When it comes to defensive line play in the Southeastern Conference, Auburn's Rodney Garner finds strength in numbers.

So, after signing a smaller, three-man defensive line class in 2017, the Tigers' veteran defensive line coach is hoping to add more numbers with Auburn's 2018 recruiting class.

"This one will be a bigger class," Garner said in March. "We're saying big -- four, five, if I'm blessed. Obviously, I want as big as I can get, but you got to make everything fit within."

Garner likes to rotate as many as 10 players on the line, so reloading with talent on the recruiting trail is always a priority. So far, Auburn has one defensive line prospect committed to its 2018 class: four-star defensive end Daquan Newkirk.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Newkirk originally committed to Auburn's 2016 class, but after failing to qualify academically, he enrolled at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and has remained strong in his commitment to the Tigers. He visited campus earlier this month for Big Cat Weekend for the first time in more than a year, and he called his time on the Plains "refreshing."

After redshirting at MGCCC last year, Newkirk plans to graduate in December and enroll at Auburn in January, so he'll be able to go through spring practices before the 2018 season.

With one spot on the defensive line shored up, Auburn has its eyes on several other top prospects up front on that side of the ball. Among them: four-star Jackson-Olin defensive tackle Coynis Miller, three-star Mobile Christian defensive end Andres Fox and four-star outside linebacker Richard Jibunor, who could project as a Buck defensive end at the next level.

Both Miller and Fox were on campus earlier this month for Big Cat Weekend, while Fox returned for an unofficial visit late last week. Miller has Auburn high on his list of top programs but the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Under Armour All-American plans to release a top eight soon. The 6-foot-4, 232-pound Fox has Auburn in his top three along with in-state rival Alabama and LSU.

Jibunor didn't make it to Big Cat Weekend, but the Athens, Ga., prospect made it to campus almost two weeks ago for camp and a visit with the coaching staff. The Tigers are considered the favorite for Jibunor, who is close friends with Auburn offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho.

Three-star Theodore defensive tackle Timaje Porter is also high on Auburn. He was originally planning to commit in March but pushed his decision back indefinitely. The Tigers remain in the mix for four-star defensive end Caleb Tannor out of Lithonia, Ga., with other prospects still possible during the second half of the cycle.

While five signees in 2018 would be ideal for Garner, Auburn will sign at least three defensive linemen, with four a likely scenario.

"If I was able to get five, that would be unreal for me," Garner said. "I'd love to get two true ends, one Buck and maybe two tackles, but we just got to see how that goes."