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re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition
Posted on 7/25/17 at 9:57 pm to ellitor
Posted on 7/25/17 at 9:57 pm to ellitor
quote:
The bigger questions that pertain to Justin Fields
Q. How do you do this and focus on your senior season? Do you have any semblance of a leader in mind? Even privately?
A. “I would say there are two schools. There are two that are like tied.”
Q. How do you figure that out between those two?
A. “Just the on-field play and how the season goes for them?”
Q. What does your family want you to do?
A. “My stepmom wants me to go to Georgia. My Dad, he doesn’t care. He likes Georgia a lot. Just because of the distance. Florida State is also there with him. He likes what they have done with the recent quarterbacks. My mom she just really wants the best for me. My sister (Jaiden) I would say she wants me to go to Georgia. Just to go to school with her. That’s kind of her take on it.”
Q. What are you thinking right now about high school baseball or enrolling early?
A. “It depends on which college I go to. It depends on that college and what that quarterback situation is at that certain college. If I commit to a college where I could play freshman year or have a chance to, then I am probably going to graduate early to get the offense down. I might play a little bit of college baseball my second or third year just to kind of keep my skill set up for baseball.”
Q. Do you then have schools where you identify as an enroll early or a non-enroll early option?
A. Those would be Auburn and Florida State. Jarrett (Stidham) at Auburn and Deondre (Francois) at Florida State are potential draft picks if they have a great year this year. I can see them both going out for the draft if they have big years. But Georgia is a little iffy. That depends on how well Jacob (Eason) does this year.
Q. Does that seem like you might take a long time then to decide? To see how all those guys do?
A. No. I don’t think I am going to wait. Not a long time. I think I will probably commit after my five official visits. Well, you know actually I wouldn’t even say that. I will just say that I will commit when I know. I will just say that really.”
What else is Justin Fields looking for?
Q. In the past, we’ve discussed a 3-pronged formula for you. That’s academics, family input and relationships with your future coaches and teammates. Is that still it? Is there anything new or missing there?
A. “I would say at the end of the day that family matters. But you also have to look at what is best for you. You have to make some sacrifices. My Dad and I were talking about this yesterday. It may sound hard but at the end of the day (my family) will be fine if I go to Auburn, Georgia or Florida State. They will be fine with whatever school. They just want what is best for me. I would say it is kind of a mutual thing with me. You want to do what’s best for your family here but they want you what is best for you. I would just say that feeling is kind of mutual there.”
Q. Some of this will weigh on your brain and your heart and you just probably also want to go somewhere fun. I hear this with elite players and a tough decision. There are a lot of players you would have a lot of fun with in this class. It seems like you know a lot of guys that have a high interest in Georgia. … Does it seem like Georgia would be the most relationship-based school that you are considering?
A. “Yeah, I think that Georgia is definitely on top with the relationship base there. That’s the players around me and the coaches. I feel like I have the best relationships with them.”
Follow-up: The players on the current team also reach out to you on Twitter.
A. “Yeah, they do. That’s Richard (LeCounte III) and Jeremiah (Holloman) and those guys. But I would say Florida State here, too. I feel like with their current players I feel like I have a better relationship with their current players now at Florida State. But I feel like at Georgia I feel like I have a better relationship with the guys that could potentially go there.”
Q. What’s the balance there? How much of that is having to look at that as what is best for you and then balancing that with the tug to go play with all of your boys?
A. “I don’t think it would determine where I go. I mean it is not that hard to make friends. If you go in there and work hard and stay humble, I feel like you are going to be liked by the team. I think I have a better relationship with all the players who could potentially go to Georgia just because we all live in the same state and we see each other a little bit more. I guess that’s why I have a better relationship with those guys.”
The part I bolded sounds like he's talking about AU & looks important. It echoes what connected AU people have said on various message boards. He wouldn't have to wait to really see how the season goes for FSU or UGA. You know what you are getting with FSU and there ain't much changing there. You know what you are getting at UGA with Smart & he's pretty safe for now only being in his 2nd year as a HC.
This post was edited on 7/25/17 at 9:58 pm
2
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:01 pm to ellitor
That reads like he is all Georgia.
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:12 pm to ChexMix
quote:Only thing though is he said he has 2 tied at the top & his choice will depend on on field play & how the season goes for them. That means AU almost has to be one of the tied teams. He really doesn't have to see how the season goes for UGA & FSU as those 2 staffs are in a secure place right now. He also knows how UGA & FSU will play offensively. The only O he has to see how they play is AU & if we balance out our running attack with an explosive passing game.
