D'Andre Walker Names Top 3: Which Program Is Best Fit for 4-Star DE?

D'Andre Walker set the stage for the final portion of his recruitment process Thursday by announcing a top-three list of Tennessee, Auburn and Georgia. The 4-star standout revealed the favorites in style, offering up some holiday spirit by using the "Elf Yourself" app to insert each team's logo in dancing elves' faces.

No, seriously. Take a look for yourself:

However you feel about his method of declaration—it gets a high grade from us for creativity—the details provide compelling insight regarding Walker's current collegiate outlook. The 6'2", 218-pound player is a crucial uncommitted prospect in SEC territory and presents elite pass-rushing prowess.

Walker, rated 11th nationally among weak-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, spent his upperclassman career destroying offensive game plans at Langston Hughes High School in Georgia.

Year	Tackles	Tackles for Loss	Sacks
2013	108	29	21
2014	102	29	23.5
Total	210	58	44.5

He holds a list of scholarship offers that includes Clemson, Alabama, Florida State and USC. Now that Walker has trimmed things down to three preferred destinations, let's take a look at which program appears to be the best fit.

Auburn

Head coach Gus Malzahn has assembled another impressive class built predominately on premier prospects at skill positions. Auburn could upgrade this group in the trenches, particularly along the defensive front.

The Tigers lack a top lineman on that side of the ball in this class, though this offensive line haul features three Peach State products. If Auburn can pull another key target out of Georgia, it would greatly enhance the overall balance of this class. 

Walker is capable of growing into a role similar to the one Dee Ford filled. He would also arrive on campus with familiarity within the Tigers' defensive unit.

High school teammate and inside linebacker Montavious Atkinson committed to Auburn in March. The duo traveled to campus together earlier this year:

Georgia

The Bulldogs are tremendously loaded with 2015 defensive linemen, including a pair of players who fit a similar mold as Walker. Natrez Patrick and Chauncey Rivers are capable of playing with their hands in the dirt along the perimeter or attacking from a stand-up position at linebacker.

That duo is joined by more traditional defensive ends in Michael Barnett and Jonathan Ledbetter, who flipped his commitment from Alabama to Georgia this summer. Trent Thompson, the nation's top-ranked defensive tackle, serves as the anchor of a loaded class.

"Between the veterans we have returning next year and the young guys like me coming in, we're going to have a lot of great players to work with," Thompson told Bleacher Report earlier this week. "Our defensive line should be special with people filling different roles. We can be an important part of a championship team."

Walker could add to that collection, but he would risk being buried on a stocked depth chart.

Tennessee

Walker traveled to Knoxville last weekend for an official visit with the Volunteers. The program has a need for edge-rushers who can consistently harass the quarterback and are capable of contributing at the second level.

Tennessee holds a pledge from 4-star defensive ends Andrew Butcher and Darrell Taylor, while tackles Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle provide substantial promise in interior roles. Walker would complement the group well and give Butch Jones another quality defender to implement in his scheme.

The Georgia star has visited Knoxville three times since June, establishing a solid rapport with the Volunteers' coaching staff. He should fully understand the team's expectations for him at this point and would continue positive momentum for a program on the upswing.

Verdict

Longstanding relationships with Georgia and Tennessee make this an extremely close call, but Walker's best fit is found at Auburn. He could join forces with his high school teammate in a class that currently needs more help throughout the defensive front seven than the other finalists.

His road to early playing time would be less crowded at Auburn, where he would be counted on to bulk up and patrol the perimeter with authority. Walker looks destined to land in the SEC, and the Tigers are an appropriate match.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.