Long-time Auburn commitment Malik Autry shuts down recruitment

Malik Autry, Auburn’s first commitment of the 2025 class, has officially shut down his recruitment. Autry committed to the Tigers on Feb. 2, 2023 and has been committed ever since.

Autry heavily considerd and took official visits to Florida, Ohio State, and USC. With ten days remaining until signing day, Autry decided that Auburn is where he belongs. He will sign with the Tigers on Dec. 4.

“Yeah, it’s so crazy because I have been committed for so long, visited so many schools, but at the end of the day it’s always been Auburn,” Autry said. “Going to other schools made me realize what I wanted, you know.

“My sophomore year we went 5-5, my junior year we went 4-2, and this past year we went 9-3 with a second round exit. You know I had opportunites to go to Central Phenix City and IMG and all those programs, but to stick it out and fight for your brothers at a place you love really does mean more than going somewhere that is already established. That’s kind of my mindset and what helped me narrow down my decision. Auburn was home.”

Autry is the No. 87 overall player in the class of 2025, the No. 10 defensive lineman, and the No. 6 player in the state of Alabama according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Vontrell King-Williams played a big factor

According to Autry, Auburn defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams was key in sticking with Auburn. Autry committed when Jeremy Garrett was the Tigers’ defensive line coach. He was ecstatic when the job was given to King-Williams.

“Huge,” he said. “Coach Vontrell, from the beginning, he was a guy I was always talking to, the guy I was communicating with. When Jeremy Garrett left and they promoted Vontrell, it was almost like a God-thing. God kind of just laid it out for me. Just to have somebody in my corner that really cares about me, he’s seen me grow, I have seen him grow from assistant to defensive line coach and seen his confidence. I can’t wait to get here and have somebody I’d run through a brick wall for every day.”

Autry has been impressed with Auburn’s defensive line since King-Williams took over.

“It’s been great,” Autry said. “Just seeing all those guys being happy and having fun. You see guys like Malik Blocton out there playing early and even the older guys who see him getting snaps, they’re still happy and encourage him and watch him flourish. It’s great to see all those guys getting it done.”

King-Williams sees Autry as a versatile interior defensive lineman.

“(King-Williams) told me I fit playing tackle–I’ll start off playing tackle and nose,” Autry said. “He wants me to learn both, playing 3-tech and 1-tech–he says I’m very versatile, I have the length, size, athleticism and can play all over the line. He can put me in on passing downs and of course I’m a great run stopper. Similar to Malik Blocton. My goal is to play as early as possible and be a true starter on day one. Come out here and help the University as much as I can. It’s home.”

Autry sees monster potential in the Tigers’ defense moving forward.

“I think it’s going to be crazy,” Autry said. “I think when you have a bunch of guys, transfers, I don’t think they have the same passion. This class signed to the school with not a great record and everything doesn’t look great. When we come here, we’re coming for Auburn. We’re coming to impact the school–not just for money or playing time, but we really love the school. The passion behind having a bunch of guys that knew what the plan was coming in is going to be crazy.”