Auburn, AL — As the Auburn Tigers gear up for their highly anticipated season opener against UMass, one of the program’s top 2025 commitments, five-star defensive back Malik Johnson, is already looking ahead to what lies beyond the first game of the 2024 season. Johnson, who committed to Auburn earlier this year, has been a vocal leader for the Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class, and his excitement for the upcoming season is palpable.
In an exclusive interview, Johnson shared his thoughts on Auburn’s season opener, his recruitment process, and what’s next for the Tigers’ 2025 class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory.
On the Season Opener:
“Man, I can’t wait to see what the team does out there,” Johnson said. “Coach [Hugh] Freeze has been working hard with the guys, and there’s a lot of energy around the program right now. I’ve been in contact with some of the players, and they’re all fired up to start the season strong. The atmosphere in Jordan-Hare is going to be electric, and I’m excited to see how the defense steps up.”
Johnson, who is expected to be a cornerstone of Auburn’s secondary in the future, has been keeping a close eye on the Tigers’ current defensive lineup. He’s particularly interested in how the team’s younger players perform under pressure, as he sees himself stepping into a key role when he arrives on campus next year.
On His Commitment to Auburn:
“My commitment to Auburn is solid,” Johnson stated firmly. “I chose Auburn because it feels like home. The coaches, the fans, the entire community—they’ve all been so welcoming. Coach Freeze and Coach [Wesley] McGriff have a great vision for the defense, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Johnson also spoke about the recruiting process and how he’s been working behind the scenes to help Auburn secure more top talent for the 2025 class. “I’ve been talking to a lot of guys, trying to get them to see what Auburn is all about. We’ve got something special building here, and I want as many top players as possible to be a part of that.”
On What’s Next for the 2025 Class:
As for the 2025 class, Johnson is optimistic about its potential and hinted at some big names who could soon join him on The Plains. “We’ve already got a strong class, but there are still some key targets we’re going after,” he revealed. “I can’t say too much right now, but let’s just say Auburn fans should be excited. We’re going to bring in some more dogs who are ready to compete for championships.”
Johnson has been in close communication with other committed recruits, as well as those still undecided, working to build relationships that will translate into success on the field. His leadership and passion for Auburn are evident, and it’s clear he’s fully invested in the program’s future.
As Auburn prepares for its season opener, Johnson’s enthusiasm is a reflection of the growing optimism around the program. With a strong 2024 season, Auburn could position itself as a major player in the SEC, further boosting its appeal to top recruits.
For Malik Johnson, the journey is just beginning, and he’s eager to see where it leads. “I’m just ready to get to Auburn and start making an impact,” he said. “But for now, I’ll be cheering on the Tigers and helping to build something great with this 2025 class. War Eagle!”
Leave a Reply