The top in-state talent has committed to Auburn’s 2025 class.
Winter is coming. Eric Winters, that is.
The highly regarded safety from Enterprise (Ala.), who was previously recruited as a linebacker in the 2025 class, received numerous offers before committing to Auburn. Winters, ranked by 247Sports as the No. 53 player, No. 5 safety, and No. 5 Alabama player, adds another key element to Auburn’s class.
Previously, Auburn linebackers coach Josh Aldridge and head coach Hugh Freeze identified Winters as one of their main targets for 2025. As things shifted, Charles Kelly became Winters’ principal recruiter, bringing him in to play as a hybrid safety in D.J. Durkin’s defense.
“Really just that family feeling,” Winters has previously stated about Auburn. “I’m talking to Coach Kelly, who has trained people who look like me and placed people in the league who look like me. It really is a blessing to have someone who knows what to do with me. Who has men that play like me, like Derwin James? Coach Durkin has trained players like Jabrill Peppers, who are so diverse and adaptable that they are all over the place.”
Georgia and Miami were the final competitors for Winters. Georgia gained some momentum during the spring and summer. Miami also pushed Auburn hard, making things exciting down the end.
But Auburn made Winters a can’t-miss prospect, and the Tigers didn’t disappoint.
“Really just the people around there and in the program,” said Winters. “Great people can be found wherever you go in Auburn. The setting is excellent. The coaches have been quite hard on me, and they’re terrific individuals.”
As the busy summer official visit and camp season comes to a close, Winters wraps up a good month, bringing the Tigers to 15 overall commitments. His pledge moves Auburn up from No. 8 to No. 6 in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings, good for third in the SEC after Alabama and Georgia.