Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola four-star linebacker Elijah Melendez chose Miami on Dec. 16. He eventually took an official visit to the Hurricanes, along with three other schools including Auburn. 

Melendez was on The Plains from May 31-June 2 and the trip went so well that he started thinking about decommitting from Miami. The 6-foot-1.5, 224-pound recruit eventually did so on Aug. 31 during another trip to see the Tigers. Not long after, he committed to head coach Hugh Freeze and his staff. 

“Auburn has a real deal college town and is an SEC program,” Melendez told On3. “They are on the come up. The defensive coordinator is all about energy, passion and playing hard. The head coach is all about faith, believing in yourself and believing in things. It’s where I fit in.” 

Melendez felt great around the people at Auburn

Melendez has been to Auburn four times and enjoyed experiencing the Tigers’ gameday environment. During his August visit, he spent time with a pair of Auburn commits in Elba (Ala.) four-star running back Alvin Henderson and Alpharetta (Ga.) three-star tight end Ryan Ghea. 

The No. 20 player in Florida is close with multiple members of the Tigers’ coaching staff, including Freeze, defensive coordinator/linebackers coach DJ Durkin, defensive edge coach Josh Aldridge and cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff. Melendez liked how “Auburn’s never given up” in his recruitment and he is now ready to suit up on Saturdays at Jordan-Hare Stadium. 

“It’s a great cultural fit and family fit,” said Melendez, the No. 111 overall prospect and No. 10 linebacker in the 2025 On300. “They get a lot of players like me. It’s the perfect fit.”

Auburn has been on Melendez’s mind since Durkin began contacting him after arriving to the Tigers from Texas A&M. On his official visit, the four-star was very impressed by Auburn’s culture, the way Freeze runs the program and Durkin, who he called a “great coach and a great person.” 

Melendez is excited to play for Freeze in the coming seasons. The two developed a strong bond throughout his recruitment. 

“I like his faith and the conversations we have,” Melendez said. “They’re always real and they’re always deep. I can be myself around him.”

Melendez believes Auburn can compete for national championships

Melendez is also looking forward to experiencing more of the atmosphere at Auburn. He was impressed by what he saw during the Tigers’ 73-3 win over Alabama A&M on Aug. 31. 

“It’s amazing because the fans don’t just love Auburn football,” Melendez said. “They love Auburn. They love everything about the school and the football team. It feels like the fans appreciate everything about Auburn. The atmosphere is amazing.”

Melendez is now a member of one of the top recruiting classes in the country. He is confident that big things are coming up on The Plains. 

“I think sometime soon, Auburn will be in the national championship and competing at the highest level with the best of the best,” Melendez said.  

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