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re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:36 pm to TigerPaw1
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:36 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
NAMES TO KNOW: LB
-Michael Harris, Tucker (Ga.): Auburn and Georgia sit behind the favorite -- Ohio State.
-Ernest Jones, Ware County (Ga.): Watch out for Duke.
-Zakoby McClain, Valdosta (Ga.): Auburn leads for the 4-star recruit.
-JJ Peterson, Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County (Ga.): Alabama leads, but Auburn has a chance to become a factor.
-Otis Reese, Lee County (Ga.): Four-star Michigan commit recently visited the Tigers.
-Channing Tindall, Spring Valley (S.C.): South Carolina and Georgia have emerged as the favorites.
-Quay Walker, Cordele (Ga.) Crisp County: Auburn-Georgia battle at the moment for the 4-star backer.
-Nathaniel Watson, Maplesville (Ala.): Tigers are the favorite for the 4-star legacy recruit. Also could play receiver or tight end.
This post was edited on 4/10/17 at 7:37 pm
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Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:36 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
NAMES TO KNOW: CB
-Jalyn Armour-Davis, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's Episcopal: Auburn-FSU battle; both programs like their chances.
-Jaycee Horn, Alpharetta (Ga.): Under Armour All-American visited for A-Day and has Auburn in his top group.
-Jordan Miner, Wiregrass Ranch (Fla.): Four-star recruit expected to visit Tigers this summer.
-Kendrick Torain, Tampa Jesuit (Fla.): Tigers offered last week.
-Christian Tutt, Thomson (Ga.): Four-star recruit recently visited the Tigers.
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:37 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
NAMES TO KNOW: S
-Brendon Harris, Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School: Auburn is a contender and he could visit again soon. Four-star recruit.
-Myles Mason, Pleasant Grove (Ala.): Alabama is the favorite -- if they push. He visited Auburn for A-Day.
-Quindarious Monday, Atlanta (Ga.) Carver: Auburn is No. 1 for the 4-star recruit.
-Jamien Sherwood, Jensen Beach (Fla.): Three recruit got his Auburn offer last week and attended A-Day. Says he'll return soon. Auburn has jumped into the mix with Florida and Miami.
-Juanyeh Thomas, Niceville (Fla.): The Tigers are a top contender.
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:37 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
BOLD PREDICTION
Auburn will have one 5-star signee in 2018.
Way to go out on a limb there Keith
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:39 pm to TigerPaw1
Son of NFL great Jaycee Horn’s first recruiting experience at Auburn was better than anticipated (SECCountry)
quote:
Rising DB impressed by Auburn, puts Tigers among top
Coming into his A-Day visit, Jaycee Horn didn’t know what to expect from Auburn.
He’d been to the Plains only once before — last summer for a camp, and not as a recruit. Now that Horn’s recruitment has fully blown up, he was one of the top recruiting targets on campus for a busy spring game.
If he had any uncertainties about the Tigers coming into the weekend, they were washed away by the visit. In fact, Horn released a top 7 on Sunday night — something he foreshadowed Saturday — that included Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, Wake Forest, South Carolina, Ole Miss and Ohio State.
Auburn impressed Horn, the son of former four-time NFL Pro Bowl receiver Joe Horn.
“It was better than I thought. I didn’t expect the campus to be this nice. It was real nice. The dorms were some of the best I’ve seen, the player lounge. So the next time I’m here, I’m going to try to get around some of the players and connect with them some,” Horn said. “I’ll definitely be back. They’re recruiting me the hardest, or one of the hardest.”
During the spring game, Horn focused in on Carlton Davis, who he said reminds him of himself. Horn is a long-armed cornerback like Davis. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound prospect is one of the fastest rising prospects in the nation. Since coming into 2017 without many offers, Horn has picked up 37 new offers in a three-month span.
Auburn’s came on March 1.
Horn’s return to Auburn allowed him to get his first meeting with defensive backs coach Greg Brown.
“His resume speaks for itself. The NFL is the highest level of competition, so I can learn some things from him,” Horn said. “I just tried to take some of the drills I seen them doing pregame and take them back home to work on. I was impressed, the way coach Brown coached up his DBs, and I got a chance to meet with him. I was impressed with the campus and stuff.”
