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re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:48 pm to jrljr
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:48 pm to jrljr
Because this article is super long just gonna do a post for each player, so get ready for a bunch of posts
Auburn recruiting: Top 10 offensive prospects in 2018 class (SECCountry)
Auburn recruiting: Top 10 offensive prospects in 2018 class (SECCountry)
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Auburn’s offensive foundation is set. Now it’s time to build.
The Tigers earned a commitment last week from 4-star offensive guard Jalil Irvin who became Auburn’s fourth commitment in the 2018 recruiting class. Irvin joined Shaun Shivers and Joey Gatewood among offensive commitments. Auburn still has plenty of work to do this cycle, which will include several more additions on the offensive side of the ball.
Here’s a look at the 10 offensive prospects Auburn wants most.
1
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:49 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star OT William Barnes, Apopka (Fla.)
Ranking: No. 8 offensive tackle, No. 17 in Florida, No. 67 overall
Skinny: Barnes is one of two offensive tackles in the top 70 who Auburn is recruiting hard. There might not be the firepower at the position like there was last class with Alex Leatherwood, Walker Little, Isaiah Wilson and others, but Barnes is as close as you’re going to find in the 2018 class. Barnes recently manhandled opponents at the Orlando Under Armour camp. Auburn has him atop its offensive line wish list.
Barnes originally planned to attend Auburn’s junior day in March, but instead he will return later for a more personalized visit.
“Definitely the way it feels out there. When I’m on the Auburn campus, it just feels like I’m in college. The town and the people are always great,” Barnes told SEC Country. “It’s just a great place to be in.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:49 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star WR Jacob Copeland, Pine Forest (Fla.)
Ranking: No. 9 wide receiver, No. 10 in Florida, No. 45 overall
Skinny: Copeland attended Auburn’s first junior day in January, which showed his priority for the Tigers and his high interest in Auburn. A quick glance at Copeland’s Crystal Ball shows the three Florida schools are the predicted destination points for Copeland, but don’t count out Auburn. Copeland has a stronger relationship with Kodi Burns than any other coach in the country — that will play heavily in the Tigers’ favor.
Plus, quarterback commit Joey Gatewood is adamant Copeland will be one of his receivers.
“Just by listening to Joey, I know he’s not going to tell me no false information. He’s going get to it straight,” Copeland told SEC Country. “A lot of players would want you to go with them just to join, but I know Joey better than that. I know he’s going to give me straight information.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:50 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star OT Richard Gouriage, Cambridge Christian (Fla.)
Ranking: No. 6 offensive tackle, No. 15 in Florida, No. 61 overall
Skinny: Gouriage joins Barnes as a top-70 offensive lineman and Auburn really, really wants. He’s ranked slightly ahead of Barnes. They’re both studs. Gouriage can play offensive line or defensive line, but most college programs — if not all — project him as one of the top offensive tackles in the nation.
He hasn’t narrowed down his recruitment much, and Gouriage is being recruited by all the top schools nationally. He has plenty of decisions ahead of him, but Auburn has a strong chance of being in the mix.
“I mean all the schools are the same really,” he told Jeff Sentell of DawgNation. “They all have the academics. It is just the different cultures and the atmospheres there.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:51 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star WR Matthew Hill, Brookwood (Ga.)
Ranking: No. 28 wide receiver, No. 16 in Georgia, No. 149 overall
Skinny: The last time Hill was on the Plains, he was donning full Auburn gear head-to-toe. That may have just been courtesy by one of the top Auburn receiver targets in this cycle, but it’s positive news for the Tigers nonetheless that a top target wore full Auburn garb for his campus visit. Hill’s list of offers is seemingly endless so he’ll have plenty of choices to make, but Auburn is right up there.
Expect the Tigers to be in it until the end for Hill.
“It’s just a great spot to be in,” Hill said. “They’re about family. No matter if you’re injured or not, they’re still going to treat you like you’re their son. They’re always going to be there for you. It’s just a good coaching staff in general.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:52 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star TE Tyneil Hopper, Roswell (Ga.)
