AUBURN | Auburn’s got a lot working in its favor in the recruitment of Rueben Bain but none bigger than edge coach coach Roc Bellantoni.

Bellantoni has coached in south Florida and recruited the area for a number of years.

“Well, I’ve been knowing Coach Roc for quite some time,” said Bain. “My opinion on him is he’s a real good dude, real honest dude. He’s going to give it to you straight., He’s going to push you to be the best that you can be every single day.”

Bain, a 4-star defensive end from Miami Central in Miami, Fla., spent the weekend in Auburn on an official visit, his third time on the Plains. In addition to spending a lot of time with Coach Roc, he also met with Bryan Harsin, and likes the message the 2nd-year head coach delivered.

“He believes that you can’t get it if you don’t put in hard work, and I love putting in hard work,” said Bain. “He feels like when you put in hard work, good things come from it. Having a head coach that has that mindset only leads to greatness.

“Just the ability to have a chance to play early, that’s huge, but also having a chance for Coach Roc to teach me. He ain’t just going to give it to me. He’s going to make me work for it and I like working for stuff.”

Bain, 6-foot-3 and 253 pounds, also spent time with Bellantoni and defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding during his visit. Overall, the Tigers made a big impression.

“A huge shot,” said Bain on AU’s chances. “I can’t even put a number on it but they’re definitely one of my top schools.”

Bain has over 30 offers. He officially visited Oklahoma June 7 and has scheduled a third visit to Alabama June 24. Miami, Louisville, Florida State and Oregon are just some of the other schools in heavy pursuit.

He’s not planning a decision until later this fall or closer to December after he’s seen most of his favorites play. That includes at least one return trip to Auburn.

“I don’t have a date but I’ll be back a couple of times,” he said.

Bain had 70 tackles, 48.5 tackles-for-loss and 29 sacks as a junior. He is ranked the nation’s No. 177 overall prospect and No. 16 strongside defensive end by Rivals.