Auburn football major recruiting update: Deuce Knight upgraded to 5-star, Malik Blocton eagerly anticipating 2023 season

Monday, January 16th, 2023 at 10:51 AM EST Auburn

Deuce Knight, a high-profile linebacker from Georgia, recently received a significant boost in his recruiting status. Formerly a 4-star prospect, Knight has now been upgraded to a 5-star recruit by 247Sports, making him one of the most coveted defensive players in the 2024 class. Knight, who has already committed to Auburn, is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the state of Georgia and has received scholarship offers from numerous Power Five programs.

Confirming the rating

247Sports' recent re-evaluation of Knight's talent level is a testament to his impressive performance on the field. As a junior at Bainbridge High School, Knight recorded 120 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and four sacks. He also had three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.

Knight's commitment to Auburn is a major coup for the Tigers, who are looking to bolster their defense with the addition of talented young players. Knight is expected to make an immediate impact for the Tigers when he arrives on campus in 2024.

Blocton's anticipation

In addition to the update on Knight's recruiting status, Auburn football also received some positive news from linebacker Malik Blocton. Blocton, who is entering his senior season in 2023, expressed his excitement about the upcoming campaign.

"I'm really looking forward to the 2023 season," Blocton said. "I think we have a lot of potential on this team, and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish. We have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and I think we can make a run at the SEC Championship."

Blocton's leadership

Blocton is expected to be a leader for the Tigers in 2023. He has started 22 games over the past two seasons and has recorded 145 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Blocton is also a valuable contributor on special teams, where he has blocked two punts in his career.

With Knight and Blocton leading the way, the Auburn Tigers defense is poised for a strong 2023 season. The Tigers are looking to improve on their 6-7 record from 2022 and compete for a spot in the SEC Championship Game.