Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has already made a major impact on the recruiting trail, securing one of the most impressive in-state classes in program history for the 2025 cycle. Of the top 14 recruits from Alabama, nine chose the Tigers, including five of the state’s top seven prospects.
However, while much of the attention has been on Auburn’s dominance in its home state, another key development has quietly unfolded—the program has established a strong recruiting pipeline to **St. Frances Academy in Maryland
Building a Maryland Pipeline
Auburn has already landed multiple top-tier defensive prospects from St. Frances, reinforcing its depth at every level of the defense. The Tigers signed:
Blake Woodby (Cornerback, 4-star)
Darrion Smith (Defensive Lineman, 4-star)
Bryce Deas (Linebacker, 4-star)
Additionally, Auburn has already secured a commitment for the **2026 recruiting class** from **Wayne Henry**, another standout safety from St. Frances, who pledged to the Tigers back in August.
Auburn Targets Another Star Safety
Now, Auburn is setting its sights on **Jireh Edwards, a **5-star safety and the **No. 2-ranked safety in the nation**, according to Rivals. Edwards recently announced on social media that he has scheduled an **official visit to Auburn on May 16**.
Standing 6’2″ and 205 pounds, Edwards possesses the physical tools to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. According to **Andrew Givins, 247 Sports’ director of scouting**, Edwards is:
> “A punishing defender that should offer some alignment flexibility at his next stop as he can spin down into the box or patrol from the border. Owns a college-ready build with some promising features and tested off the charts spring before junior year.”
Auburn Faces Tough Competition
While Auburn will get the first** official visit, several other top programs are also in pursuit of Edwards. His upcoming visits include:
-Maryland – May 29**
– **Georgia – June 6**
– **Texas A&M – June 13**
– **Oregon – June 19**
Having a strong presence of St. Frances alumni on Auburn’s roster could play a crucial role in persuading Edwards to join the Tigers. Auburn’s early recruitment efforts and the relationships built with his former teammates might give Freeze and his staff an edge in landing one of the most sought-after safeties in the country.
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