Auburn has successfully completed the flip of 4-star LB. Melendez decommitted from Miami while attending Auburn’s opener against Alabama A&M and has now officially committed to Auburn.
Previously, Auburn nearly secured Melendez’s commitment in June, but it didn’t materialize at that time. However, during his return for the season opener, he decided to reopen his recruitment. Now back on campus for the New Mexico game, he has officially committed to Auburn, finalizing the flip.
Hailing from Osceola, Florida, Melendez is ranked as the No. 147 player nationally in the 247Sports Composite, as well as the No. 17 linebacker and No. 23 player from Florida. In contrast, 247Sports ranks him lower as the No. 40 linebacker and No. 53 player from Florida.
Auburn’s linebackers coach and defensive coordinator, D.J. Durkin, played a pivotal role in recruiting Melendez, being a significant factor in his initial interest in Auburn.
“Coach Durkin, me and him have the same personality and passion when it comes to football,” Melendez said after his official visit. “Playing with a coach who has the same passion and personality as me every day. Like that would really make me a better football player and get me where I want to be. Really just not being all about talk. Really actions speak louder than words. Really the actions and part of the plan that they’ve got for me, that speaks louder than anything recruitment-wise. It’s real and it’s really all about football and family.”
Melendez made official visits to Ole Miss and Oklahoma in June but reaffirmed his commitment to Miami during the last weekend of that month. Michigan was also involved at various points, but Auburn remained persistent in their pursuit of Melendez, and their efforts have now paid off as he joins the class.
As Hugh Freeze and his staff work diligently to maintain a spot in the top five recruiting classes, Melendez marks commitment No. 24 for the Tigers. With his decision, Auburn has moved ahead of Georgia and is now ranked No. 4 in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings, trailing only Ohio State, Alabama, and LSU.
At the linebacker position, Melendez will join JJ Faulk, who is being recruited as a linebacker but has the potential to shift outside and play as a buck linebacker in the future. Additionally, Bryce Deas has committed as a defensive athlete with the ability to play either safety or linebacker.
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