re: 2017 Football Recruiting Thread ["N$D Bryant" Edition]

quote:

---

1. Markaviest Bryant likes Auburn now more than ever

Mr. Big Cat is always fun to talk to. I’ve tracked his recruitment since the summer, and Auburn always has been a team on the outside looking in. That isn’t the case anymore.

Auburn recruiting-Chandler Wooten-Markaviest Bryant-Anders Carlson-Georgia-Alabama
Auburn target Markaviest Bryant (Sam Spiegelman/SEC Country)
Bryant said Wednesday that Auburn has worked its way into a top 2 with Georgia. LSU also is becoming a big factor, and his official visit there could change the entire situation. But Auburn went from a non-contender to a program with a legitimate chance to land Bryant on National Signing Day.

He still favors Georgia over everyone. But Auburn has a shot. Plus, the Tigers will receive the last official visit from Bryant on the weekend of Jan. 28. That has to be a positive sign so close to his Feb. 1 decision day.

Auburn might still be somewhat of a secondary option, but that’s better than the Tigers have been throughout Bryant’s recruitment.

2. Big Cat can serve as an edge rusher in several capacities

If he does choose Auburn, what will the Tigers be adding?

Well, for starters, Bryant is inordinately fast off the edge for a linebacker/defensive lineman. All the schools in his top group offer different defensive schemes, which means it’s uncertain whether Bryant (6-4, 225) will be more of a linebacker or defensive lineman at the next level. He showed his ability to do both effectively on the first day of practice.

For the most part, Bryant worked with his hand on the ground as a defensive end. There were a few occasions where he worked standing up, finding his way around the edge as more of an outside linebacker. He enjoys both, and he thinks that versatility separates him from many players in the 2017 class.

At Auburn, he’d likely fit into the Buck defensive end spot — think Carl Lawson. For Georgia, he’d be more of a Leonard Floyd type who stood up on the perimeter. Either way, Bryant will use his speed to his advantage to rush the passer.

3. Anders Carlson, like his brother, is a machine

It became second nature this season. Daniel Carlson lines up for a field goal — Auburn scores three points.

Even when Daniel is gone, don’t expect that to change for Auburn. His younger brother, Anders Carlson, spent much of the practice session kicking long-distance field goals for Team Highlight. I didn’t watch every kick, but I watched about 90 percent of them. On those attempts, I only saw Anders miss one field goal. It came from 50-plus yards. He also managed to hit a couple from comparable distances.

During team kicking drills, Anders showed off his ability to do it against rushes. Team Highlight coaches marveled at Carlson’s leg strength.

His two most impressive makes: One was stuck on the top of a tall tree and one landed on a roof. I’m not sure what kind of food is being cooked in the Carlson household, but it works.

4. Chandler Wooten impresses people with his versatility

A common question for Wooten: What position will you play at the next level?

The answers to this question is limited to two options — inside linebacker or outside linebacker. That’s all it ever will be, really. And, in reality, Wooten will likely do both at the next level. He did both for his high school, and Travis Williams encourages his linebackers to learn every linebacker position on the defense.

What was most impressive to me Wednesday was the work Wooten did in pass coverage. Team Armour coaches spread out Wooten wide for some of the team’s 7-on-7 drills. He trailed some slot receivers. And based on the reps I saw, he wasn’t giving up anything in the passing game.

That shows how athletic Wooten is for a guy who played inside linebacker for the better part of his senior season at North Cobb (Ga.)

Also, Wooten is proving to be better than the 13th-highest-rated non-specialist high school commit on Auburn’s list.

5. Georgia and Alabama are making life tough for Auburn

I guess this isn’t something I “learned” Wednesday, but it’s something that becomes more and more obvious with every conversation with prospects. The team rankings say a lot — Alabama at No. 1 and Georgia at No. 3. But, for Auburn in particular, the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide are creating major problems.

Alabama always makes life complicated for its in-state rivals. Georgia’s ability to secure much of the state’s best talent this season has added a new obstacle during the 2017 recruiting cycle.

Just among Under Armour participants, here’s a look at players who already have or likely will pick Georgia or Alabama over Auburn. For most of these players, the Tigers have them at the top or near the top of their recruiting board.

- Alex Leatherwood
- DeAngelo Gibbs
- Markaviest Bryant
- LaBryan Ray
- Markail Benton

---