Top Recruits Who Will Be Impacted by Result of the Auburn-Alabama Game

Alabama and Auburn collide yet again Saturday when the Iron Bowl takes center stage in Tuscaloosa. The teams have enjoyed immense success this decade, appearing in every national championship game since 2009.

This time around, the Crimson Tide attempt to move one step closer toward an inaugural College Football Playoff berth, while Auburn aims to spoil those dreams. Few games rival this showdown during a holiday weekend filled with gridiron greatness.

Along with fans across the country, high school recruits will be watching closely when these SEC rivals kick off. Here's a look at coveted prospects who could be impacted by this matchup.

5-Star DT Daron Payne (Birmingham, Alabama)

Credit: 247Sports

The Shades Valley High School standout is stuck at the center of a tug-of-war between Alabama and Auburn. He's been on the national radar since an underclassman career that warranted early invitations to All-American games.

Daron Payne is among the most physically intimidating members of this recruiting cycle, benching more than 400 pounds with a max squat over 600 pounds. The 6'2", 348-pound prospect is much more agile than his measurements would indicate and flashes short-area quickness that translates well in various roles along the defensive interior.

He shows enough burst to occasionally cause fits for the quarterback, recording three sacks and 65 tackles last season. Payne punishes opponents with a violent push off the snap and keeps his powerful legs churning through blocks and tackles.

He has visited both Alabama and Auburn multiple times, including making trip to watch the Tigers win last weekend. Payne enjoyed the experience and told Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports he "felt like royalty a little bit" at Auburn (subscription required).

If Payne doesn't remain in his home state, expect Mississippi State to be the team that crashes the party. He will announce his decision Jan. 2 at the Under Armour All-America Game, per John Talty of AL.com.

4-Star ATH Kerryon Johnson (Madison, Alabama)

Credit: 247Sports

Kerryon Johnson is arguably the most electric playmaker in Alabama this year and has shown the ability to step up in prime-time settings. He has led Madison Academy to consecutive state titles and is now just two wins away from securing a third straight championship.

The 6'0", 200-pound playmaker creates opportunities across the field, making him an all-around dynamic prospect who falls into the "athlete" category. Johnson stars at defensive back, running back, receiver and kick returner in high school, with the skill set to be utilized in similar fashion at the next level.

He scored on a block punt and intercepted a pass in the team's most recent playoff win, per AL.com. Johnson looks like a player who can contribute immediately in college on special teams while working his way up the depth chart toward a full-time position.

Auburn landed his commitment in April, as he picked the Tigers over Alabama and Florida State. However, the final stretch of his recruitment is worth keeping an eye on.

Nick Saban would love to add another weapon to his backfield, and Johnson plans to take an official visit to Tuscaloosa before signing day, according to John Talty of AL.com.

4-Star LB Ricky DeBerry (Mechanicsville, Virginia)

Credit: 247Sports

Atlee High School linebacker Ricky DeBerry is nearing the end of a nationwide recruitment process. Alabama, one of his eight finalists, hopes he joins the nation's top-ranked 2015 class during a Dec. 19 announcement ceremony.

The 6'2.5", 240-pound prospect previously spent official visits at Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Tennessee and Michigan State. Now he rounds out the travel itinerary with a trip to the Iron Bowl.

DeBerry, who is being recruited as both a linebacker and defensive end in different defensive schemes, could flourish while operating in the center of Alabama's second level. He's a thumping tackler who routinely works his way through traffic to halt rushing efforts at the line of scrimmage.

This is his final official visit, so a strong showing from Alabama on the field and a "red carpet" experience on campus could seal the deal three weeks shy of a highly anticipated decision date.

4-Star LB Darrell Williams (Birmingham, Alabama)

Credit: 247Sports

Darrell Williams is another Auburn commit who could still end up in a Crimson Tide uniform. He is expected to spend an official visit at Alabama after his senior season, per John Talty of AL.com.

The 6'3", 226-pound defender didn't seem to be a main factor for Saban during early stages of the cycle, but that changed as things progressed. The Tide's interest has mounted, and Williams continues to reciprocate.

He has attended several Alabama games this fall, gaining familiarity with the campus and coaching staff. After Auburn watched hometown 5-star linebacker Rashaan Evans bolt for Tuscaloosa last signing day, it would be rough for the defense to miss out on another potential stalwart like Williams.

He remains a key piece of the Tigers class but could be influenced by a commanding Alabama effort.

5-Star WR Tyron Johnson (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Credit: 247Sports

Tyron Johnson, rated second nationally among wide receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings, has welcomed several suitors throughout his recruiting process. There was a span during the summer when Texas Tech was viewed as an outright leader, but it now seems Auburn is peaking at the right time.

He anointed the Tigers as his team to beat earlier this month, according to Gerry Hamilton of ESPN. Johnson traveled to campus for an official visit just two weeks later and could be on the verge of joining a class that is stockpiled with talent at offensive skill positions.

However, the Warren Easton High School star has been somewhat mercurial about his favorites, so Auburn's performance against Alabama could go a long way toward swaying him in one direction or the other. LSU and Clemson are among programs hoping he keeps thing wide open during the last stretch toward signing day.

The 6'1", 191-pound pass-catcher finished this regular season with 62 receptions for 1,130 yards and 15 touchdowns, per Andrew Lopez of NOLA.com.