Ranking: No. 11 tight end, No. 25 in Georgia, No. 261 overall
Skinny: Hopper was the first recruit on campus hosted by new tight ends coach Larry Porter. Hopper and Porter had a prior relationship at North Carolina, where Hopper’s older brother is a linebacker for the Tar Heels. As of now, North Carolina is the perceived favorite to land Hopper, but Auburn’s chances already were high and grew significantly with the addition of Porter.
Hopper also has a close friendship with Auburn early enrollee quarterback Malik Willis. The two played high school football together at Roswell High in Georgia.
“Auburn wants me to play H-back, on the line tight end and they actually want me to split out wide. They want me to be a transition guy, a hybrid type of person,” Hopper said. “I got to talk to Coach Porter. He was talking to me about he wants me to get better as far as blocking a little bit better. I know I need to work on that too.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:52 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star ATH Kearis Jackson, Peach County (Ga.)
Ranking: No. 5 athlete, No. 14 in Georgia, No. 139 overall
Skinny: Kearis Jackson visited the Plains on Feb. 25, which included a weekend with Auburn coaches and players. Jackson is a Peach State prospect and Auburn would love to scoop him away from Georgia despite the fact all of his Crystal Ball selections favor the Bulldogs. Jackson has admitted Georgia has a slight advantage because that’s the school he’s visited most.
But he sees Auburn as a realistic option.
“Auburn sees me as a speedy guy,” Jackson told Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports. “They see me as a guy that they can put in motion, toss the ball to and let him make a play. Throw a quick screen, let me make a play. With them getting a new quarterback, I can actually fit into that offense.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:53 pm to TigerPaw1
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3-star RB Harold Joiner, Mountain Brook (Ala.)
Ranking: No. 19 running back, No. 11 in Alabama, No. 368 overall
Skinny: Joiner is a big, physical running back who is beginning to blow up on the recruiting trail. Auburn plays a key role in that breakout when Auburn and Ole Miss became the first Power 5 programs to offer Joiner last fall. All the top schools in the country have joined the party since, most recently — and notably — LSU.
Joiner received his LSU offer when he visited Louisiana last weekend for a recruiting camp in New Orleans. It appears it’ll be an Auburn-LSU battle for the running back from Birmingham.
“I just feel like I would fit good if I would go here,” Joiner said.
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:53 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star RB Asa Martin, Austin (Ala.)
Ranking: No. 9 running back, No. 7 in Alabama, No. 222 overall
Skinny: Martin likely is Chip Lindsey’s go-to guy at running back in the 2018 class. Auburn is expected to take multiple players at the position, but per usual, the Tigers have a feature preference. That appears to be Martin for now. Martin has returned to Austin High after spending a brief time at IMG Academy (Fla.). He left because of homesickness.
When Martin visited for junior day in January, he didn’t have an Auburn offer. He picked that up in short order, and Auburn became one of the instant favorites to land him.
“They tell me that they really like me as a running back,” Martin told SEC Country. “They’re doing a couple new things on offense this year to get the running backs’ hands in the passing game a little more. I really like that.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:54 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star WR Justyn Ross, Central (Ala.)
Ranking: No. 4 wide receiver, No. 1 in Alabama, No. 28 overall
Skinny: On Auburn’s list of overall prospects, Ross likely sits at the top. Part of that is because of proximity. Part of that is because of Ross’ undeniable talent. Auburn whiffed on Central High prospect Markail Benton last cycle who signed with Alabama. The Tigers can’t afford to miss on the products from the local high school in back-to-back recruiting cycles.
That’s why Kodi Burns has made Ross such a high priority. Ross has been on Auburn’s campus regularly in 2017, including junior days and a recent trip for a softball game.
Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and other are chasing him, but Auburn might be in the driver’s seat.