That reads like he is all Georgia.
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:14 pm to ellitor
quote:
What else is Justin Fields looking for?
Q. In the past, we’ve discussed a 3-pronged formula for you. That’s academics, family input and relationships with your future coaches and teammates. Is that still it? Is there anything new or missing there?
quote:
Q. Some of this will weigh on your brain and your heart and you just probably also want to go somewhere fun. I hear this with elite players and a tough decision. There are a lot of players you would have a lot of fun with in this class. It seems like you know a lot of guys that have a high interest in Georgia. … Does it seem like Georgia would be the most relationship-based school that you are considering?
quote:
Follow-up: The players on the current team also reach out to you on Twitter.
Sentell leading him so hard. That dude is such a homer
Overall though I didn't get a lot of warm and fuzzies from article. Feels like UGA/FSU the top two
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:17 pm to TigerPaw1
So apparently Brevin White committed to Princeton
That's the 4* QB AU was expected to pursue if they missed on Fields
That's the 4* QB AU was expected to pursue if they missed on Fields
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:21 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:Personally I think most of it fluff besides the bolded points & how I read them at least. lol
Overall though I didn't get a lot of warm and fuzzies from article. Feels like UGA/FSU the top two
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:23 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:I've heard AU is taking a harder look at Steven Kryjewski after his camp performance the other day.
So apparently Brevin White committed to Princeton
That's the 4* QB AU was expected to pursue if they missed on Fields
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:23 pm to ellitor
It also said his momma likes UGA.
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:24 pm to ellitor
quote:
Steven Kryjewski
Chip loves them Colquitt boys
He's a solid player. There's a lot of good QB talent in GA. Personally I really like Demarcus Irons who recently transferred to Grayson but from what I can tell he hasn't gotten any D1 offers so apparently I am missing something
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:26 pm to TigerPaw1
KN says 4* WR Anthony Schwartz is visiting this weekend. He plans on stopping by AU, Tennessee & UGA. UF was thought to be his leader but Jamarr Chase might have taken his spot. They are loading up right now and might not have space. Sounds like AU/UGA might be the #2 teams
Personally I would rather have Matthew Hill, Justyn Ross and Seth Williams over Schwartz but if he wants to jump on board then I think you take him
Personally I would rather have Matthew Hill, Justyn Ross and Seth Williams over Schwartz but if he wants to jump on board then I think you take him
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:29 pm to ellitor
I think you are stretching a bit with your interpretation. To me he is saying that UGA and Fl. St. lead and what will make the difference between those two teams is how they play next year.
This post was edited on 7/25/17 at 10:30 pm
Posted on 7/25/17 at 10:53 pm to ThaiTiger24
Hard to read that and not see UGA and FSU as his top two easily. The only silver lining would be that it was a UGA article with biased questions and his seeming propensity to tell everyone what they want to hear. Not looking good though. Need Cam to pull one last miracle for AU
Posted on 7/26/17 at 6:28 am to RandySavage
Nawh, reads like a smart kid not wanting to name a team. Instead of being led around by a beat writer to name or narrow his selection down, he circled the wagons (Mom, Dad, Sis, Friends, AU, FSU, and UGA) and said nothing to indicate his choice and jeopardize his career (or any coach anywhere). Makes me want the kid even more.
Posted on 7/26/17 at 6:57 am to awestruck
Not sure if this has been posted or not but KN says Coynis Miller is probably not going to decide in August. Sounds like Florida visit got him thinking
Posted on 7/26/17 at 7:00 am to TigerPaw1
Catching up on some articles
Impact Analysis: Jamien Sherwood commitment (247)
Impact Analysis: Jamien Sherwood commitment (247)
quote:
Who: Three-star safety Jamien Sherwood.
When: Sherwood publicly committed Monday morning. He silently committed to the Tigers last Saturday at the Auburn recruit cookout.
The 247Sports Crystal Ball nailed this pick. Auburn got 90 percent of the 20 predictions.
The first pick for Auburn came July, 2017. It was made by AuburnUndercover’s Keith Niebuhr.
The Tigers offered Jackson on April 6. He visited them for the first time two days later. He later would visit June 3 for Big Cat Weekend and again last weekend.
Florida, Miami and Michigan also were schools that were factors in his recruitment.
