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Bellantoni ‘Stays in Contact’ with Rivals100 DE
Auburn Tigers defensive ends coach Roc Bellantoni has been laser-focused on one of the top priorities in the 2025 recruiting class — landing an elite edge rusher to power up the pass rush. And his attention has recently turned to one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the country: a Rivals100 defensive end who’s been garnering national attention from coast to coast.
Although the name of the prospect has remained under wraps publicly out of respect for the player’s process, insiders confirm the blue-chip defensive end is a top-75 player nationally and firmly in Auburn’s crosshairs. More importantly, Bellantoni has been “staying in contact” — a phrase the recruit himself used in a recent interview — and has built meaningful rapport that could pay dividends as commitment season nears.
Setting the Tone: Bellantoni’s Impact on the Trail
Since joining the Auburn staff under Hugh Freeze, Roc Bellantoni has emerged as a relentless recruiter and a critical piece of the Tigers’ defensive vision. Known for his high motor and keen eye for defensive talent, Bellantoni has helped Auburn secure several key defensive line commitments over the past year.
His presence in the recruitment of this Rivals100 defensive end speaks volumes about the priority level Auburn has placed on landing him.
“He hits me up pretty often,” the prospect said in a recent recruiting update. “I always hear from him. He tells me I’d be a big piece of what they’re building over there.”
This consistent communication stands out in a modern recruiting era where attention from coaching staffs can fluctuate week to week. For Auburn, Bellantoni’s persistence is part of a calculated strategy — stay connected, build trust early, and position the Tigers as a legitimate contender when decision time rolls around.
Who Is This Rivals100 DE?
While the Tigers have been actively recruiting several Rivals100 defensive linemen, the buzz centers around one particular player — a 6-foot-5, 245-pound edge rusher from the Southeast. Ranked in the top five at his position by Rivals, he brings a lethal blend of speed, power, and polish, already drawing comparisons to SEC greats.
He’s currently sitting on more than 30 scholarship offers, with Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State, and Texas all deep in the mix. Still, the door is wide open — and Auburn’s persistent approach may be keeping the Tigers in stronger contention than many realize.
“Coach Bellantoni’s real. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and I like that,” the recruit told reporters after a recent 7-on-7 tournament. “They’ve been showing me a lot of love, and that means something.”
Auburn’s Defensive Vision
Under defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and Coach Freeze, the Tigers are crafting a new identity on defense — one built on speed, disruption, and versatility. Bellantoni, who oversees the edge group, plays a key role in that construction.
“Pass rush is one of the things we want to elevate every single year,” Freeze said during spring practice. “Coach Bellantoni is all over it. He’s done a great job evaluating guys who can play with their hand in the dirt or stand up off the edge.”
That hybrid versatility makes Auburn an intriguing fit for edge players who don’t want to be pigeonholed into a traditional 4-3 or 3-4 role. The defensive end in question fits that mold perfectly — long, explosive, and equally effective against the run and pass.
Spring Visits and What’s Next
The four-star defensive end has been active on the visit trail this spring, and Auburn is hoping to secure an official visit in the summer. He’s already visited Georgia, Alabama, and Florida State — and Bellantoni has been pushing to get him back on campus in Auburn for a more extended stay.
“I went to Auburn before, but I want to come back and really sit down with Coach Bellantoni, watch film with him, and get a feel for how I’d fit,” the recruit said. “He wants me to see everything — the facilities, the weight room, the scheme. We’re working on setting it up.”
An official visit would be a significant milestone in Auburn’s pursuit, and with the Tigers expected to host multiple top-100 prospects this June, the staff is setting the stage for a pivotal recruiting stretch.
The Competition
Auburn’s biggest obstacle won’t just be the player’s interest — it’s the sheer weight of elite programs battling for his commitment. Alabama and Georgia are formidable forces in any recruiting battle, especially with in-state ties. Ohio State and Texas have also impressed the player with strong defensive resumes and NFL production.
Still, Auburn’s advantage may lie in the relationship angle. Bellantoni, who’s established a reputation for being one of the most authentic and energetic recruiters in the SEC, continues to build a bridge others are struggling to match.
“They’re recruiting me harder than a lot of other schools,” the DE said. “Coach B always checks in, not just about football but how I’m doing, how my family’s doing. That goes a long way.”
Why Auburn Could Be a Surprise Contender
It wouldn’t be the first time Auburn flipped the script on a major recruitment. Under Freeze, the Tigers have already landed several elite-level prospects despite long odds — often late in the cycle. Relationships matter, and Bellantoni’s early groundwork could prove essential if the race tightens late.
Additionally, the opportunity to contribute early is a key draw. Auburn’s edge group is talented but lacks long-term depth. The program has already shown it’s not afraid to play freshmen, especially if they bring elite tools.
“They’ve told me there’s a real opportunity to come in and play early if I put in the work,” the DE said. “That’s something I’m looking at — not just the logo but where I can develop and get on the field.”
Building for the Future
Auburn’s broader recruiting strategy is also helping the Tigers stay in contention for elite defensive players. The staff has already landed several top-300 defenders in the 2025 class, including four-star linebacker Braylon Jenkins and defensive back Marcus Wells.
Adding a Rivals100 pass rusher to the mix would be a major momentum shift, signaling that Auburn is back in the mix for the nation’s most elite defensive front talent. Bellantoni’s efforts could be the tipping point.
“You’ve got to have a dog in the trenches if you want to compete in the SEC,” Bellantoni said in a recent interview. “That’s our focus — get guys who can wreck the game off the edge.”
What’s Next?
All eyes will be on the summer visit schedule. Auburn hopes to bring the elite pass rusher back to campus in June, possibly during the Big Cat Weekend or another marquee recruiting event. A successful visit could vault the Tigers into the top tier of his recruitment.
For now, the battle continues — but Auburn is in the race.
“Coach Bellantoni isn’t letting up,” the prospect said. “He wants me there. And I’m listening.”
Final Word
In a recruiting war that spans across powerhouses and pipelines, Roc Bellantoni’s commitment to staying in contact could be Auburn’s secret weapon. Relationships often determine recruiting wins, and Bellantoni is playing the long game — consistently checking in, keeping Auburn on the radar, and building the kind of trust that doesn’t go unnoticed.
If Auburn can capitalize on a summer visit and continue to pitch early playing time, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Tigers emerge as a real threat for one of the country’s most electrifying defensive players.
Stay tuned — this one’s just heating up.
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