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Posted on 2/1/18 at 7:57 am to TigerPaw1
Catching up on some articles
Auburn recruiting question of the day: Will Tigers try to load up on D-line in 2019? (SECCountry)
Would be awesome to have those guys in the system already developing before the mass exodus of this current DL. I am still on Alec Jackson as well who redshirted. Just got to have enough ready to go by 2019
Auburn recruiting question of the day: Will Tigers try to load up on D-line in 2019? (SECCountry)
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Already looking ahead to the 2019 class, I see.
That’s the sign of a smart recruiting fan.
Most coaching staffs have already turned their attention to the 2019 class. Sure, there are a few big fish remaining in the 2018 class, but the heat is on for next year’s cycle. Offers are being passed out in bunches to the Southeast’s top prospects. Auburn has started hosting its top 2019 targets and will double down on that this weekend with its first junior day.
Auburn has already offered 18 defensive linemen, split between ends and tackles, namely Nathan Pickering, Curtin Fann, Zacch Pickens, Braylen Ingraham, Ishmael Sopsher and others. The Tigers have gone to work on the 2020 class with a defensive line commitment from Andy Boykin. They’ve also offered four other highly rated prospects.
This is a proactive effort to, as you point out, fill the holes that will be left behind by Dontavius Russell, Andrew Williams, Marlon Davidson, Derrick Brown, Nick Coe and others who will (or are likely to) leave after the 2018 season.
But I wouldn’t say Auburn is only using the 2019 to class to look at depth protection. Take a look at how the Tigers will try to close out the 2018 class.
Auburn already has four prospects committed on the defensive line. Kayode Oladele and Daquan Newkirk are signed. Richard Jibunor and Coynis Miller remain committed and will put pen to paper next week. That’s not enough for defensive line coach Rodney Garner, however.
Just last weekend the Tigers hosted two defensive line prospects on official visits: Caleb Tannor and Caleb Johnson. Tannor projects to be a Buck pass rusher in Auburn’s system. Johnson has the versatility to line up at outside linebacker, but he’ll likely play at defensive end or defensive tackle, depending how his body develops.
Garner is still out for more.
Auburn has made a last-ditch effort for in-state defensive lineman Malik Langham. The Tigers didn’t offer until Jan. 19, but they’re making a push. Langham altered his official visit slate, something he didn’t want to have to do to Tennessee, to make room for an official visit to Auburn. He’ll make that trip this weekend, and my sources indicate Auburn can make a push here despite his strong interest in Alabama.
My point being: Garner won’t necessarily wait until 2019 to load up on a 2016-style defensive line. That class included Brown, Davidson, Coe, Paul James III, Prince Sammons, Tashawn Manning and Antwuan Jackson (and technically Newkirk).
This 2018 class is setting up for a similar level of depth if Auburn manages to land two of three from the trio of Tannor, Johnson and Langham.
Would be awesome to have those guys in the system already developing before the mass exodus of this current DL. I am still on Alec Jackson as well who redshirted. Just got to have enough ready to go by 2019
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:00 am to TigerPaw1
In-state CB Christian Williams ‘loved the coaches’ on his first Auburn visit (SECCountry)
Maybe just maybe the fact that Bama is gonna take like 6 DBs in this year's class the top instate CBs will see opportunity at AU. Him & DJ James are on my list
quote:
In-state cornerback ‘loved’ first Auburn experience
Christian Williams is on the newer end of this whole recruiting thing.
The 6-foot-1, 177-pound cornerback from Daphne, Ala., recently has picked up offers from Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Michigan. Auburn joined that group a week and a half ago and swiftly brought Williams in on an unofficial visit. Aside from a couple game-day visits to Alabama, it was Williams’ first real recruiting trip.
Williams arrived on the Plains with his father, mother, brothers, sister and high school teammate.
The Tigers passed with flying colors, he said.
“It was great. I loved it,” Williams said. “It’s not just a business with them. They want you to really get the most out of Auburn, get the most for yourself, have a degree and everything. It sets yourself up better later in life.”
Williams stayed overnight, which allowed him some extra time around town. He soaked in the Auburn basketball game with several members of the football program. That, too, had a lasting effect on Williams.
But what stands out most likely won’t surprise many.
Williams has two lead recruiters — linebackers coach Travis Williams and defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson — and he spent a good bit of time with both coaches during his unofficial visit. In Woodson’s case specifically, Williams is rekindling a relationship already built from Woodson’s stint at Memphis.
