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re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition
Posted on 1/17/18 at 12:39 pm to TigerPaw1
Posted on 1/17/18 at 12:39 pm to TigerPaw1
Unsigned Auburn athlete commit Kolbi Fuqua plans to sign with Tigers on National Signing Day (SECCountry)
Kinda hoping the kid gets to sign. Obvious he wants to be a Tiger & has been loyal for awhile. We will see what happens
quote:
The latest with unsigned Auburn commit Kolbi Fuqua
Kolbi Fuqua’s recruitment remains a bit of a mystery.
The 3-star athlete commit from Cordova, Ala., didn’t sign during the early signing period even though it was his original plan. All indications suggest that was a decision by the Tigers. As Fuqua described it, coaches wanted to get him on a January official visit to monitor the progress of a shoulder injury he suffered late in the season.
Fuqua said the shoulder is progressing more quickly than expected.
“It’s coming along. My therapy is going real good. I’ll be ready by the fall,” Fuqua said.
As for Fuqua’s signing plans, he’s firm in what he expects to happen.
When Feb. 7 rolls around, Fuqua wants to sign with Auburn. He hasn’t been in communication with other programs. He doesn’t plan on visiting other programs. It’s his full belief that, on National Signing Day, he’ll ink with the Tigers.
“Oh yeah,” Fuqua responded to any questions about signing with Auburn.
Including Fuqua, there are 22 prospects committed to the Tigers. That leaves three available spots in the Class of 2018. If Auburn plans to take more than three, it will require some class shuffling. Fuqua makes sense as the starting point given that he was the only prospect who wanted to sign during the early signing period, but didn’t.
Auburn has a few other defensive back targets on the board going forward. Roger McCreary, Cam Taylor, Tyson Campbell, Olaijah Griffin, Kelvin Joseph and Joe Foucha are a few of the defensive back targets the Tigers are after.
A source close to Fuqua said they expect a more firm explanation on Auburn’s plans in the next week. The grayshirt conversation hasn’t been had in detail yet, but that’s something to keep an eye on if Auburn feels it has more than three prospects ready to jump on board.
Fuqua will be patient and let the process play out until Feb. 7.
From there, he’s eager to be a Tiger.
“It was [a] great [visit]. This time, I got to go inside schools and stuff. I got to see what the buildings looked like. It was a great experience. I met more players than I had been meeting,” Fuqua said. “It’s just regular conversation. Just keep my head up, but that’s it. Everything will work out.”
Kinda hoping the kid gets to sign. Obvious he wants to be a Tiger & has been loyal for awhile. We will see what happens
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Posted on 1/17/18 at 12:40 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
Under Armour WR commit likely done with visits
Less than 10 minutes after leaving Auburn’s campus Sunday, Anthony Schwartz wanted to make something quite clear.
“1000%…” he tweeted.
It was a cryptic way of confirming his commitment to the Tigers. He committed to Auburn on Jan. 4 during the live telecast of the Under Armour All-America Game. Schwartz hinted in the days leading up to that commitment that he might take official visits to Auburn and Florida — the two schools in contention for his services.
But it looks like his Auburn official visit last weekend altered any thought at a Florida visit.
“As of right now, I have no other visits planned,” Schwartz said. “Now, I can officially call it home. It was just getting to know everyone, even players who are already on the team.”
Posted on 1/17/18 at 12:40 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
Auburn linebacker signee tidbit on wide receiver commit
Matthew Hill hasn’t done many interviews in recent weeks.
SEC Country reporters caught up with him briefly at the Under Armour All-America Game to talk about the upcoming Auburn-Clemson battle. If you’ve read these notebooks on SEC Country, you know how confidently I’ve written that Hill will end up in Auburn’s class. That’s not to say Clemson hasn’t offered a legitimate threat. It has. But my Auburn sources have always felt strongly about keeping Hill, and Hill has always told me he plans to sign with Auburn.
That sentiment has grown even stronger following the most recent official visit weekend.