Brown was the New Orleans Saints’ secondary coach for four years (2002-05) when the elder Horn was on the team. That past relationship made for some fun, interesting conversations in Brown’s office on Saturday.
“Yeah, he coached on the Saints when my dad was there. My dad remembers him. We were watching some old film with my dad going 1-on-1,” Horn said. “He was coaching DBs. … I didn’t get a chance to talk with my dad too much (about Brown). I just texted him and told him I was in his office and asked, ‘Do you remember him?’ He was like yeah, and I was going to call him to talk more.”
Impressed by step one with Auburn, Horn is eager to see what the post-visit interactions are like.
“I’m just trying to visit schools to see how it is on campus before I narrow it down all the way. After this visit, they sit in a pretty good spot after seeing how they talk to me,” Horn said. “You know, relationships are a pretty big thing, so over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to see how we stay in contact with each other.”
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:40 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
OL commit explains timing of his decision
Just before kickoff Saturday, Kameron Stutts made it official.
He hinted during his March visit that a commitment — likely to Auburn — was imminent. When he started his trek to Auburn for A-Day, he alerted Gus Malzahn and Herb Hand that he felt on the verge of an announcement.
“We talked about it in the car. I told coach Malzahn and coach Hand on the way up here. I talked to coach Malzahn when I got here. I just let him know,” Malzahn said. “They were just really excited about it. They were really excited.”
The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Stutts had other schools he felt highly about, including Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss and Missouri. But when it came down to it, the offensive lineman from Brooks High School (Ala.) always had a different feeling about Auburn.
When that sensation lingered following the March junior day, Stutts knew there was no sense in waiting.
“The first time I came up here, I said you just sort of know when it’s the right place. Every time I come up here, it’s just the right people, the right place. The coaches really show me love. I just really appreciate it. I just felt it,” Stutts said. “When you go somewhere, you either get a good or a bad feeling. If that feeling stays with you, you know it’s a special place. If it stays with you after, then you know that’s probably where you belong. Whenever I came here, it always felt that way.”
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:42 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
What Harold Joiner needs to see from Auburn
Top running back target Harold Joiner’s favorites haven’t changed.
Auburn and LSU continue to lead the pack. Ole Miss is the program closest to cracking that top group. That news might be somewhat surprising to some with Joiner fresh off an Alabama offer, but Joiner insists nothing has changed.
“No, it didn’t,” Joiner said.
The 6-foot-3 running back returned to Auburn for the A-Day game on Saturday.
Emphasizing the term “running back” is majorly important for Joiner, which is why Auburn and LSU sit atop his list. Many programs haven’t explicitly told Joiner they want him in the backfield. LSU, especially, has been the most clear on that subject, which is why the Bayou Bengals might hold a slight advantage right now.
But with Auburn and LSU emphasizing a running back role, that helps each school’s chances.
“It puts them up there. It helps me out. I like them more that way. … LSU is making it more clear, but Auburn is telling me that also. LSU is telling me I have a great chance to start my freshman year. They say I’ll fit in perfect with their offense,” Joiner said. “Malzahn was just telling me I was a key guy for them. My primary position will be running back, that’s what he told me. He said I would get out to wideout some.”
Joiner’s big problem (and it’s not really a problem at all): He looks like he can do everything.
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he looks like he could be an elite running back, wide receiver, tight end, safety or linebacker. That high-level athleticism has some programs curious about how they could use Joiner in a multi-purpose way.
But Joiner wants stability. He also wants a chance to see the field early.
“I want a family team. I need to see a little bit of talking about playing time in there. And great coaches ready to compete for a championship,” Joiner said. “Coach (Tim) Horton said I could play my freshman year. … I feel like that’s really important.”
Just tell the dude we want em at RB... Stop with that "split you our wide" stuff
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:45 pm to TigerPaw1
5-star Justyn Ross gets look at Auburn offense, meets with Alabama coaches in last week (AL.com)
quote:
Visits to Alabama and Auburn over the past week have made an impression on Justyn Ross, the state's top prospect, but the Central-Phenix City receiver still isn't ready to narrow his recruitment down yet.
