Four-Star EDGE James Pace Chooses Auburn for College Football

Auburn University has secured a significant commitment from four-star EDGE prospect James Pace, hailing from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland. After an official visit that solidified his intentions, Pace made the decision to join the Tigers, further enhancing their defensive lineup in a promising recruiting class. Currently ranked as the No. 155 player in the Rivals Industry Ranking, Pace's commitment adds to Auburn's growing momentum in the 2024 recruiting cycle.

Pace, who had already identified Auburn as his top choice prior to the visit, was surprised by how quickly he made the decision to commit. “Auburn was actually already my number one,” he shared with Rivals. “When I went up there, I definitely didn’t think I was going to go up there and commit though. They just answered all my questions and I kind of went with my gut.”

The strong bond he felt during a previous spring visit was confirmed during his official trip. “The first time I went up there, I focused on the feeling. The second time, it felt like home for sure. I got to see everything,” Pace explained. He appreciated the warm welcome from the Auburn community, noting, “The people in the programs just embraced me with open arms.”

Pace also expressed admiration for the football culture at Auburn, stating, “It felt good. It makes me feel ready to play ball. Everywhere I go, gas stations, stores, it’s Auburn all the time. They’re definitely all about football up there, and that’s somewhere I want to be.” His connection with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Alex Golesh, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, and EDGE coach Coleman Hutzler, played a vital role in his commitment. “Everything just fell into place with them. There’s nothing bad about it,” he said.

The prospect was impressed by Golesh's vision for the program, believing in his potential to lead Auburn to prominence again. “He told me he sees a lot in me and believes I can come in and make an impact,” Pace noted. He took the time to engage with current players to gauge the authenticity of the coaching culture, receiving feedback that affirmed his decision. “A lot of coaches fake it when they want you to go there,” he mentioned, adding that genuine relationships were crucial to his choice. Ultimately, Pace values the lasting bonds he hopes to form at Auburn, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment both on and off the field.