BREAKING: In-state DB Kaleb Harris commits to Auburn: 'It's a dream come true'

In-state defensive back Kaleb Harris has committed to Auburn football.

Harris, who attends Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., announced his decision on Monday. Harris’s decision came after an unofficial visit to the Plains on Saturday. He was inside Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Tigers’ game against No. 13 Ole Miss.

For Harris, it’s a dream come true.

“Growing up Auburn always has been my dream school,” he told Auburn Live. “I’ve always been an Auburn Tigers fan. I grew up a die-hard Auburn fan, so to be able to go there is a dream come true.”

Harris chose Auburn over offers from Penn State, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, LSU, Arkansas and Georgia Tech, among others.

Auburn made Harris a priority

Harris is and has been a top target for Auburn. The Tigers under then-new coach Hugh Freeze offered him in January. Freeze also stopped at Thompson during the first week of the evaluation period.

“It meant a lot to me,” Harris said about Freeze’s visit. “It made my heart feel good.”

Harris has developed a relationship with Freeze and an even deeper one with secondary coach Zac Etheridge. Both coaches are two reasons Harris chose the Tigers.

“I think (Freeze) is very exciting and brings the energy every day,” he said. “And I think (Etheridge) will be able to develop me to the level I want to get to, the level I need to be the best at what I do.”

In six games this season at Thompson, he has 59 tackles, including 42 solos. He’s averaging nearly 10 tackles per game. He also has seven tackles for loss, three interceptions, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

The On3 Industry Ranking, which is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, ranks him the No. 68 safety in the country and No. 644 overall recruit. He also ranks the No. 31 recruit in Alabama.

Harris is the 17th commitment in Auburn’s 2024 class and fourth defensive back. Other defensive backs committed to the Tigers include four-star cornerback Jalyn Crawford, four-star nickel Amon Lane and four-star safety Kensley Faustin.

Game report on Harris from Cole Pinkston

Auburn Live’s Cole Pinkston attended Thompson’s game Friday night against Tuscaloosa County.

— Going into the game, we already knew Harris played with a high level of physicality. We saw that a year ago when Thompson had a tough home loss to Hoover. Harris continues to show fantastic physicality.

— Harris played safety, nickel, and outside linebacker for Thompson Friday night. He is moved all around the formation and used in different ways. He is being pitched a similar role by Ron Roberts and Auburn.

— Harris easily broke into double-digit tackles. He also recovered a fumble and broke up a pass down field by getting in the passing lane. Most of his tackles came while playing at linebacker level. He strung out plays, chased down plays in open field, and played heavy in the box.

— Harris has no issue with taking on blocks. He is very effective just as a traditional linebacker would have to be. He helped several teammates get tackles while taking on the lead block while in the box.

— Both times seeing Harris, there has not been much evidence of his coverage skills, but he is used more as a speciality player and would be the same in college. He probably wouldn’t be in coverage too much and is not built to be in coverage all the time on the back end. He is built to play in space, however.

— Harris timed up several blitzes perfectly. He has a high level of football IQ as a blitzer. He is comfortable when walked up to the edge to blitz, too.