The 6-foot-5 Ross, now a five-star recruit and the country's No. 22 prospect, was impressed with Auburn's A-Day performance. He also feels good about where Alabama's offense is following a trip to Tuscaloosa last week, and he plans on going to Alabama for its A-Day game on April 22.
But his mother is serving our country overseas in Kuwait and won't return until June, so there's no recruiting conversations in the Ross household for now.
Jarrett Stidham threw for 267 yards and freshman Malik Willis threw for 157 yards on Saturday.
"I liked it a lot because when they told me they were going to pass the ball and they did it," Ross said. "They really showed me what they can do in the passing game.
"They were telling me they were going to throw the ball, but I didn't know for sure if they were. Now, I've seen it for myself."
Ross went to Tuscaloosa last week on a day where Alabama didn't practice, but it gave him a chance to talk again with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Like all receivers, Ross wants to see his top schools throw the ball.
"It was a nice visit," Ross said. "Coach Daboll is a real cool dude, a down to earth dude and I feel like he's going to open up Alabama's playbook, too."
Ross spent time with Auburn quarterback commit Joey Gatewood, whose recruiting pitch is that "he wants a long wideout."
"It's real important (to have a good relationship with a team's quarterback commit)," Ross said. "You've got to have a good bond with your quarterback to play good."
Alabama does not yet have a quarterback commit for this class, but Ross' good friend Markail Benton signed with the Crimson Tide to play linebacker in February.
Ross has been offered by many of the nation's top programs. He said aside from Alabama and Auburn, he's hoping to get to Clemson sometime.
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:47 pm to TigerPaw1
Tennessee OL Jerome Carvin felt like a priority on Auburn visit, seeing Alabama soon (AL.com)
Doubt we take another guard unless it's someone like Trey Hill
quote:
Cordova, Tenn., offensive lineman Jerome Carvin was greeted by Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn on Saturday on his first trip to the school.
The 6-foot-4, 330-pound Carvin was in Auburn for the spring game.
"As soon as I walked in, I met with Coach Malzahn," Carvin said. "We went into his office and we talked for a little bit. He said I'm a priority."
Auburn is recruiting Carvin as a guard.
"Definitely, I'd fit in," Carvin said. "They run a similar offense at my high school, so it's pretty much the same thing so I'm used to it already."
Carvin made the trip with his mother and felt pretty good about the entire visit.
"The visit really stood out," he said. "Just viewing the campus, seeing how close everything is, it was great."
Carvin said he plans to get back to Alabama for a practice, and it could be later this week. Alabama has also been a school Carvin is heavily interested in.
Carvin said last month that he plans to make a commitment before his senior year, and said Saturday that nothing about his timetable has changed.
Kentucky, Louisville and Tennessee are among other offers for Carvin, a three-star recruit in the 247Sports composite.
Doubt we take another guard unless it's someone like Trey Hill
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:50 pm to TigerPaw1
Speedster visits Auburn, leaves with new impression of Tigers (Rivals)
quote:
One of the fastest receivers in the country took a slow approach to his first visit to Auburn.
Anthony Schwartz, who ran a state-record 10.15-second 100-meter dash last month, arrived in Auburn Saturday morning and stayed until Sunday afternoon.
The visit quickly changed Schwartz’s view of the Tigers.
“I spent the day talking to the coaches and I went on a tour and liked all the facilities,” Schwartz said. “We went to the spring game and it was great. The atmosphere at the game was great, 50,000 fans. I didn’t think there’d be that many people for a spring game.
"(The visit) really changed my opinion of Auburn. I always liked it, but now I’m starting to love it.”
Schwartz, who is from American Heritage in Plantation, Fla., spent time Saturday night hanging out with several Auburn players, including newly-converted wide receiver John Franklin III.
“I went downtown with them and everybody knew them. They were like celebrities,” Schwartz said. “(Franklin) is from Broward (County), too. He told me Auburn is way different, that it’s a family here.”
