**Auburn Secures Commitment from Elite 2025 Safety Eric Winters**
Auburn has successfully added top in-state talent Eric Winters to its 2025 class. Hailing from Enterprise, Alabama, Winters is a highly-ranked safety, previously considered a linebacker, who had numerous offers but chose Auburn. According to 247Sports, he is ranked as the No. 53 player nationally, the No. 5 safety, and the No. 5 player from Alabama, making him a significant addition to Auburn’s lineup.
Initially, Auburn’s linebackers coach Josh Aldridge and head coach Hugh Freeze identified Winters as a key target for the 2025 class. However, as recruitment progressed, Charles Kelly took over as the main recruiter, aiming to utilize Winters as a hybrid safety in D.J. Durkin’s defense.
Winters expressed his decision was influenced by the familial atmosphere at Auburn and Coach Kelly’s track record of developing players similar to him, mentioning notable players like Derwin James and Jabrill Peppers as examples. Winters appreciated the guidance and experience offered by Coach Kelly and Coach Durkin.
Georgia and Miami were strong contenders for Winters, with both schools making significant efforts to recruit him throughout the spring and summer. Despite this competition, Auburn’s consistent and dedicated recruitment efforts proved successful.
Winters highlighted the supportive environment and the quality of people within the Auburn program as key factors in his decision. His commitment concludes a busy summer of official visits and camps, bringing Auburn’s total commitments to 15. This boost raises Auburn’s ranking from No. 8 to No. 6 in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings, positioning them third in the SEC behind Alabama and Georgia.
