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re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:01 pm to TigerPaw1
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:01 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
4-star OLB Channing Tindall, Spring Valley (S.C.)
- Tindall called Auburn his No. 2 school, just behind home-state South Carolina.
- The stock-rising linebacker attended the same high school as Travis Williams, his lead recruiter and potential position coach, which has been the main reason Auburn has gone from off the radar to firmly in the mix. He’s still trying to beat Williams’ record for tackles in a game.
- Tindall said Florida and Georgia are the other two schools that can get into contention.
- South Carolina’s lead over Auburn exists, but it’s not a major lead.
1
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:01 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star OLB Quay Walker, Crisp County (Ga.)
- Walker didn’t stay for the duration of the event to head to Tuscaloosa, which should give you an idea of where his head is at.
- While he didn’t do interviews, SEC Country gathered information that Alabama remains his No. 1 school with Auburn filing in at No. 2.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:02 pm to TigerPaw1
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3-star DT Jalen Cunningham, St. Clair Co. (Ala.)
- Alabama has led for Cunningham throughout, and that hasn’t changed, but he’s starting to open up to the idea of playing elsewhere.
- He said when his recruitment first started that, as an Alabama fan growing up, he couldn’t stand the idea of even visiting Auburn. That has changed in a major way. His closeness and relationship with the Auburn coaching staff has opened his eyes to the Tigers.
- If Alabama isn’t the choice, it’ll be Ole Miss, Mississippi State or Auburn.
- Every coaching staff has told Cunningham he needs to lose weight. He’s down to 352 pounds and wants to be down to 330 by his senior season.
Down to 352 lbs
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:03 pm to TigerPaw1
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3-star safety Joe Foucha, McDonogh 35 (La.)
- Foucha’s recently-released top 15 could be close to another cutdown. Auburn will be in that group when he makes it a top 2 or top 3.
- The other programs to watch are Alabama and Florida State.
- This was Foucha’s second trip to Auburn in a month and said that should give an idea how highly he’s considering Auburn.
- Foucha grew up an Auburn fan, thanks to his love for Cam Newton.
- He will make a return visit to Auburn before the summer is over.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:03 pm to TigerPaw1
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3-star DE Andres Fox, Mobile Christian (Ala.)
- Fox didn’t commit despite some belief that he might. He said that’s because he told the other two schools he’s considering — LSU and Alabama — that he’d visit with his parents before making his final decision.
- With that said, Fox admitted Auburn made even more of a jump up his list, which he’d already hinted had the Tigers at No. 1.
- He isn’t publicly announcing any leaders at this time, but the Tigers are the team to beat.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:04 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
3-star OLB La’Dedric Jackson, Lanier (Ala.)
- He will return to the Plains on June 15 for a personal workout with coaches who want to re-evaluate him.
Need to check his film out. Lanier has some talent this year but AU hasn't offered any of em yet (Alfred Thomas, James Foster)
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:04 pm to TigerPaw1
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3-star WR Shedrick Jackson, Hoover (Ala.)
- Jackson was another person on commit watch, but said he didn’t get the urge to commit Saturday. That’s not because there isn’t a chance he will; he just came into the day knowing that his decision was still a few weeks away.
- Jackson has quickly emerged as a major want for the Tigers. If he doesn’t end up in the Tigers’ class, it would be a big surprise.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:05 pm to TigerPaw1
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3-star safety Jamien Sherwood, Jensen Beach (Fla.)
- Sherwood made another visit to Auburn after attending a junior day earlier in the spring. He said this visit was more about letting coaches and himself open up to one another on a level they hadn’t before.
- Despite being recruited by all the schools in the state of Florida, Sherwood suggested there’s a good chance he’d be willing to leave the state and specifically mentioned Auburn as a place that’s eight hours away, which he considers “not that far.”
- His mother made the visit with him, and he said that Auburn has quickly become one of the favorite programs for her.
- Sherwood wants to take a few more visits — another to Auburn included — before hopefully making a mid-fall decision.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:06 pm to TigerPaw1
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3-star CB Juanyeh Thomas, Niceville (Fla.)
- Thomas didn’t commit, but he said he thought about it on more than one occasion. He wants to let a few more visits play out, including more to Auburn, before he announces.
- With that said, Thomas said it was possible that, when he returns to Auburn in mid-July, that he will already have his mind made up.
- He didn’t want to name a leader — even though all the tea leaves say Auburn — but said the Tigers are recruiting him at a much different comfort level than the other two programs he’s heavily considering, Florida and Georgia Tech.