Posted on 3/14/17 at 6:54 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star WR Seth Williams, Paul W. Bryant (Ala.)
Ranking: No. 27 wide receiver, No. 4 in Alabama, No. 146 overall
Skinny: Justyn Ross is to Auburn as Seth Williams is to Tuscaloosa. Williams sits right in Alabama’s backyard, which is why the Crimson Tide are the most likely destination for the tall, lanky wide receiver. Williams almost committed earlier this year — which was most likely going to be Florida State — but he opted to hold off to do a little more research on all his desired schools.
Auburn is playing from behind for Williams, but that won’t stop the Tigers from trying to steal one away from the Crimson Tide.
“Yeah, I’m going to let the right school fit for me,” Williams said. “If I know it, I’m going to know it. If the right school is the fit for me, I’m going to know it.”
Posted on 3/14/17 at 9:00 pm to TigerPaw1
Elite pass rusher Markaviest Bryant 'ready to get to work' at Auburn (AL.com)
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As a four-star prospect and the No. 14 weak-side defensive end in the 247Sports Composite, Markaviest Bryant was one of the top recruits Auburn reeled in on National Signing Day Feb. 1.
Now he's ready to back up the hype.
Earlier this month Bryant enjoyed a pressure-free visit to the Plains, his first since signing his National Letter of Intent with the Tigers.
"One thing I can say is they treat me the same way," he said. "It's all family, and I'm glad I picked to be here. It's nothing different."
During his time on campus Bryant watched Auburn's first spring practice in pads and came away impressed with defensive line coach Rodney Garner's style. The Tigers are looking to replace a pair of anchors on the defensive line -- Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams, Bryant's older cousin.
"I watched a lot of the defensive guys and defensive line with Coach Garner," Brant said. "I did a lot of that... I just wanted to see how it was. It was very intense, nothing I wasn't expecting. He coached hard. It's tough love and I feel like he's a great coach."
Garner was Bryant's primary recruiter and played a huge role in swaying him away from other suitors like Alabama, Georgia and LSU.
"It's just because, really, of playing time," Bryant said. "I really feel like Coach G can develop me and I can get on the field early. And that's one reason I chose Auburn. And it's a family atmosphere, there's nothing more you could ask for."
The 6-foot-4, 226-pounder is coming off an eye-popping senior season at Crisp County High School in Cordele, Ga. He racked up 102 total tackles (58 solo) with 36.5 for loss, 15.5 sacks and 66 quarterback hurries.
"He'll probably start out as a Buck (end)," Adams said when asked about Bryant at Auburn's Pro Day last week. "He'll probably gain a few pounds... I think he'll get probably about 250, maybe 260. Of course him being able to know Coach G, he'll be a whole different player from when he came out of high school. I'm really just looking (forward) to his upside. When you get here and you meet Rodney G, that's a different coach from recruitment."
Bryant is unsure if he'll be at Auburn for A-Day April 9 since that's the same date as his high school's prom. He asked Garner what he could do to get a head start for fall camp, and will spend the offseason improving his hands and exploding off the line.
"I'm going to be committed to what I do," Bryant said. "I'm ready to get into it and ready to get to work.
"I really feel like this year and the years to come the defense is starting to get real solid. A lot of guys I talked to are real confident in what they're doing. So when you have a real confident defense, you have a real good defense."
Posted on 3/14/17 at 10:08 pm to TigerPaw1
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4-star WR Matthew Hill, Brookwood (Ga.)
Ranking: No. 28 wide receiver, No. 16 in Georgia, No. 149 overall
There are a lot of quality WRs if the 28th ranked receiver is also number 149 overall.