Don’t just take my word for it, though.
Hill spent a lot of time on his official visit with Auburn linebacker signee Michael Harris. The two have gotten to know each other well as prospects from metro Atlanta who are in Auburn’s 2018 class. Harris said, based on what Hill had told him, Auburn shouldn’t worry too much about holding onto him in the Class of 2018.
“He said he’s a strong verbal commit. He’s been telling me that the whole time. Matt’s my guy. I’m going to start training with him back home too, so I’m gonna be in his ear,” Harris said.
After that, Harris fielded some questions about his enrollment plans. That included a conversation about who he plans to room with when he moves to Auburn in May.
His answer should give Auburn fans even more optimism.
“Hopefully I’ll room with Matthew Hill. That’s my guy,” Harris said.
Posted on 1/17/18 at 12:41 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
OL target likely done with Auburn
Former Auburn offensive line coach Herb Hand’s departure came as a bit of surprise, especially to the offensive linemen he has been recruiting.
I expect the Tigers to have a replacement in place by the end of the day Wednesday. The question now, however: Will it be enough to salvage an already-struggling 2018 recruiting class at tackle? It won’t be easy, but it’s doable.
In the case of one offensive line prospect, however, Auburn’s chances may be done.
Hand was down in Apopka, Fla., on Monday to see tackle William Barnes and guard Ed Montilus. With Hand recruiting on Auburn’s behalf, it was a bit of a surprise to Barnes — one of the top tackle targets remaining — to see Hand’s immediate move.
In response, he doesn’t expect to take an official to Auburn on Feb. 2 anymore.
“Most likely not,” Barnes told SEC Country.
Barnes already was trending away from Auburn. He took an official visit to North Carolina last weekend. It’s my belief after that visit he was going to end up with the Tar Heels regardless. Hand’s move, and Barnes’ reaction, suggest that’s even more likely now.
Posted on 1/17/18 at 1:06 pm to TigerPaw1
Five-star OL Clay Webb focused on building relationships (Rivals)
quote:
Clay Webb has been dominant at nearly every event he has attended for the last two years. It was no different at the 2018 Future 50 where he shined in the trenches once again.
The 6-foot-4, 295 pound junior offensive lineman out of Oxford (Ala.) is a top 10 prospect in 2019 and he could play up front for any school in America, but he is focused on four.
Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Georgia are Webb's top four schools and when the time comes, he feels he choose one of those to sign with.
"I feel confident it will be one of those schools when I do make my decision," said Webb. "I will wait until after my senior season to commit, but when I do, it will be to one of those four schools."
Webb has visited each of those schools at least twice already and he plans to see each of them again the first half of 2018. Each will be important and he will be focused on one thing — getting to know the people on each campus better.
"Visits for me now will definitely be about relationships. I am just trying to improve my relationships with coaches and players and just trying to see how I fit in the spectrum of things.
"Players and coaches do come and go, but I want to see who I get along with, where I fit in best at and things like that. That will be the main thing I look for moving forward."
The school that made the biggest move during the season was Auburn. He took in a couple of games there and the environment put the Tigers in his top four.
"The atmosphere at Auburn really stands out to me. It is just about how it feels for me there. It feels a lot like home and I really like it a lot."
Alabama has a similar feel. Webb has visited Tuscaloosa more than anywhere and he has a good feel for what the Tide is all about.
"Alabama is just a great program," said Webb. "They know how to win, they work really hard and coach Nick Saban has done a great job there."
Clemson and Georgia are going to do all they can do to convince Webb to leave his home state. Each school has impressed him on previous visits and he has connected well with the people there.
"Clemson has good people and I fit in well there. I like the coaches a lot, the players are great and the atmosphere feels it fits me.
"I feel the same about Georgia. I think Georgia did some really good things in year two under coach [Kirby] Smart. I really like the offensive line coach (Sam Pittman) and offensive coordinator (Jim Chaney) a lot. Those coaches are good guys and they are part of the reason I like Georgia so much."
