Four-star cornerback Donovan Starr from Brentwood (Tenn.) Ravenwood signed with Auburn on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.

The Starr Files

position: Cornerback

Size/Weight: 5-foot-11/170 pounds

Notable Feature/Auburn Fit: Starr is all about speed. He registered almost 23 miles per hour with the catapult system. Starr is fast and translates perfectly to the SEC.

On3 industry ranking: (92.12) No. 160 overall, No. 21 CB, No. 3 Tennessee

Commitment date: June 6, 2024

I chose Auburn: Alabama, Vanderbilt

Time of enrollment: January

Remarkable: As Hugh Freeze said, recruiting Starr lasted late into the night of signing day. Auburn had to fight to keep Starr away from SEC programs like Georgia, Vanderbilt and Alabama, where he had to make predictions before signing day.

Quote worthy: “They just told me I was a priority. How much they need me, how much they need corners, how much they were here from the beginning. Some of these other schools have just recently come on board. I just started thinking about it and talking to my family. I decided to return to Auburn.”

Movie breakdown

***Film summary written by Auburn Live analyst Cole Pinkston.

– Starr has a smaller build, but stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 175 pounds at Auburn, which is more than enough size. He has bigger legs for someone who weighs 175 and is very similar to a track and field athlete.

– The layout of the track shows that Starr is definitely a star on the track. He can fly. Starr has an elite breakout on tape.

— Starr’s ability to persevere and go is one of his best qualities. He doesn’t waste any steps, nor does he find it difficult to put a foot on the ground and change direction.

— As a return specialist and even as a runner after an interception, Starr is lightning. He has elite speed.

— For Auburn, Starr probably isn’t one of the most well-rounded candidates. His skillset fits well with his job as a field corner. He needs to be in a space where he can cover a lot of ground and track if necessary. He has the speed for it.

— Starr plays tight coverage, then plays the ball very well when it’s in the air. He can play man-marking at a high level and shows great ability when playing in one-on-one situations.

— There isn’t much evidence that Starr is a tackler, but when he plays on the field he can be more of a cover man, which suits his skill set.

— On the corner kick at the edge of the field, Starr hasn’t yet learned to close at the edge of the field. Because of this, he feels better at field safety. At this point, his speed can take over his physicality.

– Starr has the speed to play in the SEC. His physical condition needs improvement, but he is a willing tackler. Most of his physical problems are related to his small size, not necessarily his mentality. He has great skill and has a ceiling to build on to get to the next level.