This post was edited on 3/14/17 at 10:09 pm
Posted on 3/15/17 at 4:32 am to jangalang
Posted on 3/15/17 at 4:35 am to TigerPaw1
According to KN, AU is in the race for 3* WR Anthony Schwartz. He might be the fastest player this cycle, he beat Shaun Shivers in the 100 & 200 meter dashes last year at state. He ran a 4.34 at the Opening qualifier in Miami and earned an invite to The Opening finals. AU is in his top 3 with Oregon and Florida. He plans to visit for A-Day and Big Cat Weekend. Says he talks to Kodi Burns at least once a week. Feels like AU has made him a priority however KN thinks Florida is team to beat right now
Posted on 3/15/17 at 4:44 am to TigerPaw1
KN's did a target watch on WRs. Says AU right now is looking to sign 3 guys at this spot. AU's staff is telling recruits we plan on throwing the ball more this year which seems to have helped with interest. Here's the top targets at wideout according to KN
4* Kamryn Babb - Has AU offer but Ohio State considered favorite
4* Jacob Copeland - Is extremely close with Burns and Gatewood. AU battling UF, FSU & Clemson
4* Marquez Ezzard - UGA lean but AU still in the hunt
4* Matthew Hill - AU is a top contender
4* Devonta Jason - Kansas commit that no on thinks will stick, has visited AU before and will probably visit again
4* Kearis Jackson - UGA though to be team to beat but AU thinks it's very much in race
4* Camron Johnson - We were one of the first to offer and continue to be in his top group
5* Terrace Marshall - LSU is considered the favorite right now
4* Elijah Moore - Has been showing out at camps so despite being backup last year is a 4*. Miami and Florida are teams to beat
4* Mark Pope - Major Miami lean but could visit AU
4* Justyn Ross - Probably AU's top target, has visited AU more than any other school
3* Anthony Schwartz - Could be fastest WR this cycle, has top 3 of AU, UF & ORE
4* Seth Williams - #2 WR in state considered heavy Bama lean but AU thinks they are still in it
Big chance for Kodi this cycle. Any 2-3 combo of the above would be a big year
4* Kamryn Babb - Has AU offer but Ohio State considered favorite
4* Jacob Copeland - Is extremely close with Burns and Gatewood. AU battling UF, FSU & Clemson
4* Marquez Ezzard - UGA lean but AU still in the hunt
4* Matthew Hill - AU is a top contender
4* Devonta Jason - Kansas commit that no on thinks will stick, has visited AU before and will probably visit again
4* Kearis Jackson - UGA though to be team to beat but AU thinks it's very much in race
4* Camron Johnson - We were one of the first to offer and continue to be in his top group
5* Terrace Marshall - LSU is considered the favorite right now
4* Elijah Moore - Has been showing out at camps so despite being backup last year is a 4*. Miami and Florida are teams to beat
4* Mark Pope - Major Miami lean but could visit AU
4* Justyn Ross - Probably AU's top target, has visited AU more than any other school
3* Anthony Schwartz - Could be fastest WR this cycle, has top 3 of AU, UF & ORE
4* Seth Williams - #2 WR in state considered heavy Bama lean but AU thinks they are still in it
Big chance for Kodi this cycle. Any 2-3 combo of the above would be a big year
Posted on 3/15/17 at 6:52 am to TigerPaw1
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AU's staff is telling recruits we plan on throwing the ball more this year
They say this every year, at some point it has to actually start happening.
Posted on 3/15/17 at 7:02 am to RandySavage
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They say this every year, at some point it has to actually start happening.
I was thinking same thing
Jarrett Stidham might be our biggest recruiting tool right now. It seems like every WR recruit has mentioned him. If he lives up to half the hype and we get some production from passing game I think you see some kids jump on
Posted on 3/15/17 at 7:18 am to TigerPaw1
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Jarrett Stidham might be our biggest recruiting tool right now. It seems like every WR recruit has mentioned him. If he lives up to half the hype and we get some production from passing game I think you see some kids jump on
I really really really want to believe but
Then
then
so I think for now I will just
Posted on 3/15/17 at 7:30 am to LanierSpots
Ah but see all of those are guys we recruited out of high school. We 2 for 3 on QB transfers
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