“I really, really loved it. I loved the coaches and their personality and how they actually get to know the player,” Williams said. “I have two [primary recruiters], Coach T-Will and Coach Woodson. I always kept in touch with him when he was at Memphis, too. He’s really good.”
Prepare for the disclaimer: Williams has grown up an Alabama fan.
After taking his unofficial visit to Auburn, he made it clear he doesn’t plan on letting that fandom persuade his decision-making process. It’s still early for Williams, who has plans to take a few more visits before seriously narrowing his list down. He wants to start with a trip to Tennessee to see new head coach Jeremy Pruitt, who he has familiarity with.
Williams is “playing it slow,” but the Tigers are in the conversation.
“Definitely top 5,” Williams said.
Maybe just maybe the fact that Bama is gonna take like 6 DBs in this year's class the top instate CBs will see opportunity at AU. Him & DJ James are on my list
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:01 am to TigerPaw1
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Auburn going all-in on IMG Academy in 2019
During the 2018 recruiting cycle, Auburn didn’t go all-in on IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., like many of its SEC counterparts. Last class, the Tigers only offered four prospects from the well-known athletic academy, a program recently responsible for prospects such as Bo Scarborough, Deondre Francois, Shea Patterson and Dylan Moses. Even Asa Martin didn’t pick up his Auburn offer until after he returned to Austin (Ala.) from IMG.
Auburn has taken a much different approach this class.
The 2018 cycle hasn’t concluded and the Tigers already have offered a large portion of the IMG Academy roster in full force. Eight different prospects have picked up offers from Auburn, including several in the last few days.
As SEC Country reported earlier in the week, a few IMG Academy prospects will attend junior day, including 5-star running back Noah Cain. It’s possible that carpool grows, given the offers passed out since that report.
Here are the IMG Academy products offered by the Tigers:
5-star running back Trey Sanders
5-star running back Noah Cain
4-star offensive guard Evan Neal
4-star offensive guard Deyavie Hammond
4-star linebacker Mikel Jones
4-star safety Briton Allen
3-star offensive tackle Charles Turner
3-star offensive tackle Chris Akporoghene
Not sure we have landed an IMG kid yet. Interesting we seem to have increased our efforts there. It's insane they have both Sanders & Cain in that backfield
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:03 am to TigerPaw1
Auburn recruiting question of the day: Will new DB coach Marcus Woodson improve Mississippi recruiting at key time? (SECCountry)
Think I am gonna like this Woodson guy
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Auburn has taken a mixed approach to the state of Mississippi in recent recruiting classes.
It isn’t easy to pick prospects out of the state, but it happens. Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Louisville, Tennessee and TCU have all dipped into Mississippi to pull out top-300 prospect since the 2015 recruiting class. As much as Auburn has tried, the Tigers haven’t had the same amount of luck with high school recruits in Mississippi.
In fact, from the 2015 class to the 2018 class, Auburn offered 17 high school prospects from Mississippi. None of them ended up in the Tigers’ classes.
Here’s a look at the caliber of prospects and number of Auburn offers since the Class of 2015:
2015: 6 prospects from Mississippi in top 300; Auburn offered five prospects.
2016: 10 prospects from Mississippi in top 300; Auburn offered six prospects.
2017: 7 prospects from Mississippi in top 300; Auburn offered six prospects.
2018: 3 prospects from Mississippi in top 300; Auburn offered zero prospects.
The 2015, 2016 and 2017 classes were strong talent-wise in Mississippi, especially in 2016. Auburn gave solid effort in each of those recruiting classes to haul in talent from the neighbor state, but here weren’t any results to show from it. In fact, the last Mississippi high school prospect to choose Auburn was offensive lineman Deon Mix, who recently transferred to Houston.
That’s why, in the 2018 class, Auburn worked more on its Alabama-Georgia-Florida pipeline when the talent level dropped some in Mississippi.
Auburn is taking an entirely new approach to the 2019 class.
The Tigers strategically hired Memphis defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson to be the 10th assistant, and he has deep ties to Mississippi. He arrives at a convenient time as the Mississippi class for 2019 is one of its strongest in recent memory.