As a receiver, Schwartz paid close attention to Auburn’s offense in the spring game. The two offenses combined to throw for more than 500 yards, including 267 from quarterback Jarrett Stidham.
“They had a great offense,” Schwartz said. “They are starting to pass it a lot more, a lot of deep passes. They are going to do a lot of stuff I think I could fit in.”
Following the visit, Schwartz listed Auburn among his top schools.
“I’d put them near the top,” Schwartz said. “Florida, Auburn, Georgia and LSU.”
Schwartz later released a top 10 that also included USC, Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Michigan and Louisville. He hopes to narrow his list to one before the fall.
“I’m trying to (make my decision) before the season starts,” Schwartz said.
He and his mother left Auburn on Sunday and traveled to Georgia for an overnight visit. They plan to return to Auburn in the summer.
Schwartz, who stands six feet tall and weighs 175 pounds, also plans to run track in college.
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:52 pm to TigerPaw1
In-state ATH high on Auburn, new DB coach (Rivals)
Honestly I have always felt this kid was a lock to Bama but it sounds like there's at least a shot for us
quote:
While many people attending Auburn’s A-Day game on Saturday were watching the Tigers’ new offense, Myles Mason kept his eyes on the defense.
The four-star athlete from Pleasant Grove, who is being recruited to play safety, was impressed with what he saw from Auburn’s secondary.
“The game and the atmosphere was great,” Mason said. “I liked it. I liked how the DBs played.”
Myles also liked meeting again with the man who coaches the Tigers’ defensive backs, first-year Auburn assistant Greg Brown. Since Brown, who was defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints, was hired at Auburn in January, the Tigers have continued to climb on Mason’s list of favorites.
“Meeting Coach Brown has helped them,” Mason said. “We have a great relationship. I like his experience in the NFL, and when I went into the meeting room with him, he showed me some stuff on tape. I know he knows what he’s talking about.”
Mason currently lists Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Clemson as his top five. He has visited each of the schools at least once, and plans to return to Alabama for the Tide’s spring game in two weeks, as well as visit Georgia.
“Alabama and Auburn are recruiting me the hardest,” Mason said. “But I don’t have a leader.”
He does, however, have a better feel for Auburn after Saturday.
“I have good relationships with the coaches,” Mason said. “They have always kept it real with me.”
Mason, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 185 pounds, hopes to make a commitment in the summer.
Rivals ranks Mason the No. 7 athlete in the 2018 class, the No. 6 player in Alabama and No. 130 in the Rivals250.
Honestly I have always felt this kid was a lock to Bama but it sounds like there's at least a shot for us
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:54 pm to TigerPaw1
I don't have Rivals account so not sure what the update on Aaron Cochran the OT out of Cal is. KN seems pretty confident AU probably won't go after em but I think he is gonna decide this week
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:57 pm to TigerPaw1
Video: 2019 OL Dobbs' strong performance at Opening Regional (Scout)
quote:
Belleville (Mich.) sophomore offensive lineman Devonate Dobbs is considered one of the best in the country in the 2019 class. He backed up that claim on Sunday with a good performance at The Opening Regional in Cleveland.
Devontae Dobbs already holds offers from programs near and far including Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, Georgia, Auburn and more. On Sunday at Nike's Opening Regional in Cleveland, Dobbs made the final five after a really good performance during the first part of one-on-ones. He was praised by the camp staff for his footwork and quickness. He also played both tackle and guard, and could be swing guy at the next level. He left little doubt that he is one of the Midwest's best in his class and will be highly-ranked nationally as well.
Posted on 4/10/17 at 7:59 pm to TigerPaw1
South's 18th-Ranked Safety Cameron Jonas Dishes out a Leader (Scout)
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Cameron Jonas, a product of West Palm Beach (Fla.) Dwyer, says a school representing the ACC is leading the way for his services in the back end of the secondary.
Labeled as Scout's 18th-ranked safety in the South, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Jonas is armed with offers from Auburn, Florida State, NC State, Miami (Fl), Wisconsin and Kentucky among others.