The Tigers seemed to make him a higher priority than the others, and ultimately that was the difference.
What: Sherwood is ranked as the No. 33 safety in the country, according to the industry generated 247Sports Composite. He is No. 397 overall and No. 63 in Florida.
His rating: 87.96 (90.00 is a 4-star).
247Sports likes Jackson slightly less than the industry right now. We have him as the No. 44 safety and with an 87 rating.
Sherwood is listed at 6-feet-2, 195 pounds.
He is 2018 commitment No. 11 for Auburn. The Tigers moved up eight spots from No. 38 to No. 30 in the 247Sports recruiting team rankings with his verbal.
Where: Sherwood plays at Jensen Beach (Fla.)
Why it’s important: The Tigers have a great need on the back end of the defense in this recruiting cycle and Sherwood has been a high priority since the spring. He'll add great size, length and athleticism to the secondary.
Along with another Auburn safety commit, Quindarious Monday, the Tigers now have two players similar in size in the class.
Although Sherwood lives in the Treasure Coast area of Florida, he's basically in south Florida -- a talent-rich region where it's always nice to have a presence. This will help with Auburn's presence in that region as Sherwood is a fairly well-known player.
Keith's video review: Sherwood plays both ways for his high school team and a lot of his highlights are from the offensive side of the ball, where he lines up at receiver and in the backfield a lot. Even in his offensive clips, though, one can see why a college team would like him at safety. Sherwood is big, phyical and quick. He accelerates extremely well, and blows past and through tacklers. You certainly see traits that would serve him well at safety. In defensive clips, we see a powerful tackler who can stick with receivers and shed blocks. Additionally, you have to like his ball skills -- and what he can do after making an interception. With his size, Sherwood looks like a strong safety. He's someone you can stick in the box to attack the run, too. Another plus: He appears to have really good instincts. One final thing: He's also proven to be a very strong punt returner in high school. Especially for someone his size. Regarding that body, one key will be not getting too big moving forward.
Final thoughts: A player's ranking often determines how fans feel about a commitment. But while Sherwood is only a 3-star, we can assure you Auburn has placed a much higher value on him that that. Sherwood truly is someone the Tigers believe is built to patrol the secondary and make a major impact in the SEC. They also love his personality and coachability. Simply put, Auburn thinks it landed a gem, according to our sources.
Posted on 7/26/17 at 7:00 am to awestruck
Two tied at the top. But mentions three teams. IMHO, the two teams are Auburn and UGA. How each of our seasons go is the key. However, never count FSU out especially with DQ there. I never remember us beating them for a national recruit.
Posted on 7/26/17 at 7:01 am to TigerPaw1
Florida OT hopes to earn Auburn offer (247)
Holy crap that is big dude
quote:
During last Friday’s high school camp at Auburn, Nick Lewis and his 6-feet-9, 350-pound frame stood out.
The 3-star offensive tackle hopes his play will do the same.
It’s no mystery Auburn needs an offensive tackle or two in the 2018 class and Lewis, who plays at Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles, wants to impress the Tigers.
As he competed under the direction of offensive line coach Herb Hand at camp, Tigers coach Gus Malzahn spent part of his time watching Lewis, both in agility drills and one-on-ones.
Lewis didn’t leave for home with an offer, but he was encouraged by what he heard.
“Coach Hand told me he was going to watch my first two games — he said they want to see those games,” Lewis said.
According to Lewis, the No. 34 tackle nationally in the 247Sports rankings, he claims 23 offers. But if one came from Auburn, it would be a potential game-changer.
“I love it here,” he said. “It’s the SEC, I love Coach Hand, I love Coach Malzahn. It has all the components I am looking for in a school. It would put them right in my top group.”
If he’s going to score an Auburn offer, Lewis has work to do. He admitted as much.
“I did okay (in the camp),” Lewis said. “I did really good in the run blocking. But I’ve got to get better in pass blocking. That’s something I’ll be working on.”
Holy crap that is big dude
Posted on 7/26/17 at 7:04 am to TigerPaw1
BREAKING: Michael Harris commits to Auburn over Ohio State, Georgia (247)
quote:
AUBURN, Ala. — Michael Harris saw everything he needed to see.
The 4-star linebacker from Tucker (Ga.) has visited Auburn on multiple occasions, but his lifelong love for Ohio State kept Harris waiting. His wait has ended after an overnight visit to the Plains last weekend.
On Monday, Harris committed to Auburn in favor of Ohio State and Georgia. Harris is the Tigers’ 10th commitment in the 2018 class.
