Recruiting is often referred to as an inexact science. Some guys are big hits, while others become some of the biggest recruiting busts in recent memory. Auburn has had its fair share of commits that turn into busts, guys that have likely slipped from fans memory. 

In recruiting, some of the biggest stars fall the hardest as development issues or coaching changes force guys to be lost in the shuffle. Others are simply not as talented as it seemed while dominating high school level competition.

The Tigers have been able to corral some of the country’s top talent in the past, unfortunately for Auburn, a number of those that originally inked with the Tigers became busts before they wore a uniform. Others fizzled once they arrived on the Plains. Some even transferred, further solidifying their position on the bust list. 

Looking back at the past decade of recruiting, here are the five biggest recruiting busts in Tigers history. 

Enrique Davis: RB, 4-Star 2007

Enrique Davis was one of the biggest turncoats in modern recruiting history for the Tigers. Davis initially committed and signed with the Tigers out of high school in 2007, but failed to qualify. He went to Hargrave Military Academy and planned to attend Auburn in 2008, and then the game changed. 

Davis was still highly recruited from prep school and maintained his lofty status in the recruiting rankings. The Tigers and Ole Miss began to battle in Tuberville’s final season for recruits, with the Rebels winning the signature of Davis. 

Davis may have hurt the recruiting class rankings, but he would not have likely helped the Tigers win total. In his career with Ole Miss, Davis’ most productive season was in 2010, when he rushed 82 times for 337 yards and three touchdowns. 

Davis finished his career with 236 carries, 864 yards and eight touchdowns. Davis is likely one of the top 25 flops in recruiting history at the running back position. 

Raven Gray: DE, 5-Star 2008

Raven Gray was first recruited to Auburn during the 2006 recruiting year. He had to spend two seasons at JUCO before making his way to Auburn in the 2008 recruiting class, being re-rated as a 5-star recruit by Rivals.com.

Gray showed up to Auburn with high expectations, but failed to meet them. He battled injuries and other issues off the field, choosing to transfer before the spring of 2009 according to an al.com report. 

Gray was one of the highest rated players that Tuberville recruited that actually made it to the Plains. Unfortunately for both parties, it never worked out for the best. 

Gray will also be remembered for his testimony on the HBO series attacking Auburn, alleging money and gifts to athletes had occurred. Gray and the other three featured in the special declined to speak with the NCAA about the allegations.

Dontae Aycock: RB, 4-Star 2009

Dontae Aycock was an elite pickup at the running back position for the Tigers in 2009. Aycock was a converting quarterback that was joined in the class by Anthony Morgan and Onterio McCalebb at the running back position. 

With Ben Tate looking to be the starter, and Mario Fannin on and off the injured list, Aycock looked to be a formidable option for the Tigers in the 2009 season. 

His recruitment was a hot topic before signing day, as he was a commitment to Paul Johnson at Georgia Tech. When Aycock took a last minute visit to Auburn, Johnson pulled his scholarship, landing Aycock in the Tigers waiting hands. 

Aycock redshirted his first season from assumed discipline issues, then left the team less than a year later. He tried his hand at football success at USF in Tampa, Fl., but in August of 2011 it was announced by the Tampa Bay Times that he had left the team. 

Greg Smith: DT, 5-Star 2006

Greg Smith was one of the highest rated JUCO recruits in the 2006 class. Auburn landed a future legend when they got Greg Smith, or so they thought. 

Smith showed up to campus at a large and in charge 350 pounds, but it was way over playing weight for Smith. After battling weight issues and classroom problems, Smith left the Tigers team. 

He was a huge recruit when he signed with Auburn, and even earned the nickname “Internet King” from Tommy Tuberville for the fan following that came with his recruitment. 

Smith eventually transferred to Cumberland College of the NAIA according to this al.com report.

LaMarcus Rowell: LB, 4-Star 2001

LaMarcus Rowell was a very talented outside linebacker that was ranked in the Max Emfinger Top 125 at linebacker before landing at Auburn. When he got to the Plains, he was expected to be a huge addition to the Tigers defense. 

There was an issue with Rowell’s eligibility that forced him to sit his true freshman season. In 2002, he tallied 20 tackles for the Tigers.

In July of 2003, he was dismissed from the Tigers team after he had been arrested for various charges. Rowell attended JUCO with the intent to return to the Plains. He even recommitted to the Tigers, but eventually landed at Jacksonville State. 

Rowell continued to battle off the field issues, but finished his degree and joined the CFL. Rowell is not currently on any roster in the CFL. 

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