Julie Bennett

Auburn needed to add to its linebackers and secondary in the 2018 recruiting class and so far has done just that. Six of the eight early defensive signees are at the two position groups, with three at each for now, though Josh Marsh could move from linebacker to safety.

Daquan Newkirk and Kayode Oladele are the early foundation on the defensive line in this year's class, which could use at last one addition and likely two, with Richard Jibunor and Coynis Miller are already committed.

Linebackers Michael Harris, Zakoby McClain and Marsh are all undersized, but that lends to their versatility.

Defensive backs Christian Tutt, Jamien Sherwood and Quindarious "Smoke" Monday could all play early in a reloading secondary that will likely see one more addition, with Kolbi Fuqua committed.

Once any underclassmen declare for the NFL Draft, the final plans for the remainder of the 2018 class should be set.

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Defensive line: C+

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Who they signed: Four-star defensive end Kayode Oladele, 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah, Fla.); three-star defensive tackle Daquan Newkirk, 6-foot-3, 282 pounds, Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. (Orlando, Fla.)

How many they wanted: . While no starters are definitely leaving for the NFL, Dontavius Russell and Jeff Holland both could and absolutely will in a year and Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown could after next season too. Being ready to replace several big pieces in the future begins now. At least four and as many as five defensive . While no starters are definitely leaving for the NFL, Dontavius Russell and Jeff Holland both could and absolutely will in a year and Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown could after next season too. Being ready to replace several big pieces in the future begins now.

Top targets: Richard Jibunor, a four-star defensive end, has been committed to Auburn since Thanksgiving. He was expected to sign on Wednesday, then later during the early signing period, but did not. The nation's No. 13 athlete projects as a Buck defensive end.

Four-star defensive tackle Coynis Miller has been committed to Auburn since October and plans to sign in February. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound Miller is ranked No. 13 among defensive tackles and the No. 4 prospect in Alabama.

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Kayode Oladele highlights

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Daquan Newkirk highlights

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Linebackers: B+

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Who they signed: Four-star inside linebacker Michael Harris, 6-foot-2, 213 pounds; Tucker (Tucker, Ga.); four-star outside linebacker Zakoby McClain, 6-foot, 205 pounds, Valdosta (Valdosta, Ga.); three-star outside linebacker Josh Marsh, 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Decatur (Decatur)

How many they wanted: . On paper, Auburn has filled its needs at linebacker but since all three signees are undersized, there could be an addition should Josh Marsh move to safety. Tre' Williams will be leaving and Deshaun Davis, Darrell Williams and Montavius Atkinson will all be done after the 2018 season, though the position has been reloaded with six signees over the last two classes. Three . On paper, Auburn has filled its needs at linebacker but since all three signees are undersized, there could be an addition should Josh Marsh move to safety. Tre' Williams will be leaving and Deshaun Davis, Darrell Williams and Montavius Atkinson will all be done after the 2018 season, though the position has been reloaded with six signees over the last two classes.

Top targets: Most of Auburn's heavily targeted linebackers have already signed. Of the linebackers still available, Auburn could try to revisit with four-stars JJ Peterson and Dax Hollifield, among others if need be.

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Zakoby McClain highlights

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Michael Harris highlights

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Josh Marsh highlights

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247Sports photo/Eli Williams graphic

Secondary: B+

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Who they signed: Four-star safety Quindarious "Smoke" Monday, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Carver (Atlanta, Ga.); four-star safety Jamien Sherwood, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Jensen Beach (Jensen Beach, Fla.); four-star cornerback Christian Tutt, 5-foot-1, 193 pounds, Thomson (Thomson, Ga.)

How many they wanted: . Auburn needed to bolster its secondary with the departures of four senior safeties and perhaps an early departure at corner in Carlton Davis. The Tigers could still use another corner. At least three . Auburn needed to bolster its secondary with the departures of four senior safeties and perhaps an early departure at corner in Carlton Davis. The Tigers could still use another corner.

Top targets: Three-star Kolbi Fuqua was originally expected to sign this week, but is waiting until February. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound prospect would likely play safety for Auburn.

Three-star safety Joe Foucha could be revisited and three-star JUCO corner Benjie Franklin could also be an option.

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Christian Tutt highlights

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Jamien Sherwood highlights

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Quindarious "Smoke" Monday highlights

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