Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking a look at some of the top recruiting targets at each position group for the Tigers for the Class of 2014. Today, we start off with a look at five of Auburn's top prospects at the defensive line positions, all of whom happen to be ranked among the top overall prospects in the nation by the major recruiting services.

Da'Shawn Hand

Defensive End, Woodbridge (Woodbridge, VA)

The consensus choice of the recruiting services as the nation's No. 1 overall prospect for the Class of 2014 visited Auburn last weekend and the trip may have been enough to vault the Tigers into serious contention for the elite pass rushing-mauling monster. Hand is thought to be favoring Michigan and Virginia Tech in the early going but things could shake up when the five-star lineman starts taking official visits this fall.

Elisha Shaw

Defensive Tackle, Tucker (Tucker, GA)

This Georgia-native defensive tackle said he was close to committing to Alabama during a recent visit to Tuscaloosa but an upcoming visit to Auburn for the Tigers' Big Cat Weekend could give Malzahn and his staff an opportunity to make a move. Shaw, who is rated the nation's No. 2 defensive tackle prospect by the 247Composite rankings, has built a strong relationship with Rodney Garner and Dameyune Craig and plans to make his college decision at the Under Armour All-American Game in January.

Justin Thornton

Defensive End, Vigor (Mobile, AL)

One of the fastest-rising defensive line prospects in the Southeast, Thornton will choose between Auburn, LSU and Texas A&M on Sunday morning. The four-star rush end originally planned to make his commitment later this summer but set an announcement time for this weekend following a visit to the plains last weekend, which could be a good omen for the Tigers.

Lorenzo Carter

Defensive End, Norcross (Norcross, GA)

Norcross is one of the state of Georgia's most powerful football powerhouses and Carter is the latest star to emerge from the program. While Alabama is considered the early leader for Carter's services, Auburn's Rodney Garner has done a good job of building a relationship with Carter and keeping the Tigers in the mix along with Florida and Georgia. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder is the consensus choice of the recruiting services as the nation's top weakside defensive end prospect.

Kendall Baker

Defensive Tackle, Marist (Atlanta, GA)

This Atlanta-area defender has taken multiple visits to Auburn this spring, including one for the A-Day game, and has the Tigers listed among his top two along with the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tigers can expect a gameday visit from the 6-foot-6, 275-pound star sometime this fall.