BUFORD, Ga. -- Auburn and Georgia have been battling over top prospects in the Peach State for many a year. In the class of 2016, it’s an uber talented collection of defensive linemen who will lead to what are sure to be bloodbath recruitments, and there is none bigger than 6-foot-6, 325-pound Julian Rochester.

The No. 32-ranked prospect in the ESPN Junior 300 has been considered an Auburn lean for some time due in large part to a very strong relationship between the dominant defensive lineman and Auburn assistant Rodney Garner.

With that said, Georgia had the nation's No. 7-ranked defensive tackle prospect on campus Feb. 21 and is putting up an expected fight.

"I’ve had a few visits. I went up to Georgia and really enjoyed myself. Other than that, I’m taking it slow," said Rochester. "I really enjoyed myself at Georgia. It’s the home state, it was a junior day but I really enjoyed myself. I got to hang around great players all across Georgia and really had fun. I would give it a 9.5."

For Georgia, the bond between Rochester and Garner will be tough to break.

"Auburn is right there, and they have always been right there," said Rochester. "Coach Garner is a great D-line coach, always keeps it 100 percent with me. He’s going to tell what he wants you to do, show you how to do it, and tell you how to do it. He’s going to keep it plain and simple and tell you to go do it, and that is what I like about him."

Rochester now also has Will Muschamp recruiting for the Tigers, which led to a funny first conversation as Auburn’s defensive coordinator.

"I had one conversation with Will Muschamp when he came by the school," the 6-foot-6, 280-pound prospect said. "I was like, 'huh, you just wanted me to go to Florida a couple of months ago [laughing]. I like the fact that he has the demeanor for defense and 100 percent play is everything for him."

When asked about possibly visiting Auburn for the Tigers spring game or making a trip back to Athens this spring, Rochester wasn’t sure of his future schedule other than trying to get his body and game where he wants it to be heading into his senior season.

"Right now, I’m taking it slow because I’m focused this spring as I work to get my craft together," he said. "I’m trying to get my first step off the ball better, that explosion, trimming down my body fat, and I actually gained more muscle density. I’m actually 325 now from 300. That has been really big for me."

Unfortunately for fans of Auburn and Georgia, the end game of Rochester’s recruitment will not be known until 11-months from now.

"February 4th, signing day. That’s it."

Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, and Ohio State are among the many still giving chase and possibilities to receive official visits, but this is currently a two horse race with the Tigers continuing to hold the advantage.