His relationship with linebackers coach Travis Williams made all the difference.
“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 his most recent visit. “After me texting coach T-Will, man, he gives me the same amount of love every time or even more. When I come visit, 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.”
Throughout the spring, Auburn pursued Harris as one of its top linebacker targets despite knowing his Ohio State fandom.
That persistence made all the difference. Ohio State has been in the game for some of the nation’s top linebackers, and Harris admitted after Big Cat Weekend that it could affect the linebacker spots available for the Buckeyes.
Auburn prioritized Harris from the get-go, so the Tigers didn’t have that problem. Now they have the nation’s No. 11 inside linebacker committed in the class.
With Harris’ commitment, Auburn jumps to No. 36 in the team rankings with roughly 10 or so spots left to fill. Harris is the first linebacker commitment in the 2018 class, but keep an eye on Zakoby McClain, Quay Walker, JJ Peterson and a few others as potential future additions
Posted on 7/26/17 at 7:05 am to TigerPaw1
Top safety target Jamien Sherwood set to decide between Auburn, 3 other schools (SECCountry)
quote:
Top safety target to announce decision
Decision day has arrived for top Auburn safety target Jamien Sherwood.
The 3-star defensive back from Jensen Beach, Fla., will finalize his college decision at noon ET on Tuesday. His decision will come down to four schools — Auburn, Florida, Michigan and Oregon. Sherwood has visited Auburn and Florida three times each, though he said after the Tigers’ cookout that he could visit Florida again this week with his brother (somewhat dependent on his announcement timeline).
The dark horse candidates are Oregon and Michigan. Sherwood told SEC Country one of his strongest relationships is with the Oregon staff. Also, he visited Ann Arbor on his own dime and has contemplated a follow-up trip, as well.
Here is what Sherwood had to say about his four finalists.
Auburn: “The people. It’s the people in town. Not just the fans, but people on campus, how good they are to random strangers. Everybody waves.”
Florida: “Florida has always been one of my top schools, and I’ve visited there more than anywhere else.”
Oregon: “With Oregon, me and Coach [Charles] Clark — the corner coach — we’ve got a great relationship. I just love Oregon.”
Michigan: “Michigan, Coach Don Brown has a great defensive scheme for me and the position he’s recruiting me for. I really like his defense a lot.
Sherwood’s decision comes two days after he left his third Auburn visit in three months. Because of the timing, the common sense pick is for Sherwood to the Tigers, which is what my Crystal Ball prediction has been for the last 10 days, and that’s where it will stay.
Florida is the biggest threat since he has visited regularly, plus the Gators have the in-state pull. Michigan has been able to get Sherwood on campus, and the Wolverines intrigue Sherwood. He’s talked in the past about the possibility of getting to Ann Arbor for another visit, though his Tuesday decision might alter some of those plans. As for Oregon, Sherwood has yet to visit the Ducks, but — as has been the case with many prospects — there is a south Florida connection between prospects and the new Oregon staff that can’t be overlooked.
Whoever gets Sherwood is landing one of the most versatile prospects in the country. Auburn wants him to fill out the Tigers’ safety class alongside Kolbi Fuqua and Quindarious Monday.
This post was edited on 7/26/17 at 7:07 am
Posted on 7/26/17 at 7:06 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
My thoughts on Michael Harris
With Sherwood’s announcement pending, Auburn could have back-to-back monster days of recruiting.
The Tigers landed a commitment Monday from 4-star linebacker Michael Harris from Tucker (Ga.). LB coach Travis Williams deserves such high praise for his ability to reel in Harris who grew up an Ohio State fan and visited the Buckeyes in June. In the end, Ohio State had too many linebacker targets for the spots available, and Harris ended up as the odd-man out.
Don’t expect Harris to forget that.
This is a guy who plays with an intensity level and charisma akin to what Auburn fans will remember of Williams’ playing days. Williams prioritized Harris — the No. 11-ranked LB in the nation — as one of Auburn’s top linebacker targets since the beginning of the recruiting cycle. The Tigers knew they just needed to weather the Buckeyes storm.
That happened, which resulted in Auburn scoring a sideline-to-sideline linebacker.
So far, Williams has had four linebackers commit to the Tigers since he’s been on staff — TD Moultry, KJ Britt, Chandler Wooten and Harris. That’s an impressive bunch of linebackers, and Williams is just getting started.
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