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An impressive young linebacker from Baltimore turned heads during a recent workout at Auburn. Shortly after the stirring session, he committed to Auburn, eschewing offers from USC, Colorado, Miami, Penn State, Georgia Tech and others.
Coach Hugh Freeze and his staff extended an offer to LB Bryce Deas, and on June 11, Deas accepted that offer to play for Auburn.
Bryce Deas' Bio and Stats
Deas is rated the No. 66 linebacker in the country by 247 Sports and is a four-star recruit according to Rivals. Nicknamed "Juice," Deas is 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. He played his high school ball at the prestigious St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. An impressive all-around athlete, Deas posted a swift 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash and soared above most with a 37-inch vertical leap.
Deas Elevates Auburn
As a result of landing Deas, Auburn significantly boosted the strength of its 2025 recruiting class. According to 247 Sports, the Tigers have the No. 8 recruiting class nationally. In addition, the Tigers rank fourth in the Southeastern Conference with this class, behind only Alabama, Georgia, and new SEC member Oklahoma.
Star
Deas' athleticism serves him well, as he can play a dual type of role for the Tigers in a position known as the "Star" position. It is a hybrid safety and outside linebacker position, suitable for most 4-3 defensive schemes. The position is uniquely suited to defenders strong enough to play linebacker and capable of making plays in pass coverage. Deas' rare athleticism lends itself to the "Star" position. Deas refers to the hybrid position as "moneybacker".
Fortifying the Tigers' Defense
In 2024, Auburn returns just 55 percent of the team's defensive roster from a season ago but will have two of its most experienced linebackers back—Jalen McLeod and Eugene Asante. Deas will join forces with these two stalwarts.
Jalen McLeod
At 6-foot-1 and 237 pounds, McLeod was third on the team in tackles in 2023, with 48 stops, along with 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He is a ball-hawk who forced one fumble and recovered another. McLeod will provide senior leadership on the field for the Tigers in 2024.
Eugene Asante
In 2023, Asante led Auburn with 86 tackles. He also recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. Three times last season, Asante recorded double-digit tackles: 12 against the California Golden Bears, 12 against the Bayou Bengals of LSU and 10 in a 27-13 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Asante is a sixth-year senior, who will be another leader on the field and in the locker room for Auburn.
Deas Provides Depth and Options
Adding a talented linebacker with Deas' ability provides both depth and options for Freeze and his staff.
The Tigers stand to benefit from a top-notch recruiting class, with talented, young players who will have opportunities to step up and earn playing time. Deas will be at the forefront in this regard.
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