There are already 11 prospects ranked in the top 300 and seven offers — two outside the top 300 for now — already have been passed out by the Auburn staff. Take a look at that group:
5-star linebacker Nakobe Dean*
4-star defensive end Nathan Pickering*
4-star defensive end Charles Moore
4-star running back Jerrion Ealy*
4-star athlete Brandon Turnage*
4-star athlete Diwun Black
4-star wide receiver Dannis Jackson
4-star defensive end Byron Young
4-star defensive end Jaren Handy*
4-star defensive end De’Monte Russell
4-star linebacker Zach Edwards
3-star defensive end Jamond Gordon*
3-star cornerback Raydarious Jones*
—Prospects Auburn offered marked with asterisk (*)
Dean and Jones took visits to Auburn last weekend. Pickering, Jackson and Turnage will take visits to Auburn this weekend. Ealy has been on campus previously. If you look toward the 2020 class, 5-star defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson — committed to LSU right now — also will be at Auburn this weekend.
There’s no question what we’re witnessing is the Marcus Woodson effect. He has been the point man for all of these prospects since coming to Auburn. Woodson will be the primary recruiter in Mississippi to go along with his assistance in South Florida.
If Auburn is going to pick up non-JUCO Mississippi prospects, Woodson will be the best bet. With the increased talent in 2019 and 2020, the Woodson hire makes a ton of sense from a recruiting standpoint.
Think I am gonna like this Woodson guy
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:05 am to TigerPaw1
Inside Auburn football’s growing trend of recruiting track stars and its plans for them (SECCountry)
quote:
AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn football’s 2018 recruiting class won’t win a rankings national championship next week on National Signing Day. But if all the classes competed in a track meet, the Tigers would be the favorite.
Last year, Auburn football signed two Alabama state champion track stars in wide receiver Noah Igbinoghene and running back JaTarvious Whitlow. And this year, the Tigers are at it again.
Auburn’s 2018 class boasts the fastest recruit in America in wide receiver commitment Anthony Schwartz and another who isn’t too far behind in running back signee Shaun Shivers.
“I can’t wait, because nobody’s going to stop us when me and Schwartz are on the field at the same time,” Shivers said on his official visit earlier this month. “That’s too much speed.”
Schwartz holds the youth world record in the 100 meters with a blistering 10.15 seconds. For comparison’s sake, the youth world record holder in the 200 meters is Usain Bolt.
Schwartz’s 10.15 would’ve ranked No. 2 among all college football players behind Alabama defensive back Tony Brown in the 2017 track season. Brown is out of eligibility. So when Schwartz hits Auburn’s roster this fall, the Tigers will have the fastest man in college football.
That kind of speed elicits legitimate Olympic dreams. And Schwartz was courted by some colleges to only run track — Houston, coached by nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis, was the most notable one. But fortunately for Auburn, Schwartz didn’t want to stick to just track in college.
“It was just during my senior season of high school,” Schwartz said on his official visit. “I just felt like I love this sport so much, and I don’t want it to end. That’s when I made the decision to keep playing football.”
He’ll join Shivers, who has a sub-21 time in the 200 meters — which would’ve made him one of the top 20 sprinters in the SEC last summer.
“He kinda reminds me of Onterio McCalebb as far as speed in pads,” Gus Malzahn said in December. “He can really run.”
Schwartz and Shivers have a fun rivalry on the track as two of south Florida’s finest speedsters.
“I beat him a couple of times,” Shivers said. “He’s beaten me a couple of times, too. It’s our last [high school track] year, so it’s going to be hype.”
Both Schwartz and Shivers will play football and run track at Auburn. The potential of what they could do on the gridiron get the two players — and their future coaches — excited.
“We talk about that a lot,” Schwartz said. “It’s not going to be fair.”
Schwartz and Shivers are the new high points for a growing trend in recruiting for Malzahn. Auburn is signing an increasing number of players who excel at both football and track, and they’re using cooperation with the track team as a recruiting tool.
While Schwartz and Shivers are the only ones who will run track and play football for the Tigers, they aren’t the only ones who tore up the track in high school. Nine different members of Auburn’s 2018 class also did track in high school:
WR Anthony Schwartz: Sprints and relays
RB Shaun Shivers: Sprints and relays
RB Asa Martin: Sprints and hurdles
DB Smoke Monday: Sprints and jumps
DB Jamien Sherwood: Sprints
QB Joey Gatewood: Sprints
WR Seth Williams: Sprints and jumps
WR Matthew Hill: Sprints
LB Josh Marsh: Sprints
Add that group to Auburn’s current roster — which already has Igbinoghene, Whitlow and other former track athletes — and it’s clear that speed is a top priority for the Tigers. It’s balanced, too, between offensive and defensive skill players.
