BREAKING: South Florida defensive lineman Dimitry Nicolas commits to Auburn
South Florida three-star defensive lineman Dimitry Nicolas has committed to Auburn football.
Nicolas, who attends Norland in Miami, announced his decision Friday on social media. He chose Auburn over his other finalists, which included Miami, Florida and Pittsburgh.
“It’s Auburn for me,” Nicolas told Auburn Live. “I love it up there and want to make it official.”
Nicolas said he has many reasons why he chose Auburn. The list starts with opportunities and continues with relationships.
“I feel like it’s the best opportunity for me,” he said. “It’s the best place for me to showcase my abilities and skills and best place to further my football career. I’ve always wanted to play in the SEC. That’s the closest to the NFL that you can get. That’s the kind of environment I want to be around.”
Relationships big for Nicolas
Auburn defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett also was a big factor. The two have developed a strong bond throughout the Tigers’ recruitment of Nicolas.
“He’s such a genuine and humble guy,” he said. “I love Coach Garrett. I feel like he can take me to the next level, a place I want to be. I can’t wait to play for him and learn from him. He’s a great guy and a great coach.”
Nicolas also is high on Hugh Freeze.
“Coach Freeze is another energetic, genuine guy like Coach Garrett,” he said. “My mom and dad have talked to him and like him a lot. He’s just a good guy and I think he’s going to get Auburn back to where they used to be.”
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Another factor in Nicolas’ decision was Norland defensive coach Junior Rosegreen. Rosegreen starred at Auburn and was an intregal part of the Tigers’ undefeated 2004 team.
“He was another reason,” Nicolas said. “He tells me a lot of stories about how legendary Auburn used to be and I want to be a part of helping bring it back to that.”
Nicolas, who is now up to 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, is ranked the No. 571 overall recruit in the On3 Industry Ranking. The Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks the No. 55 defensive tackle in the country and No. 74 recruit in Florida.
He is the 17th overall commitment and third defensive lineman in the Tigers’ 2024 recruiting class. Nicolas joins four-star defensive lineman TJ Lindsey and three-star Malik Blocton.