re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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What to make of Alabama LB commit Quay Walker’s comments on Auburn


Quay Walker hasn’t been in my mock Alabama defensive signing class for several months now. It’s not because the Crimson Tide don’t want him, like offensive lineman Jarrett Bell, who backed off his “commitment” over the weekend. Alabama really wants Walker to stick with his commitment. The staff believes Walker has the ability and mentality to play any linebacker spot in the Tide’s 3-4 base defense.

But the reason why I haven’t included Walker in the Tide’s mock signing class has always centered around him taking trips elsewhere, with Auburn being the most notable destination for his recruiting visits.

Walker, a 4-star prospect from Crisp County High School (Cordele, Ga.), has visited Auburn numerous times since becoming a top recruit. The Tigers signed one of Walker’s best friends and former teammates in the 2017 class in Markaviest Bryant. Those two still talk almost daily. When Bryant signed with Auburn last year, most in the recruiting industry expected Walker to follow Bryant when it was time to make his decision.

Walker, however, committed to Alabama in an SEC Country commitment video last spring. That hasn’t stopped Walker from taking visits elsewhere. He was back at Auburn this past weekend for the Tigers’ game against Georgia, where he told SEC Country’s Benjamin Wolk that he is still strongly considering Auburn.

“Oh, Auburn’s still got a shot,” Walker said. “Auburn always impresses me at all times.”

The most interesting comment Walker made was probably his intentions to not sign his letter of intent during the early signing period. It’s going to be interesting to see how schools handle their verbal commitments not making their decision official during that early signing period. To me, that just tells the school that the player truly isn’t 100 percent committed if he needs more time to figure out his recruitment.

While it may appear that Walker isn’t solid with the Tide, SEC Country was told by a source close to the program earlier this week that the staff still expects him to stick with his commitment. The Under Armour All-American hasn’t given any indication to the staff that he’ll back off his pledge. But Auburn is going to remain in Walker’s mind, especially after a dominant performance over what was the No. 1 team in the country.

“The defense was something I pretty much expected. With the offense, everything clicked,” Walker said of Auburn’s 40-17 victory against Georgia. “This win, I didn’t expect a blowout like this or a close game. I really didn’t know who was going to win at first. At the same time, I thought it was going to be a close game.”

The nation’s No. 6 outside linebacker will return to Auburn in two weeks for the Iron Bowl and is planning on taking an official visit there on top of that trip. So, he’ll see Auburn at least two more times before officially signing his letter of intent in February. Walker has visited Tuscaloosa twice this fall and is expected to take an official visit after the season.

This recruitment is going to be tight, but, from what I’ve been hearing on Alabama’s side, I’m starting to think Walker ends up remaining in the Tide’s class.

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Sam Webb?Verified account
@SamWebb77
Confirmed during my trip to Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep that #Michigan is a serious player for nation's No. 1 OT, Nicholas Petit-Frere

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Didn't know you could tell my tone through these post.

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Also, hopefully Saivion Smith and Jobe are as good as advertised since we only have a few true corners that will be returning.

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If Fox isn't a true DL or can't grow into one I'd pass.

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