If speed indeed kills, Auburn should be deadly in the future. Schwartz will most likely follow in the footsteps of Igbinoghene at the versatile slot position.
“They see me how they use Eli Stove and Ryan Davis,” Schwartz said. “They want me to play that position, and how Ricardo [Louis] was used when he was here.”
Shivers has a skill set that goes beyond standard positions, which should spark creativity with offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and the rest of the offensive staff.
“Move me around,” Shivers said. “Just get the ball in space and let me do what I do.”
Defensively, Auburn is also getting faster, which will allow the Tigers to match other SEC programs that also boast cross-sport backs and receivers. Offensively, all that athleticism should mean one thing down the road.
“Just expect a lot of points on the board,” Schwartz said.
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:14 am to TigerPaw1
6-5 Alabama tight end Bobo visited by Auburn, down to three (247)
Highlights
Will probably need a redshirt year to get stronger but would be a solid pickup. If we actually use him & Shenker then you might be able to start convincing the Luke Ford's of the world to sign with AU
quote:
Coming into Wednesday, Carson Bobo was closing in on a decision between Princeton and Richmond for his football future.
Following a visit from the Auburn coaching staff, it is no longer the case.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end talent out of Birmingham (Ala.) Oak Mountain said Tiger assistant Rodney Garner stopped by the school and extended an preferred walk-on offer his way.
"It makes the decision harder," he said. "I love Richmond and Princeton both, then Auburn gets thrown into the mix."
The class of 2018 prospect says he grew up an Alabama fan, something tied to the game of football, but otherwise he has long considered attending Auburn for academic purposes. Engineering is likely his major of choice and is a big part of the decision-making process.
"If I didn't play football in college, I was planning to go to Auburn." he said. "My strengths are math and science. Auburn also has a great engineering program, that's another reason why these schools are so appealing."
Bobo, who caught 42 passes for 612 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior, doesn't have a visit planned for the weekend or a commitment date in mind.
Highlights
Will probably need a redshirt year to get stronger but would be a solid pickup. If we actually use him & Shenker then you might be able to start convincing the Luke Ford's of the world to sign with AU
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:19 am to TigerPaw1
KN put a VIP article on 4* DL Nathan Pickering who is visiting this weekend. He's the #2 player in Mississippi & recently landed an offer. Says AU is very high on his list. Malzahn & Woodson visited him last week. Pickering knows Woodson from when he was at Memphis, Woodson was one that offered him & had been recruiting him for some time for the other Tigers. Doesn't have any leaders yet but mentions Bama, LSU, AU, UGA, UF & TEN as standouts. Plans to stay the night Saturday and is looking forward to meeting Rodney Garner
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:21 am to TigerPaw1
Interesting note yesterday from KN on 2019 LB recruiting. He's heard AU will go nation wide for LBs. Already focused hard on Nakobe Dean & Donte Starks with a lot of offers to guys in FL but KN says look for AU to recruit outside of the southeast as well. LB will be a major focus in the 2019 class
This post was edited on 2/1/18 at 8:34 am
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:24 am to TigerPaw1
Interesting Walker note in KN's question thread this morning. Has heard Tennessee most worried about AU when it comes to Walker
Maybe our boy JLee has the scoop
Maybe our boy JLee has the scoop
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:24 am to TigerPaw1
He also said Justin Fields told AU he was coming in the spring & was asking them on how to decommit from Penn State. Motherfricker 
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:52 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Carson Bobo
Another kid I've watched play all his life. I didn't realize he had gotten that big! Kid is an athlete, not on the same level as Joiner, but he's good. Always stood out.
Posted on 2/1/18 at 8:56 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
He also said Justin Fields told AU he was coming in the spring & was asking them on how to decommit from Penn State.
That's from Keith?
Posted on 2/1/18 at 9:04 am to TigerPaw1
quote:Well, it's hard to compete with $300,000. Just ask Dan Mullen.
e also said Justin Fields told AU he was coming in the spring & was asking them on how to decommit from Penn State. Motherfricker
Posted on 2/1/18 at 9:08 am to RandySavage
quote:
That's from Keith?
