The Alex Golesh era at Auburn is officially underway - and it just picked up its first big win on the recruiting trail.
On Monday afternoon, 3-star tight end Tank Proctor gave his verbal commitment to the Tigers, becoming the first pledge of Auburn’s 2027 recruiting class. It's a significant early building block for Golesh, who’s clearly wasting no time establishing his footprint on the Plains.
Proctor hails from American Heritage in Plantation, Florida - one of the Sunshine State’s premier high school programs - and he brings size, skill, and upside to the table. At 6-foot-5 and 214 pounds, he’s a long, athletic target who’s already catching national attention. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Proctor slots in as the No. 30 tight end in the country and the No. 586 overall prospect in the 2027 class.
This commitment didn’t come out of nowhere. Auburn extended an offer to Proctor back in May of 2025, and since then, the Tigers have stayed in steady pursuit.
That persistence paid off. Proctor chose Auburn over a handful of major programs, including Florida, Florida State, Miami, and Missouri - all of which had been in the mix.
Beating out in-state powers like the Gators and Seminoles for a Florida product is no small feat, especially this early in the cycle.
For Golesh, this is more than just a commitment - it’s a statement. Proctor is the first high school prospect to jump on board since Golesh took over the program, and it’s a strong indicator that the new staff is connecting with recruits and making inroads in talent-rich areas. Landing a player of Proctor’s caliber out of Florida - one of the most competitive recruiting territories in the country - gives Auburn momentum as it gears up for what’s expected to be a foundational 2027 class.
And don’t be surprised if Proctor’s decision helps spark a domino effect. Early commits often take on the role of peer recruiters, and Proctor could become a key voice in helping Auburn build out the rest of its class as spring and summer visits ramp up.
Bottom line: Alex Golesh just got his first recruiting win at Auburn, and it comes at a crucial time. With a long road ahead in the 2027 cycle, the Tigers have officially put their first piece on the board - and it’s a promising one.