- Thomas got to spend some time with Eli Stove, a past Big Cat commit, who attended the same high school as him in Niceville, Fla.
- Thomas also said he got the contact info for a few other defensive back targets that he would like to play with at the next level.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:07 pm to TigerPaw1
Auburn WR target Matthew Hill told Auburn coaches where Tigers stand among top 5 (SECCountry)
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Top WR target starts to separate top 5
AUBURN, Ala. — Matthew Hill didn’t commit at Big Cat Weekend, but as he left, he made it clear to Auburn coaches who holds the advantage with his recruitment.
“I just told the coaches that Auburn is basically the leader because I grew up an Auburn fan. So that’s by default,” Hill said. “Of course I’m going to love Auburn because it’s like home.”
The 4-star wide receiver released a list of his all-SEC top 5 on May 25. It included Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Florida and South Carolina, and he added the disclaimer that there was no order. It appears his Auburn background, at least his immediate reaction post-weekend, will play a stronger role in his ultimate decision.
So how deep does that fandom run?
It all started in middle school when he attended his first Auburn football game against Kentucky. Some family connections to the program have eased him even further toward the Plains.
“My god-grandfather is an alum from here. He ran cross-country, so he’s always been pushing me toward Auburn. My auntie was in love with Cam Newton at the time. She was always like, ‘I love Cam Newton,’ so I started to love him too,” Hill said. “Ever since then, I’ve really loved Auburn.”
Hill said Auburn is, without question, recruiting him the hardest among his top 5. Alabama and South Carolina file in tied for second for that designation. He didn’t mince words when he explained why. Auburn is well aware he’s a fan.
The Tigers coaching staff has take a bullish approach to his recruitment with that in mind.
“Yes, because they know I grew up an Auburn fan. They said, ‘Oh, this is home to him,’ so they want to make sure they get me,” Hill said.
The other programs involved still have a shot.
Hill will visit Alabama next weekend and likely make it to South Carolina the weekend after that. He’ll also make it to Florida soon since he’ll vacation in Disney World “in the next couple weeks” and will stop by Gainesville on the way back.
For a team to leapfrog the Tigers, it’ll have to do something that Auburn has already started to do.
“I have to feel like I’m at home,” Hill said. “You know how you feel when you’re at home and feel comfortable? I just want to feel like that wherever I’d go. You want to have a family no matter where you go. That’s what would push me to another school.”
All five schools involved have told Hill they want him as a wide receiver, though they’d give him the opportunity on the defensive side of the ball if that was something that interested him. Hill has made it clear he sees himself as an offensive playmaker.
He expects to have a final decision in the “next month or month and a half.”
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:07 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
Quote of the day, courtesy of Matthew Hill
Big Cat Weekend’s post-event interviews had plenty of intrigue as it pertains to Auburn recruiting. But the quote of the day (in my opinion) really had nothing to do with that.
Hill enjoyed his chance to interact with coaches, specifically Kodi Burns, in a different light. He also felt like he got that from an unexpected member of the coaching staff during the karaoke session that wrapped up Big Cat Weekend.
Herb Hand brought out his old-school rap skills. Multiple prospects made mention of Hand’s performance, including Hill who provided a 5-star quote:
“Coach Hand, oh boy, he really impressed me with his rapping abilities. Somebody needs to sign him.”
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:08 pm to TigerPaw1
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Top RB target shines at Alabama camp
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: Master Teague III is from a different planet.
The Auburn running back target from Murfreesboro, Tenn., has shown over and over that his 3-star rating might be a little incomplete. The truth of the matter is running backs who are considering Tennessee, Georgia and Auburn are top-tier guys. Teague is no different in the 2018 class.
He showed it in a big way Sunday when he visited Tuscaloosa for the Alabama team camp.
Check out the numbers he posted.
A 4.31-second time in the 40-yard dash? Insane. A 40.7-inch vertical leap? Ludicrous. A 10-foot, 10-inch long jump? Unbelievable.
Master W. Teague III @33_blackman
I give God the glory 4 my performance 2day at Nick Saban Camp.
5"11' 212lbs
40=4.31
Vertical=40.7
Long Jump=10ft 10in.
Short Shuttle=4.0O
8:47 PM - 4 Jun 2017
Those figures would blow up the NFL combine, but Teague is just about to begin his senior year of high school.