Ya in his live chat
Posted on 2/1/18 at 9:11 am to TigerPaw1
Not surprised, I thought we would get him but I think we just got outworked honestly. I never was impressed with the efforts we seemed to be making.
Posted on 2/1/18 at 10:40 am to RandySavage
Rice grad transfer Calvin Anderson sets official visit to Auburn (SECCountry)
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Rice grad transfer sets official visit
The stage is set for Calvin Anderson.
Anderson, a graduate transfer from Rice who plays tackle, has his official visit to Auburn in stone. He will take his official visit to Auburn on Feb. 9-11. That’s the weekend after National Signing Day, so the Tigers’ numbers situation will be much more clear by the time Anderson takes his official visit.
He has already taken his official visits to Texas and Michigan. It’s possible he’s done with official visits following his Auburn trip more than a week from now.
“I’ve been thinking this, too. It’s likely I don’t take all five visits,” Anderson told SEC Country. “I originally thought I might take all five visits. Here’s my thought. I’ll definitely take a visit to Auburn. Then I think I might try to decide from there.”
Auburn was back in Houston on Wednesday to see Anderson. That’s when the Tigers set up the official visit for good. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and offensive line coach J.B. Grimes returned to the Rice University campus for lunch with Anderson.
Auburn hasn’t been the only other program trying to earn an official visit. TCU and Oklahoma have been two other programs working for one of the five official visits. It’s a high possibility Auburn is the last official visit he takes, which is a major positive for the Tigers.
Texas will be tough to top in this conversation, but Malzahn, Lindsey and Grimes have done as good as they possibly could. Plus, the idea of playing in the SEC has a major pull.
Read an in-depth conversation with Anderson here.
Posted on 2/1/18 at 10:42 am to TigerPaw1
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Tracking Gus Malzahn in south Georgia
Auburn coach Gus Malzahn hit the road Wednesday for one of the most crucial in-home visits of the 2018 recruiting cycle. He also stopped by a few other high schools in south Georgia along the way.
Prior to his departure, Herb Hand was responsible for south Georgia. The recruiting areas haven’t been completely reassigned yet. Malzahn and Kevin Steele took care of the south Georgia territory on Thursday.
SEC Country knows of at least three important stops Auburn made for this recruiting class and next.
4-star 2019 wide receiver Jashawn Sheffield
4-star 2019 cornerback Jaylin Simpson
4-star 2019 defensive end Curtis Fann
4-star linebacker Quay Walker
The last name on the list — Walker — was the inspiration for the trip. Malzahn and Steele were part of a group who went to go see the 4-star linebacker from Crisp County. Walker’s in-home visit with the head coach comes just a few days after he took his official visit to the Plains and a few days before he trips to Georgia for his official visit.
My sources say the Tigers are fully in this. That doesn’t mean Auburn will land him, or that it’s the favorite, but the Tigers can’t be ignored against the other three potential destinations — Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. The Tigers made a major push last weekend on the official visit. Malzahn saved his in-home with Walker for a strategic time.
The other two recruits on the list — Sheffield and Fann — will be two of the bigger focal points of the 2019 class.
Fann will be at Auburn this weekend for junior day. He’s been to the Plains a few times throughout the 2017 season, including the Iron Bowl. Fann has narrowed down his favorites to four programs, including Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina and Clemson. He has a strong relationship with Steele.
As for Sheffield and Simpson, they go to the same private school on St. Simons Island, Ga.
Auburn is making a semi-surprising push for the Frederica Academy (Ga.) prospects. The Tigers have picked up the south Georgia slack in recent weeks. Wide receivers coach Kodi Burns has done a consistent job with Sheffield that will earn a spring visit this year. Simpson’s recruitment has been much more open than Sheffield’s to this point, but it wouldn’t be surprising now to see both visit this year.
Seems confidence is rising on AU side for Walker. Still not getting hopes up but does sound like we got a real shot. Would be a huge victory for T-WILL
Posted on 2/1/18 at 10:56 am to TigerPaw1
quote:He supposedly actually silently committed to all of UF, AU, & UGA at various times before going public w/ UGA.
He also said Justin Fields told AU he was coming in the spring & was asking them on how to decommit from Penn State. Motherfricker
Posted on 2/1/18 at 10:57 am to RandySavage
quote:Yes. And a number of AU connecteds had said JF had been a silent. That's why AU was so confident for a bit over the Summer.
That's from Keith?
This post was edited on 2/1/18 at 11:01 am
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