Where Do Auburn, Alabama Turn After No. 1 Recruit Rashan Gary Trims List?

The race to land 5-star defensive tackle and No. 1 overall recruit Rashan Gary is down to two final suitors in Clemson and Michigan, according to Scout’s Brian Dohn.

With the news that they are no longer in the running for the nation’s premier defensive tackle prospect, SEC powers Alabama and Auburn—who were in Gary’s previous group of contenders—have to look elsewhere for help along the defensive line.

Both the Crimson Tide and the Tigers are recruiting other stud recruits at that position, but where will each program turn after missing out on Gary?

As if the two fierce rivals need anything else to battle over, it’s likely that the No. 1 focus for both Nick Saban and Gus Malzahn is 5-star defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

Keith Niebuhr of AuburnUndercover reported that a source close to Brown indicated the Peach State’s top overall prospect has a top three that includes Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee.

Of that group, the Tigers seem to have the most buzz with Brown—as evidenced by the heavy movement toward Malzahn’s program on Brown’s Crystal Ball page.

After his official visit to Auburn the weekend of Jan. 15, Brown told Niebuhr that his comfort level on the Plains is part of what appeals to him with the Tigers.

"Coming out here, you always get the family atmosphere," Brown told Niebuhr. "Some people say that but you can't really tell that. But definitely coming here you get that feel." 

The Tigers would love to pair Brown with fellow Georgia native and 4-star defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson—who is already on campus as an early enrollee.

Another defensive tackle prospect from the Peach State who has both the Tide and the Tigers among his final group is 4-star Michail Carter.

While it would be tough to pull the 6’4”, 302-pounder away from the Bulldogs, it appears as if Alabama is in the best shape to challenge Georgia.

As noted by BamaOnline, Carter visited Tuscaloosa during the week before making his way to Georgia, and he’s been on the Tide’s campus on numerous occasions throughout his recruitment.

Even if the Tide can’t pull Carter on signing day, Saban and his staff have the luxury of already having three 4-star defensive tackles pledged in Raekwon Davis, Kendell Jones and Quinnen Williams.

While losing out on Gary is a blow, both the Tide and the Tigers appear to be in a good position to meet their needs at the defensive tackle spot when the dust settles on national signing day.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani