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re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:00 am to TigerPaw1
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:00 am to TigerPaw1
Rodney Garner lays out wish list on defensive line in Class of 2018 (SECCountry)
Curious about that 260 lbs comment. I know Fox recently posted he was up to 240 but 20 more lbs would be a lot. The Caleb Johnson note is interesting as well. Haven't heard much about him and judging by his visits, Tennessee looks like team to beat. No idea who that mystery recruit might be
quote:
Rodney Garner’s D-line recruiting plan
There is what Rodney Garner wants and there is what Garner will receive.
Auburn’s defensive line coach has been blessed with a 10-deep group the last two football seasons. He has no plans to stop the trend. The 2017 recruiting class brought in three more potential contributors — Markaviest Bryant, Alec Jackson and Tyrone Truesdell.
While final numbers haven’t been guaranteed in the Class of 2018, Garner won’t shy away from being greedy. He wants as many linemen as coach Gus Malzahn will give him.
“I’d like to sign like six. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to get six. That would be a dream world for me. But I’m praying for five. But six would be awesome,” Garner said. “That would be what I want. I’m not saying that’s what I’m getting. Right now, that’s not what I have. It’s not allocated right now. Right now, it’s probably going to be more like five.”
Garner already has one defensive lineman secured in the class: Daquan Newkirk.
Newkirk has been committed to Auburn since he failed to qualify out of high school. He’s gone the junior college route, and both sides have honored their commitment to one another. Newkirk is a 290-pound recruit who will be an interior lineman for the Tigers.
So, with one interior spot secured, what else would Garner like to add?
“I’d love to get three inside and three outside. That would be a wish list, one of those being inside right now,” Garner said.
Let’s assume Garner’s low-ball wish happens. That means the Tigers land five recruits, likely three inside and two edge rushers.
The most likely defensive tackle with Auburn right now is Coynis Miller. He has wavered about committing before the season or after, but his most recent announcement appears to be favoring the latter. The wait likely hurts the Tigers, but Auburn should still feel like it’s in solid position with Miller.
Garner isn’t able to publicly comment on specific recruits, at least by name. But he did make an intriguing mention of one prospect who he believes Auburn is in solid contention to land.
“I’ve got a kid that I feel like we’re real close to getting that could actually, probably be like a hybrid early on, so he could play like a strongside end because he’s about 260 [pounds] right now,” Garner said. “He’s got great length, great hips, some initial quickness. I like his toughness. He can play end early on, but with him being 260 now, he’s probably going to be like 290 or 300 and could possibly move into a three-technique and you’ve got more of the athletic D-linemen. That would be perfect for me if I were to get him with the other two inside guys.”
Potential names to remember among pure defensive tackles: Miller, Jalen Cunningham, Tramel Walthour and Timaje Porter.
Based on Garner’s comments, it sounds like the Mystery Versatile Prospect above would go alongside Newkirk and one of the four choices above (in that order).
But the Mystery Versatile Prospect caught my attention, mainly because of the obscurity of the profile Garner provided.
One name to watch that hasn’t been mentioned much who closely fits that description is Caleb Johnson, a 3-star defensive end from Northside (Ga.). Johnson is listed as a weakside defensive lineman at 6-4 and 250 pounds, but it’s certainly possible his weight has increased since the last documentation.
It’s worth nothing Johnson has a pinned tweet at the top of his page personally thanking Garner for giving him the offer in May. Johnson also received official offers from Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, LSU and Louisville.
Again, that’s just me putting my detective hat on to read into what Garner said.
That also leaves the outside linemen Garner covets.
“Then try to get two really dynamic-type guys that can affect the game as speed rushers. Then one other strongside end-type guy that can really play on the tight end,” Garner said.
The top two edge rushers of interest are Richard Jibunor, who could be close to committing, and Georgia commit Caleb Tannor. Flipping Tannor won’t be easy, but he’s likely to shop around a little bit this fall, especially with Auburn.
But assuming Jibunor lands with the Tigers, there still would be room for a strongside end. Andres Fox is No. 1 choice there, but he might be trending elsewhere at this time. If the Tigers were to miss, Kayode Oladele would be a viable secondary option.
Curious about that 260 lbs comment. I know Fox recently posted he was up to 240 but 20 more lbs would be a lot. The Caleb Johnson note is interesting as well. Haven't heard much about him and judging by his visits, Tennessee looks like team to beat. No idea who that mystery recruit might be
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Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:01 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Jerome Carvin changes timetable
Auburn would like to add another offensive tackle or two in the Class of 2018, if possible.
Jerome Carvin has always had the Tigers on his radar. Now, it appears his change in plans could help Auburn.
Carvin originally planned to commit prior to the season, announcing last week that a decision was roughly a week away. If the decision were to have come then, it likely would’ve been Alabama or Tennessee.
But he opted to push it back to give him time for official visits to multiple schools.
“Instead, I’ll take all 5 of my official visits and decide from there,” Carvin wrote.
In the past, Carvin said this about the Tigers: “Auburn is definitely high for me. I’ll be taking a closer look at them for sure.” Now, it will be Auburn’s task to get Carvin on campus for an official visit. Carvin’s top 10 schools include Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Memphis, Michigan, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Arkansas.
If Auburn can land one of Carvin’s five official visits, don’t count out the Tigers.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:01 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Justin Fields shines yet again
Forgive me for stating the obvious: Justin Fields can flat-out ball.
The No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the nation scrimmaged Friday night and created his typical buzz. Fields combined to throw and run for 4 touchdowns and delivered multiple how-did-he-do-that plays.
SEC Country was there to film every snap Fields took. Check it out here:
LINK
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:03 am to TigerPaw1
Offensive projection: Auburn’s 2018 class will load up at wide receiver (SECCountry)
quote:
There have been several adjustments from my last projection, which in many cases, is much to the chagrin of Auburn fans. The projection below has 11 prospects joining the class on offense, including six 4-star targets and five 3-star recruits.
My quarterback and running back projections have removed a few highly-touted names. At tight end, one player was exchanged for another. The wide receivers and offensive line remained the same. But there could be more changes to come as the football season fast approaches.
Tune back in Tuesday for the defensive projection.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:03 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Quarterback (1): 4-star Joey Gatewood (Jacksonville, Fla.)
No more Justin Fields in the Auburn projection.
It probably should’ve been that way last month when, in a three-day span, I published a prediction story with Fields to Auburn and placed a Crystal Ball pick for Fields to Georgia. The latter decision is the one I stand by now, and it’s the one I expect to see come to fruition when he decides within what I expect to be the next month.
So does Auburn try to do anything else at quarterback? For now, I expect them to ride with Gatewood. The Tigers said in the spring their plan was to take two quarterbacks, but that also coincided with the staff’s choice to offer Fields, who has turned into the top prospects in the country.
As of now, Auburn has only offered six quarterbacks in the class: Gatewood, Fields, Jack West (Stanford commit), Emory Jones (Ohio State commit), Dakereon Joyner (South Carolina commit) and Gerry Bohanon. Jones is the most likely next option to chase, but that doesn’t seem like a fruitful opportunity.
Unless a new name emerges, Gatewood will be the one.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:04 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Running back (1): 3-star Shaun Shivers (Hollywood, Fla.)
This one might ruffle some feathers, but it’s my best guess at this time.
The last projection had three running backs in the class, but I’ve removed Dameon Pierce and Harold Joiner. Pierce surprised last week when he committed to Florida despite saying he’d wait until after his senior season to decide. The choice of Florida wasn’t nearly as surprising as the decision to do it now.
As for Joiner, SEC Country’s Sam Spiegelman recently reported Joiner has LSU back on top. Joiner has been a mystery for most of the summer, but it’s becoming clear he isn’t likely to land with Auburn.
So where do the Tigers turn? There is time for evaluation. With Alaric Williams not qualifying — and the potential of losing Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson to the NFL draft after this season — Auburn may be forced to take a second running back in the class, even if it’s someone the Tigers wouldn’t have planned to take otherwise.
But Auburn feels strongly about the future at the position with Devan Barrett and JaTarvious Whitlow. He may only be 5-foot-5, but by my current estimation, Shaun Shivers will carry the weight of the entire running back room in the 2018 class.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:04 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Wide receiver (4): 4-star Justyn Ross (Phenix City, Ala.), 4-star Seth Williams (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), 4-star Matthew Hill (Snellville, Ga.), 3-star Shedrick Jackson (Hoover, Ala.)
This positional projection sticks by the one from last month.
Shedrick Jackson is already a member of the class, and that won’t change. Matthew Hill has been on commit watch for the entire summer, it seems like, but don’t let that wait concern you. Hill likely will land in Auburn’s class within the next week or two.
The two least likely in this group are Ross and Williams.
Ross is right in Auburn’s backyard, but there’s a chance he ends up in Tuscaloosa. Williams is in Alabama’s backyard, but there’s a chance he ends up in Auburn. In the end, I think the Tigers surprise by securing both in the Class of 2018.
Williams’ decision likely will come much sooner than Ross. Alabama is running out of space at wide receiver — partially based on its wait for Ross — and Williams isn’t as willing to wait all the way until National Signing Day. In a battle between Ole Miss and Auburn, it’s a no-contest for the Tigers.
Ross seems like the long shot now compared to Williams, which is a shift in narrative.
But here’s why I think the Tigers steal him: Auburn’s offense and Jarrett Stidham.
The quarterback was officially named the starter Monday. I expect that to be Point A of Stidham’s season-long rewrite of Auburn’s passing game. When Ross sees what the Tigers can do in the first season under Chip Lindsey, that will be what keeps the No. 1 prospect in the state of Alabama close to home.
If Auburn misses on Ross, the Tigers might only take three at the position.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:05 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Tight end (1): 3-star Michael Parker (Huntsville, Ala.)
This position creates the most head-scratching in these projections.
Auburn hasn’t zeroed in a clear-cut top option in this class. But I’ll explain how I arrived at Michael Parker to Auburn. This is a slight changeup from Tyneil Hopper’s extended run at the projected tight end, which could return if Auburn likes what it sees from Hopper in the 2017 season.
Parker was offered by Auburn in the spring, which made the Tigers a top option. But Alabama offered soon after, and the Crimson Tide — the school he has family ties to — became the perceived leaders.
But Alabama missed on its top tight-end option in Dominick Wood-Anderson. He was a junior college prospect who likely would’ve forced the Crimson Tide to take an incoming freshman, too. Now Alabama likely turns to Luke Ford, who I expect lands in the Crimson Tide class.
As a result, that probably would turn Parker toward Auburn.
Don’t think of it as Auburn taking Alabama’s scraps, though. Both coaching staffs have a high opinion of Parker, who has the size to contribute early.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:05 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Offensive line (4): 4-star Dylan Wonnum (Tucker, Ga.), 4-star Tank Jenkins (Montgomery, Ala.), 3-star Jalil Irvin (Stone Mountain, Ga.), 3-star Kameron Stutts (Killen, Ala.)
Herb Hand spoke at assistant coach media day and gave a clear understanding of what to expect with the rest of the recruiting class. On top of what Auburn already has (Stutts and Irvin), the Tigers would like to add one or two tackles and one interior lineman.
So to fill those 2-3 spots, look at these players: Badara Traore, Dylan Wonnum, William Barnes, Richard Gouraige, Trey Hill and Tank Jenkins.
Dylan Wonnum-South Carolina recruiting
Auburn OL target Dylan Wonnum is considered one of the nation’s top 10 tackles. (Hale McGranahan/SEC Country)
The first four on that list fit into the tackles category. Barnes and Gouraige almost seem like locks to land at Florida. So Auburn will look closely at Traore and Wonnum to close out the tackle class, unless a new name emerges.
Traore has taken only one official visit, and that was to Auburn, but he plans to take four more. I’m inclined to believe it hurts the Tigers’ chances that Traore will officially visit some of his other schools during the football season for games.
But Wonnum’s decision to wait out the football season will assist Auburn if the Tigers have a strong season. He has seemed all South Carolina, but the patience is Auburn’s doing. Once the Tigers have a solid season, they’ll become the leader to land him.
On the interior, Hill is the one Auburn wants. He will make his decision at the end of the season, but I expect Georgia to land him, though my opinion could change rapidly. As for Jenkins, he’s been placed on the back burner for now, but if the Tigers miss on Hill, he’d be the immediate backup plan, and I’d anticipate he’d commit this time.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:40 am to AA7
Nice.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 8:55 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
No more Justin Fields in the Auburn projection.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:04 am to TheJones
I love you too, BROTHER!
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:06 am to TigerPaw1
Where are our "insiders" now? They are full of sh$%
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:18 am to ThaiTiger24
KN hinting that a commitment could be coming very soon. Specifically says it's not Fields related and has to be purposefully vague as to not burn sources or ruin moment for kid
My bet is we finally get Matthew Hill on board
My bet is we finally get Matthew Hill on board
Posted on 8/15/17 at 9:52 am to TigerPaw1
Nice bet. Hasn't been any scuttlebut about anyone else, so I will second your pick.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 11:19 am to ThaiTiger24
quote:They haven't budged 1 bit. I'm not going to update every time they say the same thing. They still feel we lead & per 2 of them who have connections to FSU's staff supposedly the FSU staff still feels we lead.
Where are our "insiders" now? They are full of sh$%
This post was edited on 8/15/17 at 11:37 am
Posted on 8/15/17 at 11:43 am to ellitor
Glad to see you have developed your sense of humor, and learned how to display a backbone.
Your gif above was perfect.
Your gif above was perfect.
Posted on 8/15/17 at 12:03 pm to TigerPaw1
KN had a quick nugget on 4* DT Coynis Miller. Says his best source still believes AU is the leader but far from a lock. UF has made this a real battle and Bama is always a threat. No timetable on commitment
Posted on 8/15/17 at 12:13 pm to TigerPaw1
KN also put his Take 5 for the week. Basically five notes on AU recruiting each week. Here's summary
- Still a tossup for 4* RB Asa Martin. KN says AU's confidence has grown in recent weeks, a big reason being Martin's relationship with Chip Lindsey. However, Bama also still feels good. KN says he has even heard AU might have the lead. As it stands now though, it's not clear either way so KN will stick with his original CB pick until he hears something more solid
- KN expects 4* WR Matthew Hill to commit soon, possibly this week. He's playing Archer to start the season which has some good secondary players and KN will be there for the game
- Apparently right now is the best AU has felt about landing 4* WR Seth Williams. Jason Caldwell told KN early in the recruiting cycle that Williams struck him as an AU kid. Williams and his family are really close with AU's staff specifically Kodi Burns. Williams is expected to be at AU's opener. However, you can never count out Bama especially given he's in their backyard but as of today AU is looking really good for Williams
- KN isn't sure who Garner is talking about when it comes to the 260 lb mystery player he thinks will commit soon. KN thought maybe it was Andres Fox who might be closer to that weight now than his listed 232 lbs. However, a source close to Fox said he doesn't think Fox is close to making a decision. Says he will keep digging
- If darkness descends and Justin Fields doesn't commit to AU, KN says to watch out for 3* QB Steven Krajewski. He plays at Colquitt County (Rush Propst) and apparently impressed at camp this summer. Apparently we have told him he could be a target if we don't get Fields
- Still a tossup for 4* RB Asa Martin. KN says AU's confidence has grown in recent weeks, a big reason being Martin's relationship with Chip Lindsey. However, Bama also still feels good. KN says he has even heard AU might have the lead. As it stands now though, it's not clear either way so KN will stick with his original CB pick until he hears something more solid
- KN expects 4* WR Matthew Hill to commit soon, possibly this week. He's playing Archer to start the season which has some good secondary players and KN will be there for the game
- Apparently right now is the best AU has felt about landing 4* WR Seth Williams. Jason Caldwell told KN early in the recruiting cycle that Williams struck him as an AU kid. Williams and his family are really close with AU's staff specifically Kodi Burns. Williams is expected to be at AU's opener. However, you can never count out Bama especially given he's in their backyard but as of today AU is looking really good for Williams
- KN isn't sure who Garner is talking about when it comes to the 260 lb mystery player he thinks will commit soon. KN thought maybe it was Andres Fox who might be closer to that weight now than his listed 232 lbs. However, a source close to Fox said he doesn't think Fox is close to making a decision. Says he will keep digging
- If darkness descends and Justin Fields doesn't commit to AU, KN says to watch out for 3* QB Steven Krajewski. He plays at Colquitt County (Rush Propst) and apparently impressed at camp this summer. Apparently we have told him he could be a target if we don't get Fields
Posted on 8/15/17 at 12:21 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
- If darkness descends and Justin Fields doesn't commit to AU, KN says to watch out for 3* QB Steven Krajewski. He plays at Colquitt County (Rush Propst) and apparently impressed at camp this summer. Apparently we have told him he could be a target if we don't get Fields
Would be a waste of a scholarship, IMO. If we don't get Fields, we get Bo Nix next year. Already have Gatewood this year. Either get an elite QB, or just use that scholarship for another position.
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