AUBURN — With 23 players already signed to his first recruiting class at Auburn, coach Gus Malzahn took time for a short interview with ESPNU.

Asked about the signing of five-star defensive ends Carl Lawson and Elijah Daniel and five-star defensive tackle Montravius Adams, Malzahn said they are filling a position of need for the Tigers.

“We needed help up front. We need pass rushers and both those guys can do it, and we’re very excited,” he said. “Of course Montravius in the middle – he’s one of the bigger, more athletic guys I’ve seen since I’ve been coaching college football. We’re definitely excited with those three.”

As for the ability for he and his staff to assemble a class which is on the fringe of a top-10 finish in about two months of work, Malzahn was complementary of his coaches.

“We had good relationship with the offensive recruits who were committed here before that definitely helped,” Malzahn said. “Our defensive staff has done a wonderful job in a short period of time and really filled our needs.”