re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition

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John Campbell, 2018 OL, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips

One of Scout's questions with Phillips following a recent camp performance was his physicality. He's tall and mobile, near ideal for an offensive tackle, but inconsistency at the point of attack has been a question-mark. But on Sunday, as if Campbell made it a point of emphasis, he was not only much more physical, but some edge came out of him on the very first rep of one-on-ones, as he won against his opponent with force and promptly let him know about it. The next rep was similar and it would be the start to a fairly dominant day for the local product. Campbell moves extremely well, used his length to seal an edge and showcased a bit more force this time around. He is Scout's pick among a crowded field of tackle types. Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Miami, among others, have offered.

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Daniel Faalele, 2018 OL, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy

The massive Australian import created the most oohs and ahhs in the trenches Sunday with his power. He worked up and down the line but most at left tackle, where anyone trying to make a move on him inside felt his incredible punch and it was usually paired with what looked like a finishing move. Faalele buried more defenders than any other lineman on this day and it wasn't particularly close. It's no wonder his most recent offers include Florida State, Alabama, Auburn and others.

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Daniel Faalele, 2018 OL, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy

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But when Montilus was asked to name leaders, he didn’t hesitate.

“Auburn and Miami,” he told SEC Country.

Montilus has visited Auburn twice. The most recent time was for the Alabama A&M game in the fall.

His other visit was for a summer camp (the day he was offered), which gave him a chance to receive teaching from offensive line coach Herb Hand. Montilus mentioned that experience — and what he learned about Hand on the trip — that has Auburn in such good shape during a recruitment that doesn’t have a timeline or future visits plan yet.

“Coach Hand is the main coach I talk to,” Montilus said. “He’s a great coach. I went up there for a camp. I like the way he coaches. I like the way he is.”

The No. 22 offensive guard in the nation wants to play left guard at the next level, and so far, that’s all college coaches have been recruiting him to do. Montilus doesn’t have an offer from Florida, which will likely become a favorite to land him if the Gators extend one.

For now, Auburn’s mystique captured the attention of Montilus.

“When you’re up there, it’s like family. It’s different than other schools,” Montilus said.

Barnes and Montilus both originally planned to attend Auburn’s junior day this weekend. Instead, they’ll make a separate trip later in the summer.

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Four-star 2018 cornerback target Jalyn Armour-Davis is perhaps the top commodity on Auburn’s defensive recruiting board. Armour-Davis watched the defense practice during the 15-minute media viewing period. The No. 2 prospect in the state of Alabama wasn’t just in Auburn for practice, however. He’ll be on campus until Thursday.

A long-term visit in the middle of the week always is a good indication about how a prospect feels about a program. Armour-Davis released his top 6 on Tuesday morning. It included his two perceived favorites, Auburn and Florida State. Alabama was excluded, which came as a slight surprise. As noted Tuesday, the Seminoles blew away Armour-Davis for his junior day visit, which is why the person close to Armour-Davis told SEC Country that Florida State has a slight edge. The timing and length of Armour-Davis’ visit to Auburn can’t be ignored. You can’t downplay the importance of the visit.

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So Wednesday afternoon, he released his top 6 schools. They include Auburn, Alabama, Georgia and Florida from the SEC, along with Florida State and Southern Cal.

“I got kind of tired of so many schools talking to me. I wanted to narrow it down a bit to make it easier,” Fox told SEC Country. “It was a lot. More than 15. It’s probably 90 percent (chance) that those are the top 6 only).”

Fox is the fastest-rising prospect in the state of Alabama, so it’s no surprise that Auburn and Alabama made the list. A 6-foot-5, 230-pound pass-rusher, Fox visited Auburn more than any other program. He grew up an Alabama fan, though it’s unlikely that fandom will cause Fox to make an emotional decision during his recruiting process.

Fox will be back in Auburn this weekend for junior day, which will be the second he attends on the Plains in 2017. His relationship with Auburn’s coaching staff runs deeper than it does with most staffs. Travis Williams is his primary recruiter, but it’s not just Auburn’s linebackers coach who is leading the recruitment effort.

“I have a great relationship with all three of the defensive coaches,” Fox said. “Coach (Rodney) Garner, coach T-Will and coach Kevin Steele. I met Gus one time in his office. I really just like all the atmosphere.”

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4* TE Josh Whyle

Whyle is a kid who makes some spectacular grabs on film. He has very natural pass catching abilities, but also shows some skills after the catch that bigger guys do not always have. He is also a physical, willing blocker who will only get better in that department as he fills in and gets stronger. But it is that natural ball tracking ability and catch radius which had us believing he was a four-star worthy weapon at the next level. Indiana, Auburn, Rutgers and Purdue are among his more recent offers.

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4* TE Josh Whyle

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