Being the leadoff visit isn’t always a good thing in recruiting. A school and coaching staff can make a good first impression, but those do not last long when a recruit lines up more visits just days before signing day.

But Gus Malzahn and Auburn made a big enough impression on ESPN 300 defensive end Andrew Williams (McDonough, Ga./Eagles Christian Landing) the weekend of Jan. 17, and the Tigers staved off late pushes from Clemson and Georgia to land Williams' signature. Williams is No. 174 in the ESPN 300.

Overall, it was an up-and-down signing day for the Tigers, who signed Williams and Braden Smith, but missed on local talent and No. 2 outside linebacker Rashaan Evans.