He recently announced his top 3 as the aforementioned programs — Tennessee, Georgia and Auburn. Alabama could be on the verge of an offer after that ridiculous camp performance. Ohio State is another program Teague has visited, communicated with and shown strong interest in that could potentially work its way into the mix if it were to offer.
But it could be too late for either of those programs considering Teague wanted to decide within the next month. If Alabama or Ohio State were to offer, it’s safe to say he wouldn’t end the recruiting class as a 3-star prospect (he likely won’t anyways). After all, the 247Sports composite says he’s the No. 26 running back in the nation.
Good luck finding one running back more freakishly impressive than Teague in the 2018 class, let alone 25.
I have been saying all along this dude is my favorite RB in this class. Unfortunately seems like UGA is team to beat tho Bama or Ohio State could get into the mix too
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:09 pm to TigerPaw1
LB target Michael Harris explains how Auburn is complicating his Ohio State love (SECCountry)
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Breaking down the Ohio State roadblock for a top LB
AUBURN — Michael Harris, one of Auburn’s top linebacker targets in the 2018 class, doesn’t hide his love for Ohio State, something he fostered while spending the first four years of his life in the Buckeye State.
“They’ve been my heart since I was a youngin. I’m looking at them first regardless,” Harris said after Auburn’s Big Cat Weekend.
So Auburn fans, mark down an important date: June 17.
That’s when Harris, who now lives in Tucker, Ga., will go to Ohio State for the first time.
Despite his childhood interest, the nation’s No. 12-ranked inside linebacker hasn’t stepped foot on campus since becoming a star recruit. He speaks with the Ohio State staff on a fairly regular basis — and Urban Meyer has been especially gracious — but Harris wants to know if that remains constant when he goes north for his unofficial visit.
If he feels something different, that could be Auburn’s inside track to Harris’ commitment.
“I’m going to be looking to see if they have the same energy as the way they text me. They always update me with new stuff. They send me videos. Coach Meyer’s always telling me that I’m his type of guy. I’m a linebacker he needs. When I get up there on campus, I’ll see if they actually show me that love that they want me and [that he is] a part of their family already,” Harris said. “But if they don’t have that type of vibe or that link with me, it’s going to be a different look for other schools.”
Auburn gained another potential advantage just prior to Harris’ visit to the Plains over the weekend.
The No. 2 inside linebacker in the country made up his mind between Ohio State and Florida State on Friday. Teradja Mitchell committed to the Buckeyes, which filled one of Ohio State’s three to four linebacker spots. As Land of 10’s Jeremy Birmingham points out, the Buckeyes have a few linebackers ahead of Harris on their interest list.
So if Harris leaves Ohio on June 17 without committing, that will have to be a positive sign for Auburn.
“It doesn’t affect me because I truly feel I’m the best linebacker in the nation right now. But it can open other options for other schools,” Harris said. “That commitment can open other schools up for me.”
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:10 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
How Travis Williams keeps Auburn in mix
SEC Country Alabama reporter Chris Kirschner added an interesting tidbit. Harris reached out to the Ohio State staff after Mitchell’s commitment to congratulate them. He didn’t receive a return text.
That’s something he said would never happen with Auburn.
He communicates with Tigers linebackers coach Travis Williams on a daily basis. There isn’t a day that goes by that he doesn’t get the feeling that he’d be right at home with Williams and others at Auburn, which is something that has him weighing all his options.
“Coach T-Will checks with me every day. I send a text. He sends one right back. He treats me like I’m his own child,” Harris said. “After me texting coach T-Will, man, he gives me the same amount of love every time or even more. When I come visit — this is probably my third time visiting — every time I come, it’s more and more love. It’s like I’m always a part of the family. They already treat me like I’m a War Eagle, and I like that.”
Harris’ relationship with Williams extends to their in-person encounters, something he’s eager to see from the Ohio State coaches.
The 4-star linebacker praised Williams’ persona and called it the main reason why Auburn is making him think about his decision, even if he were to enjoy the Ohio State visit as much as he expects to.
“Coach T-Will is a great dude, a great guy. He brings a lot of energy toward you, just bumps everything up, makes everything 10 times better, hypes it up. I like the energy he brings,” Harris said.
Harris’ SAT/ACT plans also play into Auburn’s favor.
He said he doesn’t want to commit until after he has those qualifying scores finalized. It won’t be an issue, but it’s something he wants confirmed before he commits to a school. The chances that happens between now and June 17 aren’t likely, so there’s a strong possibility he returns to Georgia as an uncommitted prospect.
