Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class got a significant boost by flipping top star, a highly-rated high school cornerback, from his commitment to the USC Trojans.
Although he initially pledged to USC on June 16, Auburn’s coaching staff remained persistent. He had taken an official visit to Auburn on June 14 and later returned for an unofficial visit during the Vanderbilt game. Auburn’s quarterback commit, Deuce Knight—who has recently been linked to interest from Ole Miss—shared his thoughts on X.
Auburn has climbed to No. 3 in Rivals’ recruiting rankings after flipping Shamar Arnoux from USC, further solidifying its position as a top-five class on 247 Sports.
Arnoux’s decision came just 12 days after his visit to Auburn, underscoring the Tigers’ determined pursuit of the talented cornerback. The Carrollton (Ga.) High School standout has showcased his skills on a prominent stage, earning a Rivals ranking as the No. 122 overall prospect and 12th-best cornerback. Auburn’s success in landing Arnoux also meant out-recruiting major programs like Tennessee, Georgia, Florida State, LSU, Texas A&M, Clemson, Ole Miss, Michigan, and Colorado.
Arnoux’s senior HUDL film highlights why he was so highly coveted. Standing at 6’2” and 175 pounds, his exceptional speed set him apart. One clip shows him sprinting across the field to catch a breakaway runner, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays. In coverage, Arnoux’s quick reactions allowed him to bait quarterbacks, leading to interceptions or pass breakups. His agility and ability to change direction, rare for a player of his size, made him effective in both off coverage and press-man situations.
Physicality is another hallmark of Arnoux’s game. He excels in challenging receivers on screens, taking on running backs, and employing physical coverage techniques. These traits give Auburn’s coaching staff a compelling challenge: determining his best position.
Arnoux’s size and skill set make him a strong candidate for the boundary cornerback role, where he can match up with bigger receivers on fade routes and 50-50 balls. However, his physicality also suits the nickel position, where he could take on tight ends and contribute against the run. Additionally, his speed equips him to play field corner, covering the fastest receivers who threaten defenses with deep routes.
Regardless of where he lines up, Arnoux brings proven talent and versatility to Auburn’s defense. With his blend of size, speed, and physicality, he has all the tools to become a standout SEC defensive back. Auburn has added a premier recruit in Arnoux, reinforcing its already strong 2025 class.
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