Auburn a ‘top option’ for 4-star DL

AUBURN | It’s been a whirlwind month for Daevin Hobbs.

In just the last four weeks, the 4-star defensive end from Robinson in Concord, N.C., has added offers from Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and Tennessee top bring his total to near 20.

“It’s been crazy because I’ve always dreamed about stuff like this, making it to the next level, and it’s actually happening now. So just taking it all in and looking at all my options,” said Hobbs.

This weekend, Hobbs went on his first official visit to one of those options. it was his first-ever trip to Auburn.

“It went good this weekend. I enjoyed my time here,” said Hobbs. “Very nice and I can maybe see myself here one day. I enjoyed it. Everything is nice and the new facility, I really liked that.”

Hobbs, 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, called Auburn “one of my top options” after the visit along with Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee.

He will officially visit UNC June 24 and is planning trips to UA and UT this fall. He also wants to get back to AU for a game too.

“Definitely try to come back for a game this year,” he said. “Because I didn’t realize how big the stadium was because I’ve never been down here before. That was — seeing the Jumbotron — that was crazy.”

Hobbs said he plans to hold off on a decision until after he’s completed his official visits.

He mentioned several notable things about his AU visit including spending a lot of time with AU defensive line coach Jimmy Brumbaugh.

“I like him a lot. He knows what he’s talking about,” said Hobbs. “And the way he teaches, I like that. He’s a very visual teacher. It’s easier to learn that way for me so I definitely like that.”

Spending time with player-host Jeffrey M’Ba also stood out.

“I like him a lot, he’s cool, he’s funny. He’s really funny,” Hobbs said. “It was an enjoyable time with him. I learned a lot with him, going around campus as like just a regular student — not a regular student, but like life outside of football. I learned a lot, it seems fun out here."

His sister, Ella Hobbs, is a top women’s basketball prospect in the 2024 class who has a number of offers including one from Auburn. She didn’t make the trip to AU this weekend due to a team camp, but their parents met with the AU’s women’s staff.

He’s talked to Ella about attending the same school, but it’s not a priority.

“I don’t really know much about her options but we’ve definitely talked about Auburn before and she likes it,” he said. “I mean, it’d be cool if it turns out that but we’re not really planning it like that. I mean, it’s hit or miss. It’s not going to be a deciding factor."

Hobbs is rated the nation’s No. 33 strongside defensive end by Rivals.