Webb made it clear that there is no order at this time. All four schools are on a level playing field and he said he will chose the one he feels is right for him when that time comes.
"I could go to any of those schools and be happy," said Webb. "I do not feel pressure to stay in Alabama. I do not even think about that. I will go to the school I feel fits me the best."
Posted on 1/17/18 at 1:09 pm to TigerPaw1
Also meant to post this the other day
Class of 2019 4-star DE high on Woodson, Auburn (Rivals)
Class of 2019 4-star DE high on Woodson, Auburn (Rivals)
quote:
Nathan Pickering supports Gus Malzahn’s decision to hire Marcus Woodson as Auburn’s tenth assistant.
Malzahn wanted an elite recruiter to fill the position, and Pickering, a four-star defensive end in the 2019 class, believes the Tigers’ head coach landed one in Woodson.
“Coach Woodson is an excellent recruiter,” Pickering said. “He’s an excellent recruiter and an excellent coach.”
Pickering, from Seminary, Miss., should know. He’s been recruited by Woodson since his sophomore season. Woodson, while at Memphis, recruited and offered Pickering.
Pickering has seen what kind of recruiter Auburn is getting in Woodson.
“He’s great,” Pickering said. “He takes time on visits to make sure you see everything. He makes sure you get to talk to players face to face. And he always talks to you, asks what is going on with you. He’s just always checking up on you.”
The attention Pickering received from Woodson hasn’t slowed since Woodson accepted the Auburn position. If anything, it has increased.
“Auburn is recruiting me harder than anyone right now,” Pickering said.
The Tigers offered Pickering earlier this week. Pickering already had several SEC and ACC offers, but the one from Auburn was special.
“I was so excited,” Pickering said. “That is one of the offers I was looking to get. Auburn, to me, is a great school.”
Pickering has reasons for his high interest in the Tigers. Woodson is one, but not the only one.
“I like a lot of things about Auburn,” Pickering said. “Auburn plays good, hard football. They play with heart. Auburn has a good atmosphere that I would love to play in. It’s just seems like a great fit for me.”
Pickering plans to visit Auburn soon.
“I’m talking to them about coming over for one of their junior days,” he said.
Pickering stopped short of naming the Tigers his leader, but said Auburn will be a contender for him throughout his recruitment.
“Auburn is a great school and I really like it,” Pickering said. “Auburn is a school that definitely is standing out to me right now.”
Pickering isn’t in a rush to make his college decision. He plans to take several visits, including all five official visits, before announcing a commitment.
In 13 games as a junior, Pickering recorded 85 tackles, 31 solos, 39 tackles-for-loss, five sacks and 21 quarterback-hurries. He also had four passes batted down, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and scored four touchdowns (three receiving and one rushing).
Rivals ranks Pickering, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 275 pounds, the No. 9 strongside defensive end in the 2019 class, the No. 3 overall player in Mississippi and No. 107 in the Rivals250.
Posted on 1/17/18 at 5:06 pm to TigerPaw1
Grimes apparently already recruiting. He visited Rice grad transfer Rodney Anderson. Anderson told KN still plans on taking OV to AU
My guess is Grimes visits Gouraige tomorrow
My guess is Grimes visits Gouraige tomorrow
Posted on 1/17/18 at 5:07 pm to TigerPaw1
So we are screwed on OL ....
Posted on 1/17/18 at 5:49 pm to Luke
Hot take
Posted on 1/17/18 at 6:38 pm to rbWarEagle
Our 2020 RB just decommitted
Posted on 1/17/18 at 6:41 pm to TigerPaw1
obvious lack of vision
Posted on 1/17/18 at 6:42 pm to TigerPaw1
And this is why no one really cares about commitment made that early
Posted on 1/17/18 at 6:55 pm to ThaiTiger24
KN says AU actually never accepted his commitment. He's a target tho that AU will continue to keep an eye on
Posted on 1/17/18 at 9:04 pm to rbWarEagle
Wolk put in a CB for Cam Taylor to Nebraska.
