This is what I gather from reading about Auburn recruiting:
Auburn lists what they need in each class. This year, it is as follows.
QB-1
RB-2
WR-3 or 4
Athlete-0 or 1
TE-2
OL-4 or 5
DT-2 or 3
DE-1 or 2
LB-2 or 3
CB-2
Safety-0 or 1
They then rate each of the players they are recruiting for each specific position. Like at QB, Pike was #1. They had offered several QB's, such as Winston, but when Pike committed, none of them now have a commit-able offer to play at Auburn.
So yes, Auburn may have 8 DT offers out there, but there is...I assume...an order in which they will take them. They want there top 3. If 1, 2 and 3 won't commit right away, they may accept 4 and 5 and then hope for one of their top 3 to commit. They may except #4, and not take 5 or 6 because they have a real good feel about 2 of the top 3.
It seems like a chess match. But these coaches have been pretty dame good at it.
Other guys that follow can correct me or fill in any gaps. I got to go to work...