Garner named top 25 recruiter by Rivals

Auburn assistant coaches Rodney Garner, Melvin Smith, JB Grimes and Dameyune Craig share a moment. / TODD VAN EMST/AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN — After helping land one of the best defensive line classes in the country on National Signing Day, Auburn defensive line and associate head coach Rodney Garner was named a top 25 recruiter by Rivals.

Garner helped the Tigers haul in three Under Armour All-Americans in defensive ends Carl Lawson and Elijah Daniel and defensive tackle Montravius Adams. Lawson was committed to Auburn throughout the poor 2o12 season and the change in coaching staffs but Daniel and Adams were late additions, visiting the Plains the final weekend before National Signing Day and joining a borderline top-10 recruiting class in the first year under head coach Gus Malzahn.

Adams (Vienna, Ga.) selected Auburn over Clemson, Georgia – where Garner was the former defensive line coach – and Alabama. Daniel (Avon, Ind.) also considered Ole Miss.

Rivals ranked Auburn’s 2013 class No. 8 overall.