With National Signing Day 2018 in the books and Auburn's class of 24 signees, here's a look back at what we thought the Tigers needed a year ago.
With the exceptions of the offensive and defensive lines, our initial projections were almost all spot-on, despite unforeseen personnel departures that occurred over the course of the year.
Here's a side-by-side look at our projections from a day after National Signing Day in 2017 and Auburn's actual signing class
Quarterback
Projection: 1 or 2
Actual: 1 - Joey Gatewood
Running back
Projection: 2-3
Actual: 3 - Asa Martin, Harold Joiner, Shaun Shivers
H-back/tight end
Projection: 0-1
Actual: 0
Wide receiver
Projection: 1-2
Actual: 4 - Matthew Hill, Shedrick Jackson, Anthony Schwartz, Seth Williams
Why we were off: The dismissal of Kyle Davis made receiver a higher priority than anticipated.
Offensive line
Projection: 5-7
Actual: 2 - Jalil Irvin, Kameron Stutts
Why we were off: Auburn failed to meet its stated goal of at least five offensive linemen. It's possible graduate transfers offset this shortfall slightly.
Defensive line
Projection: 2-3
Actual: 5 - Richard Jibunor, Daquan Newkirk, Caleb Johnson, Coynis Miller, Kayode Oladele
Why we were off: Departures of Antwuan Jackson and Byron Cowart were not anticipated.
Linebacker
Projection: 2-3
Actual: 3 - Michael Harris, Josh Marsh, Zakoby McClain
Defensive back
Projection: 3-4
Actual: 5 - Kolbi Fuqua, Roger McCreary, Quindarious Monday, Jamien Sherwood, Christian Tutt
Why we were off: Departures of Markell Boston and Marlon Character and Carlito Gonzalez failing to qualify was not expected.
Specialists
Projection: 0
Actual: 1 - Arryn Siposs
Why we were off: Believed punter position was solidified.
James Crepea is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @JamesCrepea.