"Florida State is at the top right now," Jonas said. "I just like the program itself and how bad they want me, too.
"I like the players they've developed over the years, and what the program does for them."
It was just five days ago when coach Gus Malzahn and Auburn came calling with an offer of their own.
Jonas, who is also tagged as the nation's 60th-ranked safety, has to continue to educate himself on the Tigers' football program, but says the message from the staff was sweet and straight to the point.
"I think that they have a good program," Jonas said. "I don't know much, but am very eager to find out more about them.
"I spoke to (defensive backs) coach Greg Brown, and he told me that they want me bad and are looking forward to seeing me up in Auburn."
Jonas, who plans to reveal his college selection over the summertime, has no visits planned at this time.
Stay tuned to Scout for the latest developments in Jonas' recruitment.
Posted on 4/10/17 at 8:00 pm to TigerPaw1
Been cruising some of the other team sites to see what's out there on AU targets. Will post some of the interesting stuff
Posted on 4/10/17 at 8:01 pm to TigerPaw1
WR prospect Jacob Copeland eliminates Clemson, now favors Auburn, Florida (SECCountry)
quote:
SEC battle
Jacob Copeland left Pensacola, Fla., on Friday with a pair of leaders in his recruitment. He returned home Sunday still with two leaders, but not the same schools as when he started the weekend.
After visiting Florida (Friday), Clemson (Saturday) and Auburn (Sunday), the 4-star wide receiver from Escambia High eliminated one of those programs from consideration.
“My top two, by the looks of it, are Auburn and Florida,” Copeland told SEC Country on Sunday.
A 6-foot-1, 195-pound wideout, Copeland named Clemson his top school in March after calling Florida and Clemson co-leaders for several months.
Florida pulled even Friday after impressing Copeland at the Orange & Blue Debut. But during his Saturday trip to Clemson for its spring game, the Tigers apparently ruined their chances.
“Clemson was high for me,” Copeland said. “But once I got there, I felt like I was a stranger to everybody. I didn’t feel too welcome around there.
“That isn’t a place that fits for me. It changed a lot up for me. I felt like Clemson could be one of the spots, but I guess not.”
Though Copeland narrowed his recruitment to two schools, he wants to wait until the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game to announce his decision. Copeland can see himself at either Auburn or Florida.
“When I show up at those campuses, I always feel love,” Copeland said. “I can do what I want … it feels like home to me. Those two places I feel really good at and know I could live there for three to four years.”
Copeland said Georgia, Miami, North Carolina and Tennessee could get into the mix. Florida’s Jim McElwain is recruiting Copeland harder than any coach.
“I was the first recruit he offered,” Copeland said. “That was my freshman year and he’s been recruiting me heavy ever since. He told me I’m his biggest priority. He actually showed me his board and I was the No. 1 receiver on it.
“Coach Mac told me he’s going to stay on my trail and I’m going to look good in orange and blue. I communicate with Coach Mac every day and a lot of the staff. They treat me like I’m theirs, like I’m already a player there.”
Copeland is a top-10 wide receiver both in the nation and in Florida, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Copeland liked what he saw from quarterback Feleipe Franks and wide receiver Antonio Callaway in the spring game on Friday. Franks had 119 passing yards in the first half and threw a touchdown to Callaway, who finished with three catches for 51 yards.
“I just wanted to check them out and see how everything was going to be with the offense,” Copeland said. “They threw the ball and made some big plays. Franks looked good out there. He’s growing up a little bit.
“Callaway, he hurdled over somebody on the sideline. I liked that. If Callaway leaves, they’re going to need somebody to step it up.”
Posted on 4/10/17 at 8:03 pm to TigerPaw1
New-look LSU offense is paramount to Ja’Marr Chase’s decision (SECCountry)
quote:
Ja’Marr Chase had been sitting on an offer from LSU for months before it finally came through.
The elite New Orleans wide receiver camped at LSU twice last summer, then visited a handful of times in the fall. Chase received the red-carpet treatment but finally added the offer soon after Mickey Joseph joined the coaching staff.
