Antwuan Jackson Commits to Auburn: What 4-Star DT Brings to Tigers

Despite having a hole at defensive coordinator on his coaching staff, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn continues to stockpile talented defenders—with 4-star defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson being the latest to join the Tigers' 2016 class.

Jackson, the nation's No. 8 defensive tackle and the No. 55 player overall, chose the Tigers over Florida, Georgia and Ohio State.

As Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts detailed, Jackson's recruitment was a nip-and-tuck battle between the Tigers and Buckeyes.

However, Jackson's relationship with Tigers defensive line coach Rodney Garner proved to be pivotal in his decision, as detailed by Keith Niebuhr of Auburn Undercover.

"[Garner has] been wanting me and needing me since I was in the ninth grade," Jackson told Niebuhr. "I've always been close with him."

Now that Jackson is headed for the Plains, what does it mean for Auburn's class, and what type of player will the Tigers' new defensive coordinator be getting?

Considering that defensive tackle is of the utmost importance for Auburn in the current cycle, Jackson's commitment is likely one that brought a lot of joy to Malzahn and his staff.

Auburn will lose senior DaVonte Lambert to graduation, and junior Montravius Adams could opt to test the NFL draft waters.

With Jackson scheduled to arrive on the Plains next month as an early enrollee, his ability to take reps in the spring will be critical in helping him become an impact contributor next fall.

As Niebuhr notes, Jackson accounted for more than 50 tackles for loss this season. It's that ability to get into the opponent's backfield and create havoc that makes him a big-time addition. 

While he doesn't possess the freakish measurables of other 2016 stud defensive tackles, such as 5-stars Rashan Gary and Derrick Brown, what makes him a special prospect is his quickness off the ball, his strength and a relentless motor. 

Additionally, Jackson joins 4-star receiver and current Auburn pledge Kyle Davis as high-profile targets Auburn has been able to land from the Peach State.

With other Georgia targets such as Brown and 4-star offensive lineman E.J. Price still on the board, Auburn's pickup of Jackson gives the Tigers a boost of momentum heading into the stretch run toward national signing day.

Furthermore, landing prospects with national offer lists such as Jackson's—who held more than 40 offers—is a sign that top recruits still believe in the future of the Tigers program.

Jackson's commitment could signal the beginning of another strong signing day close for the Tigers.

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