Posted on 1/17/18 at 10:18 pm to jangalang
Maybe Grimes will reach out to that Stanford OT grad tranfer
Posted on 1/18/18 at 6:44 am to AUtigR24
Casey Tucker is the fella out of Stanford, and Calvin Anderson from Rice. We are recruiting both....and so is Texas, hmmm. But it sounds like Lindsay is the point for Calvin not Hand.
Both are getting some really good offers, is that due to early signing and lack of pool (like DBs) who knows.
Hopefully we can get Gouraige and one of these fellas, or the stars align and we get Wonnum as well.
Im with you Paw, Goss was primed for the taking and we took a chance on the first tier, lets hope it still works out for us.
Both are getting some really good offers, is that due to early signing and lack of pool (like DBs) who knows.
Hopefully we can get Gouraige and one of these fellas, or the stars align and we get Wonnum as well.
Im with you Paw, Goss was primed for the taking and we took a chance on the first tier, lets hope it still works out for us.
Posted on 1/18/18 at 7:37 am to trinidadtiger
sucks that 247 is hiding the crystal ball picks now. I aint paying for that shite
Posted on 1/18/18 at 7:43 am to AuburnCPA
Good... reporters should report the news, not make the news.
Posted on 1/18/18 at 8:01 am to trinidadtiger
quote:
Casey Tucker is the fella out of Stanford, and Calvin Anderson from Rice. We are recruiting both....and so is Texas, hmmm. But it sounds like Lindsay is the point for Calvin not Hand.
Ya Anderson appears to be the top grad transfer option. KN says Jim Harbaugh reached out to Anderson & Oklahoma might be interested as well. Gonna be a battle for him. I think he ends up at Texas as he's got some family that went there I belive
Tucker is interesting because based of KN's reporting sounds like he reached out to us. Will be interesting to see how hard we push & if we get him to visit
quote:
Both are getting some really good offers, is that due to early signing and lack of pool (like DBs) who knows.
Honestly the OT pool this cycle is pretty bad. If you need an impact player then your options are pretty limited. I think lots of teams are gonna hit the grad transfer market to try & patch any holes which will make it tougher to land these guys.
It's early but I am excited about next year's class. Just get one this cycle & we should be ok
quote:
Hopefully we can get Gouraige and one of these fellas, or the stars align and we get Wonnum as well.
I still have some hope for Gouraige. He's loved every visit to AU so fact he still plans on visiting is big. My guess is Gus takes a more hands on approach in his recruitment. We will see what happens. I honestly believe if Hand is still on staff Gouraige commits this weekend but we will never know. Now just hope we can stay in the race. I think the Wonnum dream is dead with Hand moving on as he's already taken his OV & that was when Hand was on staff. The timing of Hand's departure is the killer
quote:
Im with you Paw, Goss was primed for the taking and we took a chance on the first tier, lets hope it still works out for us.
Ya it's easier to look back in hindsight & say they should have taken the high upside project guy when they had a chance. I get why we didn't as we were making big moves with both Gouraige & Barnes. That's why I don't completely believe Gus forced Hand out. He might have been ready to make a move but my bet is it would have been after signing day. Either way, I bet staff wishes they had taken Goss when they had the chance
Don't be surprised if AU circles back to Tank Jenkins. KN says Jenkins was really excited about the hire as Grimes was on staff when AU first offered him & was his early recruiter. We will see if our OL board changes with Grimes on staff. AU going all in on Gouraige this weekend. If we don't land him very interested to see where we turn
Posted on 1/18/18 at 8:03 am to TigerPaw1
Wonder if AU pulls the trigger on one of these backup DBs soon. The DB market is crazy right now. I know we are holding out hope of landing a big fish but seeing other teams pick up interest in Cam Taylor you wonder if someone will make a big push for McCreary.
Personally I am hoping we pull the trigger on Foucha this weekend
Personally I am hoping we pull the trigger on Foucha this weekend
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