Days after Joseph took over as LSU’s wide receivers coach and New Orleans-area recruiter, he called Chase in the middle of basketball practice to inform him of the offer, which seemed like it was a long time coming.
“It felt good,” Chase told SEC Country, on the LSU offer. “I had been waiting so long, so when I finally got it, I was happy about it.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder from Archbishop Rummel (La.) has since been in regular communication with Joseph as the coach and recruit begin to foster a relationship.
Like Chase, Joseph hails from New Orleans’ West Bank. Some of their conversations center on their upbringings, but more so on the evolving LSU offense.
Matt Canada has taken the reins of the unit and is installing a new passing attack, which has drawn the attention of Chase.
“We’ve just started talking, and our relationship is still building,” the 3-star wideout said. “We’ve been talking since I got the offer, and we’ve been talking a lot. We talk about the offense, where I’d fit in … not exactly where [I’d play], but that I would be good in it.”
The offense that Chase will play in has emerged as the most important factor in his decision, which is expected to be made — as of now — sometime in June, ahead of his senior season.
Chase studied the tape of Canada’s offense at Pitt and is already a fan. He plans on being a close study of what transpires in Baton Rouge to see if the same blueprint will be used.
“I’ve got to see the new offense,” Chase said. “I don’t want to commit just because it’s the home school. I mean, I love it because it is the home school, but I still want to explore some things and look around.
“I know he uses a lot of motioning, the way he uses his receivers is good. I looked at the Pitt film, and I really like it.”
Chase visited LSU in February for Boys From The Boot just days after securing an offer from Joseph, and then spent the bulk of the afternoon with his primary recruiter. He also sat in meeting rooms with Canada.
LSU general manager Austin Thomas, who sources indicate has been a fan of Chase dating to last summer when he camped at LSU, also is playing a role in his recruitment. Thomas helped the Tigers land commitments from JaCoby Stevens and Jacob Phillips a year ago, and his presence looms large again for Chase.
“When I get up there, we talk a lot,” Chase said. “He likes me, and he tells me that every time I see him. He’s just a cool dude, and I like to feel the love at every college, so that makes me feel good.”
LSU was joined by Auburn, TCU, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona State and Kansas in the top 11 he released at the beginning of March. Since then, Chase added a handful of offers, including Florida State, which pushed the total number to 30 heading into the spring.
The Tigers remain in a strong position to land the elite New Orleans recruit, assuming the offense evolves as he expects it to.
“I don’t have an order, so they [LSU] are just there,” Chase clarified. “I still want to take some visits and look into stuff. I might not, but I’m not going to rush my decision. I need to make sure I fit into the right offense.”
Posted on 4/10/17 at 8:06 pm to TigerPaw1
Alabama interested in foreign exchange student with little football experience; big visit coming up for the Tide (SECCountry)
quote:
Alabama interested in intriguing athlete
BUFORD, Ga. — The first thing you notice about Richard Jibunor is how overly nice of a person he is. Jibunor says ‘sir’ at the end of each of his sentences and thanked me for talking to him, which isn’t common.
Jibunor, a 3-star athlete from Athens (Ga.) Christian High School, moved to America from Nigeria in 2014. He started playing football just two years ago and still is learning the game.
“I just told my coach after my freshman year that I wanted to try football,” Jibunor told SEC Country at the Atlanta Opening regional. “He told me that he would love to have me out there and he would teach me how to play. I had just come off of being a track champion in states. I just picked up the game and I fell in love with it.”
The other characteristic about Jibunor that stands out is his willingness to compete no matter what. Jibunor is wanted by programs as a linebacker. At the Atlanta regional two weeks ago, he played defensive end after noticing other highly ranked recruits on the offensive line.
He had never played defensive end before. He didn’t even know what the position was called in our interview. The coaches at the event showed Jibunor some techniques and he came away as the camp’s defensive line MVP.
“I talked to a bunch of the top offensive linemen and knew they were coming to the camp,” Jibunor said. “I really wanted to go up against them, so I decided to come at defensive line.”