If others schools were to get into the mix, it’d be Alabama or Georgia who are weighing linebacker options of their own. But if those schools were to be considered, it would involve Harris pushing his commitment back from his preferred summer timetable.
“Ohio State and Auburn, that’s just the two teams I’d commit to before the summer,” he said.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:10 pm to TigerPaw1
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Two Auburn coaches at star-studded satellite camp
It’s satellite camp season.
The offseason buzz isn’t what it was a year ago, but Jim Harbaugh’s brainchild is back for Year 2, and a few members of Auburn’s coaching staff are involved. Florida Atlantic, the new home of Lane Kiffin, hosted a south Florida satellite camp Monday that included coaches from Michigan, Tennessee, Southern Cal and others.
Add Auburn to that list. Auburn’s south Florida recruiting representatives Larry Porter and Greg Brown were two of the coaches in attendance.
Will anything valuable come from it?
Williams Barnes was the only confirmed prospect at the camp who Auburn is recruiting at a high level, but it’s possible a few more names will emerge based evaluations by Porter and Brown.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:13 pm to TigerPaw1
Where Alabama, Auburn stand with Rush Propst's star LB JJ Peterson (AL.com)
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Moultrie, Ga., four-star linebacker JJ Peterson is soft-spoken, but speaks volumes with his play.
Peterson is the nation's No. 40 overall recruit and No. 2 outside linebacker. He visited Alabama on Wednesday and Thursday and was at Auburn's Big Cat Weekend on Saturday.
Peterson made the trip Saturday with several family members, including young daughter Allie, grandmother and Colquitt County coach Rush Propst.
"What stood out is that we just were all having fun," Peterson said. "It was a family thing instead of just me."
Peterson said the highlight was the cake-eating contest, but he didn't participate.
He said the highlights of his Alabama visits were hanging out with the players and working out with them.
Currently, Peterson's top five in order is Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, Georgia and Michigan.
He says he'll make his commitment late in the season.
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:15 pm to TigerPaw1
'Things changed a lot' for New Orleans DB Joe Foucha after Auburn visit, Alabama still in mix (AL.com)
FWIW I am really high on this dude. Not the biggest dude in the world but is a ball hawk. I really want Monday and Foucha as safeties in this class. Both could play early
quote:
Joe Foucha couldn't wait to start his second visit to Auburn.
The New Orleans safety was among the contingent of players who visited the Plains during Big Cat Weekend and it made a big impression on him.
"It went really well, everything I expected it to be," Foucha said. "I was very excited about today. we got here around 10 (on Friday). I was up at 4 in the morning all the way until 8, like it's the first day of school, I was excited to be here. I was up all morning anxious to get here."
After a visit in which football took a backseat to developing relationships with the coaching staff and some friendly competition, Auburn is at the top of his list of 15 schools.
"I would say Auburn is leading right now right now out of the top 15," Foucha said. "I don't know (what other schools will be), but they'll definitely be in my top 2, top 3. ... Great school, school I've been looking at since I was young. Great opportunity to play, good coaches showed me a lot of things, showed me it's more than football today."
Foucha considered committing to Auburn on Saturday but will likely wait to make his decision.
He plans to visit Alabama on Monday on Monday as well as Florida State over the summer.
"I plan on going (to Alabama) and performing, showing my skill level," Foucha said. "I'm going to wait but as time go by, things may change, things may not, it depends. Like today, things changed today, things changed a lot today because this is my second time coming up.
"I was very excited and it change my mind a lot."
FWIW I am really high on this dude. Not the biggest dude in the world but is a ball hawk. I really want Monday and Foucha as safeties in this class. Both could play early
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:16 pm to TigerPaw1
Three-star receiver Juanyeh Thomas plans August commitment between Auburn, Florida, Ga. Tech (AL.com)
We are recruiting him as a CB FYI
quote:
Juanyeh Thomas nearly decided to commit to Auburn during Big Cat Weekend, but the three-star receiver will wait until later in the summer to commit.
Thomas got to see fellow Niceville, Fla. native Eli Stove during his latest visit to the Plains.
"(The commitment) didn't happen, but every time I come back here I just feel more at home," Thomas said. "I haven't had a direct date but I just know some time in August before the season."
Thomas most enjoyed getting to know more of Auburn's other recruiting targets and commits during Big Cat Weekend.
"I think the bonding was the best of the day," he said.
