re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition

quote:

---

Most likely to play five different positions: 4-star WR Matthew Hill

There are a couple other guys in this class — Kolbi Fuqua and Jamien Sherwood, specifically — who could probably do this, as well. But Matthew Hill seems like the most likely candidate.

At his high school, Hill plays wide receiver, running back, safety, kick returner and punt returner. That’s five right there.

I can say almost as a guarantee that Hill will play wide receiver for Auburn. He’ll likely be a major returner candidate in the kicking and punting game. As for running back, it depends how you classify it, but it’s expected he’d at least get used some in the running game because of the danger he presents with the ball in his hands.

Now the question is: Can he find a fifth position? Safety is the most reasonable option. After all, Clemson is still trying to flip Hill to go play safety for those Tigers. It’s something Hill could certainly do for Auburn if asked to do so.

Also, I’ve seen the left-handed Hill throw a football with relative ease about 40 yards on the run and hit a teammate in stride at a high school practice. Maybe he could make it six?

---

quote:

---

Most likely to win the Heisman: 4-star running back Asa Martin

The Heisman Trophy has become something of a quarterback award, but it appears Penn State’s Saquon Barkley and Stanford’s Bryce Love are working to change that this season.

If you look at Asa Martin’s high school stats, he certainly puts up gaudy enough numbers that — if it carries over to college — will make it easy to put him in the discussion. Martin has rushed for more than 1,200 yards with the regular season still ongoing, and he hasn’t even played in the second half or fourth quarter in most of his games.

Martin is playing at the highest level of his life, and Auburn couldn’t be happier about that.

If he continues the success and work ethic, he could fit right into Auburn’s run-first offense and become a Heisman hopeful one day.

---

quote:

---

Most likely to be POTUS one day: 3-star WR Shedrick Jackson

Shedrick Jackson is a special 18-year-old. For starters, I don’t feel like he’s an 18-year-old when I talk to him. His responses are always thoughtful and meaningful. His ability to deal with the press would surely make him a stronger presidential candidate than some.

On top of that, Jackson is a leader like few others. He’s assumed a leadership role as far as recruiting goes in this cycle, and he’s done a great job at it on game days.

Also, I interviewed Jackson after a Hoover High loss earlier this year, which is never fun for a recruit to do. But he did it as we walked toward the locker room. Every step of the way, he stopped to hug a different teammate and tell them that their work had just begun. That’s leadership at its finest.

That’s not to mention the Bo Jackson name, which would likely have enough clout to make a run.

To Shedrick, if you’re reading this: Still looking for a VP candidate? I’m your guy.

---

quote:

---

Best name: 4-star safety Quindarious Monday

There are a few good names in this class — Joey Gatewood, Kolbi Fuqua, Jamien Sherwood and others — but this one is really a no-brainer.

Quidarious is a dope first name. Monday is a dope last name. And it makes for an extra dope combination.

Monday has the swagger to go along with the cool name. I almost made Monday’s superlative “Most Likely to Draw Neon Deion Comparisons,” but every class needs a best name. Quindarious Monday is exactly that.

---

quote:

---

Coolest journey: 3-star DL Daquan Newkirk

Daquan Newkirk hasn’t had the easiest road to Auburn.

He’s tried once before and had to take the long way home. Newkirk originally committed to Auburn in the Class of 2016, but he wasn’t able to qualify academically, which forced him to go the junior college route.

I won’t get into all the specifics now, but you can check out my in-depth feature here.

He has become a standout defensive lineman for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. And, through everything, Newkirk has stayed firmly committed to Auburn. Likewise, Auburn has stayed firmly committed to Newkirk.

It’s a pretty cool story.

---

quote:

---

Biggest fan: 3-star ATH Josh Marsh

Matthew Hill grew up a big fan of Auburn, as did (obviously) Shedrick Jackson. But Josh Marsh might be the biggest of the bunch.

He grew up coming to Auburn games and watching the Tigers virtually every Saturday. That’s why, when Auburn offered out of nowhere at a camp, Marsh didn’t need much time to think things over. Auburn had always been the school he’d wanted to go to as a football player. All he needed was the opportunity.

Once he received that chance, it took Marsh about 10 seconds to let the staff know he was ready to commit. That’s the sign of a true fan.

---

quote:

---

Coolest journey

---

quote:

---

Favorite to interview: 4-star safety Jamien Sherwood

There’s something special about Jamien Sherwood. I can’t exactly put my finger on what it is, but he’s not like your average high school recruit.

From a reporter’s perspective, Sherwood is great.

He’s always responsive when I reach out about his high school game or his visit plans. Before he committed, he never had a problem talking with me on the phone to make sure I was as informed as possible about his decision-making process. When he committed, he was willing to give me the scoop a few days before so I could provide full coverage on his commitment.

On top of all that, he just thinks differently and answers differently than most people, not just recruits. He has a mature perspective on life that will serve him well down the line as countless other nosy reporters ask him questions in his career.

---

quote:

---

Quarterback (2): 4-star QB Joey Gatewood (Jacksonville, Fla.), Unranked QB A.J. Curry (Mount Airy, Ga.)

A new addition to the Auburn mock class, one that hasn’t been there in any of the previous editions: A.J. Curry.

Curry is a relative unknown prospect who is still developing. This is his first year at quarterback, so the Tigers staff will have to wait for most of the season to do a full, thorough evaluation of Curry’s ability. So far, he doesn’t hold an offer, but he’s already visited once, and Auburn is showing him attention.

It could be slightly premature to place Curry here. But Curry said Chip Lindsey told him the plan is to go with two quarterbacks. Auburn will recruit others, but Curry is the most likely at this time just based on attention and visits.

As for Joey Gatewood, nothing is new. He’s going to be an Auburn Tiger regardless of circumstances.

Auburn fans can kiss the Justin Fields dream goodbye.

Not in the class: Brevin White, Justin Fields, Emory Jones

---

quote:

---

Wide receiver (4): 4-star WR Matthew Hill (Snellville, Ga.), 3-star WR Shedrick Jackson (Hoover, Ala.), 4-star WR Seth Williams (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

I didn’t change anything here, though there’s less certainty than a month ago.

Seth Williams has been in my projection for a couple months, and there was often a high level of confidence with that selection. It’s still there, but it’s diminished some. Why? He hasn’t visited for an Auburn game yet this year. He was scheduled to be at Alabama last weekend, but I haven’t confirmed his presence. As long as Alabama fills up at wide receiver, Auburn should be able to secure him.

Shedrick Jackson is as solid as can be.

Matthew Hill has shopped around some. He’s been at a few Clemson games to start the season. He’ll likely take all five of his official visits. But this is just a prospect enjoying the process. Hill grew up an Auburn fan, and nothing has changed there.

As for the missing prospects below, there are two Auburn likely sits No. 2 for. These players could end up as the fourth guy in the class if they were to change their minds or if other receiver classes fill up.

Not in the class: Justyn Ross, Anthony Schwartz, Tommy Bush

---