At a different camp last weekend, Jibunor played cornerback, with his hand in the dirt like a defensive lineman, and ran step-for-step with some of the top wide receivers in attendance. Needless to say, Jibunor is still learning the game of football.
He moved from Nigeria to Athens, Ga. as a foreign exchange student. His mother sent him to America to escape religious unrest in Nigeria. He hasn’t seen his mother since he came to America in 2014, but they do talk on the phone often about his recruitment, life in America and accomplishing his main goal — going to college.
“There’s better education here. It’s just a better place to live. Everything is just better,” Jibunor said. “Nigeria is really like here, except the difference is you don’t have much electricity, water or food there.”
Both Alabama and Auburn have offered Jibunor scholarships despite how raw of a prospect he is. Perhaps because the 6-foot-3, 206-pound prospect has been clocked in the 40-yard dash at a sub 4.5 second time. The Crimson Tide are in contact with Jibunor often via defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.
Jibunor, who was invited to the prestigious Opening Finals event in Oregon this summer, has been talking to Pruitt ever since he started playing football.
“He was the one recruiting me at the time when he was there,” Jibunor said. “It feels like I’ve known him forever.”
That relationship with Pruitt has Alabama high on Jibunor’s list of favorite schools. While he doesn’t have an official list, he did name Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia, despite not having an offer there yet, as standouts.
“Alabama is one of my favorite schools,” Jibunor said. “I talk to Coach Saban every once in a while. They’re very high on me, and they really like me. They are very high on my list. I don’t have any favorites yet. I just have schools I am really focusing on and Alabama is one of them.”
The Crimson Tide are recruiting Jibunor as an outside linebacker/strong safety, he said. He’s not picky when it comes to where he plays in college. Like these camps he’s been at, he’ll play anywhere.
He hasn’t visited Tuscaloosa yet but is planning on going soon because he said he’s heard how nice it is from his friends. When he does commit to a school, which he’s expected to do before his senior season begins this fall, he knows what he wants.
“I am looking for a school that has a good educational program where I can really learn,” Jibunor said. “I also want to find a coaching staff who can make me into the best player I can be.”
Auburn appears to be the school to beat right now. He’s been there more than any other school plus the Tigers have two Nigerians on their roster who he has a friendship with. That may be a key influence when it comes time to making a decision.
Posted on 4/10/17 at 8:07 pm to TigerPaw1
quote:
2019 athlete, teammate of big Alabama target, picks up dream offer
Jammie Robinson, a 2019 athlete from Crisp County High School (Cordele, Ga.), only had offers from Tennessee-Chattanooga and Georgia Southern entering Sunday. He went to bed with one more.
Robinson, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound prospect, added an offer from the Crimson Tide on Sunday night after receiving the news from his coach at Crisp. He’s teammates with 2018 4-star outside linebacker Quay Walker, who is one of the Tide’s top targets at the position.
“Coach Derrick Ansley told my coach I was offered as a nickel back and star,” Robinson told SEC Country. “I was shocked once my coach told me and my mom the awesome news. Me just making my mom proud is the best feeling.”
Robinson said he’s been to Tuscaloosa plenty of times and said the atmosphere is amazing. He’s hoping to get back to Tuscaloosa soon but doesn’t know when. He’s also unsure of when he’ll make a commitment, but when he does, expect Alabama to be in it until the end for him.
“It is a dream school because when I was younger I grew up watching Alabama every year in a national championship basically and I was like I want to be part of a winning program and a disciplined program,” Robinson said.
This guy is teammates with 4* LB Quay Walker who Bama is also after
Posted on 4/10/17 at 8:08 pm to TigerPaw1
Florida Gators hosting priority recruiting target Monday (SECCountry)
quote:
The Florida Gators will host one of their top targets on campus Monday.
Channing Tindall, a 4-star linebacker from Columbia, S.C., is visiting UF. The 6-foot-2, 213-pound prospect received an offer from Florida on Feb. 20.
Tindall is ranked the nation’s No. 21 outside linebacker and the fourth-best recruit in the state of South Carolina, according to the 247Sports Composite.
He holds offers from more than a dozen schools, including Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina.
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