In a thrilling turn of events on National Signing Day, Auburn football has successfully flipped three-star defensive lineman **Xavier Johnson** from Tennessee, adding a significant piece to its 2024 recruiting class. Johnson, a standout from the state of Alabama, had been committed to the Volunteers for months but made a last-minute switch, choosing to stay in-state and join the Tigers.
This late recruitment victory comes as a boost to Auburn’s defense, which has been undergoing a rebuild under head coach **Hugh Freeze**. Johnson, standing 6’3″ and weighing in at 285 pounds, is considered one of the top defensive prospects in the region. His combination of size, quickness, and power makes him a versatile addition to Auburn’s defensive line, where he could make an immediate impact as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
For Tennessee, losing Johnson is a tough blow on signing day, especially after months of effort in securing his commitment. The Vols had hoped to bolster their defensive front with his skill set, but Auburn’s persistence and late push were enough to sway him. His decision is seen as a major win for Freeze, who is working to bring in key recruits to help return Auburn to prominence in the SEC.
Auburn fans are excited about the potential Johnson brings to the program, with his ability to disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage being a major asset. The Tigers have already made strides on the recruiting trail in Freeze’s first full cycle, and this flip only enhances the optimism surrounding the future of Auburn football.
With Johnson’s commitment, Auburn’s defense gets a much-needed boost, and the Tigers continue to gain momentum heading into the 2024 season.