk chose this day because it is his dad’s birthday and he would have been proud of him for choosing Auburn.
“It’s a special day because it is my dad’s birthday,” Faulk said. “Unfortunately, he passed away. That is why I wear him every day on my necklace. He was a big Auburn fan so I knew it would be a great day for him.”
What is next?
The next steps are to stay with Auburn and help recruit.
“Just to stick it out with Auburn until I graduate and I will be there soon,” Faulk said.
Does he have some targets in mind?
“Yeah, of course,” Faulk said. “I have to figure it out (targets). Of course I have to get my cousin (2025 4-star edge CJ May), though. I have to get him. He brings everything to the table. His first step is very quick on defense. He is a very smart edge rusher, so he can bring a lot to the table.”
What are some goals for Faulk during his junior season?
“I’m setting my goals pretty high,” Faulk said. “I’m trying to get 140 tackles, 3-4 picks, and 5 sacks.”