He did not want to name a leader among the schools recruiting him but said Auburn is recruiting him the most and Florida and Georgia Tech are also in the mix.
"All the colleges mostly recruit the same way as far as how much they want you and all," Thomas said. "The difference between Florida and Auburn is Auburn is more closely related to Niceville and that's a plus in recruitment."
Thomas plans to visit Auburn again, as well as Florida and Georgia Tech, in July and "a couple of more schools are coming on the radar" as he nears a decision.
"It's a toss-up between all three of them," Thomas said. "If I would go on any other campus I would have something great to say about them too. ... When it's time, it'll be that time to commit. I'm just waiting on coming back here again.
"I think the next time I come back here I think I'll have my decision made if I want to commit here or not."
We are recruiting him as a CB FYI
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:17 pm to TigerPaw1
Why Auburn, Alabama four-star LB target Michael Harris hasn't committed to Ohio State yet (AL.com)
Always good to have momma on your side
quote:
Michael Harris might be an Ohio State commit right now, but something is "tugging" on him.
That's the relationship he has with Auburn. The four-star linebacker from Tucker, Ga., was one of several big recruits at Big Cat Weekend on Saturday.
"What's keeping me from committing to Ohio State is Auburn," the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Harris said. "I feel like Auburn has put more time in me than Ohio State."
Harris' mother attended Big Cat Weekend as well.
"She loves it," Harris said. "This is where she wants me to go. It's close to home and she can be from point A to point B."
If Harris makes a commitment this summer, it will be to Auburn or Ohio State. So far, he has only visited Georgia, Auburn and Alabama. He's slated to visit Alabama during its camp beginning Sunday and is going to Ohio State later this month.
"I'm looking at the love and how people treat me and how people act, how the coaches act," Harris said. "I'm looking at everything.
"I've been to Auburn more and every time I come, I feel like I'm more and more loved. I've never visited Ohio State, so I don't know the area and how they give love. I'm waiting on June 17 on my visit to go up there."
On Auburn linebackers coach Travis Williams, he said, "(Williams) is a great dude and a great guy who brings a lot of energy into you."
Harris said Alabama is "heavy" on him. He's one of many big visitors scheduled to visit Alabama over the next few days, and he anticipates arriving in Tuscaloosa on Sunday.
"I've never really texted them or gave them the time of day because I liked Auburn and Ohio," Harris said. "If I go down there and have a great time and they show me life, love and family, they might be in the mix later in the process or sooner."
Always good to have momma on your side
Posted on 6/6/17 at 3:18 pm to TigerPaw1
After Big Cat Weekend, Hoover star WR Shedrick Jackson looking to commit soon (AL.com)
quote:
On Saturday at Big Cat Weekend in Auburn, Hoover star receiver Shedrick Jackson sounded like someone who was ready to commit.
But Jackson, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 200 pounds, didn't pull the trigger just yet.
A three-star recruit in the 247Sports composite, Jackson caught 43 passes for 661 yards and three touchdowns last season for the Class 7A state champion Buccaneers. He caught a 44-yard touchdown pass in the spring game against Park Crossing.
"It went great," Jackson said of Saturday's visit. "I had a lot of fun out here. I met a lot of new guys and created some new bonds.
"I talked to coach (Gus Malzahn) about it and where I stand with him and Auburn, coming out here. Things like that."
Jackson recently announced a top five of Auburn, Memphis, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech and Missouri. He does not claim a leader, but says he is looking at a commitment somewhere within the next two weeks.
Missouri is still in Jackson's mind since the Tigers just offered. He wants to make a trip up there and could even take an official visit there this fall even if he announces a commitment elsewhere within two weeks.
Jackson is the great-nephew of Bo Jackson, the Heisman Trophy winner in 1985, but that isn't the only reason Auburn sticks out.
"Just the top place it is, atmosphere around here, bond that coaches have with the players, it's great," Jackson said.
"I had a lot of fun. It was kind of like a junior day, but a lot more interaction and talking to other coaches and a bunch of other guys."
Jackson said he hung out with other receivers, including Central-Phenix City's Justyn Ross, Fort Valley, Ga., standout Kearis Jackson and four-star Schertz, Texas recruit Tommy Bush.
He also spent considerable time with Malzahn and assistants Kodi Burns, Chip Lindsey and Rodney Garner.
"They say they really want me here to be a Tiger," Jackson said. "It was pretty great."
Jackson said he isn't planning any visits between now and whenever he announces his commitment within the next two weeks.
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