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

Ryan Bartow on 247 had a lot updates on recruits at the Miami Opening Regional including one on 5* RB James Cook who says Miami pushing hardest to flip him from FSU & USC is running 3rd. Plans to visit UGA, FSU & MIA this spring then AU & USC this fall. Wants to take all 5 official visits before enrolling early. Looks like we might get one

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Auburn commit Shaun Shivers says he ran a 4.49 in the 40.

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- Andrew Ivins

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Shaun Shivers is explosive in cat mouse drills.

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- Luke Stampini

Marcello has update on 4* LB Teradja Mitchell's visit. Apparently he had a really great visit and is already making plans on a return trip. Sounds like he really enjoyed talking with Malzahn and Williams. They went over his film with him and gave him some stuff to work on. Said he was surprised about how much he enjoyed the visit.

Wouldn't get hopes too high considering he already released a top 11 without us. If we get that 2nd visit then I might start thinking we have a shot. As of now FSU still thought to be the leader but he claims LSU is his dream school

Updated visitor list with everyone I have seen confirmed to have stop by this weekend. Curious to see what junior day list looks like this weekend. As of now only 2 guys I know for sure are visiting is Texas Tech DT transfer Breiden Fehoko & 4* OG Jalil Irvin

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Corey Bender
@Corey_Bender

Big-time 2019 safety, Keontra Smith, who has #Auburn on top early on https://www.scout.com/player/208091-keontra-smith?s=73 … #WDE @ITATJason @V8Blazing @Believe_UrEyes #WDE

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LINK

So apparently we lead for this kid early on. Teammates with Shaun Shivers & ranked the #49 OVR player by 247 in 2019. 247 profile

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Joey Gatewood, too. According to Benjamin Wolk's report this morning.

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Yup. Sounds like he is as committed as a guy can be this early in the cycle

‘Committed as ever,’ Joey Gatewood explains only way he would second-guess Auburn decision (SECCountry)

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Joey Gatewood wants to be an Auburn Tiger. That much is clear.

With that said, the 4-star quarterback understands the business of college football. He had the eye-opening, firsthand experience when Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee — a close mentor to Gatewood — left his post with the Tigers to take the same position at UConn.

For weeks, the question has been the same: Is Gatewood still committed to Auburn?

The answer for now is a resounding yes.

“I’m still committed as ever,” Gatewood said at the Under Armour regional camp in Orlando.

Despite constant murmurs, Gatewood’s commitment hasn’t wavered. Gus Malzahn made him a priority, stopping by his school in Jacksonville, Fla., more than once post-Lashlee. It assured Gatewood that Auburn was still the right place.

But it began to make Gatewood think.

Other programs began picking up their communications. Texas, Oregon and Georgia established themselves as worthy foes to Auburn. The Tigers sit in a safe position for now.

In fact, there’s only one scenario at this time that Gatewood believes could make him second-guess his commitment. Even that might not be enough.


Auburn QB commit Joey Gatewood (Chris Kirschner/SEC Country)
“There wasn’t no doubts (post-Lashlee). What happened, happened. I didn’t have any control over it,” Gatewood said. “Honestly, if Gus left (it would change things). If Gus wasn’t there, I would maybe — see, I don’t want to say too much because, even with that, I still don’t know what I would do. I don’t think that’d make me de-commit yet. I’d have to see what happens.”

If Auburn has a strong 2017 season, Malzahn won’t be going anywhere. Based on Gatewood’s comments, that would mean the 4-star quarterback commit will stick around too.

There’s only one more reassurance Gatewood needs: Proof of a positive bond with new OC Chip Lindsey.

After Lashlee’s departure, Malzahn called Gatewood within minutes. Malzahn wanted Gatewood to be patient, to trust Malzahn’s hiring process. Gatewood has spoken and texted with Lindsey on a few occasions.

This upcoming weekend will be critical.

Gatewood undoubtedly will be one of the top priorities on campus Saturday for junior day. He hasn’t been to Auburn since he attended a game last fall. The quarterback is equally as eager as Auburn to reconnect and get some personal coach-player time.

“I’m excited to get up there and hang out with Lindsey for the day,” Gatewood said. “I’m going to spend the whole weekend with him — me and him. We’re going to chill. We’ll take it from there. He’s a good dude. From what he’s telling me, I think everything is still going to work.”

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5-star WR visits Auburn (Rivals)

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One of the top recruits in the 2018 class visited Auburn on Sunday.

Five-star wide receiver Justyn Ross, whom Rivals ranks the No. 1 player in the state, spent the day with Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, wide receivers coach Kodi Burns and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. Ross’ grandmother, aunt and cousin were with him on the visit.

“We talked to the coaches and they showed us around,” Ross, from Central-Phenix City, said. “We also went to the softball game with them, and then just chilled out with them.”

Ross has developed a relationship with Burns, who is in his second year at Auburn. The two have met many times since Burns returned to Auburn and started recruiting Ross.

“Coach Burns a great person, and I’ve heard he is a great coach,” Ross said. “We’ve gotten to know each other really good over the past year.”

Ross’ bond with Lindsey, the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator, is in its development stage. The two met for just the third time on Sunday. Still, the two have made the most of each meeting, including Sunday’s.

“He’s a great person, a great person to talk to,” Ross said. “He’s a great coach. and I think he’ll really expand Auburn’s offense with the passing game. I’m excited to see that.”

Ross will see Lindsey’s offense soon. He plans to return to Auburn on April 8 and attend the Tigers’ spring game.

Ross doesn’t list any favorites. Alabama, which he visited Saturday, and Auburn both will be options until he’s announces his decision. But Ross doesn’t plan to do that anytime soon.

“I’ll start narrowing it down in the summer,” Ross said. “And I might try to wait it out until Signing Day.”

Rivals ranks Ross, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 195 pounds, the No. 4 wide receiver in the 2018 class and No. 19 overall recruit.

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Maybe this time we sign the local 5* kid right?

Ok so here's where AU targets are in the new top 100

#13.) 5* RB James Cook (FSU Commit)
#19.) 5* WR Justyn Ross
#25.) 4* WR Devonta Jason (Kansas Commit)
#31.) 4* CB Al Blades Jr
#47.) 4* LB JJ Peterson
#51.) 4* S Myles Sims
#53.) 4* OG Deontrey Hill
#56.) 4* LB Teradja Mitchell
#58.) 4* OT William Barnes
#64.) 4* S Brendon Harris
#78.) 4* OT Richard Gouraige
#83.) 4* DE Stephon Wynn
#84.) 4* DE Justin Mascoll
#93.) 4* WR Seth Williams
#99.) 4* DT Dare Rosenthal

Who cares...