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Posted on 4/19/18 at 8:48 pm to AU24
quote:
Do we go after Hurts if he transfer?
Posted on 4/19/18 at 10:27 pm to AUtigR24
I would think Tenn would be high on Hurts list too.
Coaches need to have a conversation with Flott about this 85% committed lol.
Coaches need to have a conversation with Flott about this 85% committed lol.
Posted on 4/20/18 at 2:37 am to jt33
quote:As of now coaches can still block where transfers go. I doubt Saban would let him go to AU or the Vols.
I would think Tenn would be high on Hurts list too.
Posted on 4/20/18 at 4:38 am to ellitor
I think Hurts would be a grad transfer.
Not sure they can limit his choices.
Not sure they can limit his choices.
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:17 am to makersmark1
What are chances Auburn lands commitment(s) from key visitors in late April? (SECCountry)
quote:
There will be several key recruits on campus next weekend (April 27-29).
As the question references, Frederica Academy (Ga.) teammates Jaylin Simpson and Jashawn Sheffield are the two known official visitors. Tight end Luke Deal from Greenwood, S.C., and tackle Wanya Morris will be on their official visits. I wouldn’t expect to see any commitments from the official visitors.
It could be a different story for the guys on unofficial visits.
In our notebook Wednesday, I wrote about the importance of the next two weeks, specifically the unofficial and official visitors slate or the last weekend of April. While Deal and Morris will play narrative-shifting roles for this class, it’s actually the St. Simons Island duo of Simpson and Sheffield — both listed as 4-star athletes in the 247Sports composite — who are more likely to be immediate additions to the class.
After their visit last month, Sheffield sounded close to an Auburn commitment. He called the Tigers his favorite and admitted that it would take an impressive showing from another program to top them. On the flip side, Simpson said Auburn made a big jump, but there is still a battle pending with Clemson and Miami.
But after speaking with a few sources, it’s actually Simpson who is the more likely of the two to jump on board during his upcoming visit. There’s a high possibility that Simpson becomes commitment No. 5. Will Sheffield feed off that energy and be No. 6? For now, he appears to be more patient with his decision-making process, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:20 am to TigerPaw1
In-state LB Vonta Bentley clarifies where Auburn stands compared to top schools after most recent visit (SECCountry)
Glad we turned up the heat on this kid. Him and Pappoe would make an insane LB duo in this class
quote:
In-state LB clarifies Auburn’s standing among top schools
When Vonta Bentley spoke with SEC Country last month, his main message wasn’t great news for Auburn.
Bentley called Clemson his leader. That hasn’t changed. But what was unnerving to the Auburn side was how Bentley considered the Tigers to be far on the outside compared to Clemson and Alabama. Based on his comments, however, it seemed like the Auburn staff wasn’t making as much of a push for the Jackson-Olin (Ala.) linebacker as a few other prospects in the 2019 class.
That wasn’t Auburn’s intent, several sources have made clear.
Bentley is among the Tigers’ favorite linebackers in that class, and they made sure to correct the record in short order. After a Clemson visit earlier this month, Bentley drove through Auburn with a few of his teammates to drop off defensive tackle signee Coynis Miller who was set for a multi-day stay.
On that trip — his second this spring — Bentley noticed an increase level of attention and interest from the Tigers.
“I’d say most of the coaching staff are writing letters to me now after that little visit I took up there,” Bentley told SEC Country. “All the coaches, they be communicating with me. They’re always pumped up, excited, loud. I’ll say that. They’re always screaming. T-Will [linebackers coach Travis Williams] was all shouting, ‘Vonta’s here, Vonta’s here,’ when I got there. That was funny.”
It has caused a shift for Bentley.
Auburn is no longer on the outside looking in. He still refers to Clemson as his leader and admits other programs are going to have to show him something more to top Dabo Swinney and Co. But Auburn is in the conversation now with Bentley telling SEC Country that Auburn has moved into the No. 2 spot above Alabama (the Crimson Tide are expected to bring in a star-studded linebacker class and Bentley isn’t feeling as much love).
While Auburn hasn’t recruited him the hardest yet, the Tigers are likely to change that tune.
Williams already got that started on Bentley’s most recent visit.
“He says basically what Clemson says. He wants me, that I’m a top player. He sat me down to watch my film,” Bentley said. “Going over stuff, he was just being real with me. He told me things I needed to get better at. That’s what I like about him. He wasn’t just telling me what I was great at, but stuff I need to work on too. I really like that.”
The one thing that separates Clemson: his connection with Swinney.
Bentley said when he goes there he always spends time with Swinney in his office. Those conversations range from football to many non-football topics. He has started to receive similar treatment at Auburn with Gus Malzahn. Bentley visited earlier this spring with his mother, which gave him the first look into Malzahn and his recruiting approach.
“I went to his office and talked to him for a pretty good minute. I had went with my coach and sat in there just talking and chopping it up. I would say Clemson head coach and Auburn head coach are the ones talking to me the most,” Bentley said. “At Alabama, I’ll only talk to coach Saban after practice or something like that and say he needs some linebackers.”
Bentley’s process isn’t close to complete.
He wants to take his time with his commitment, perhaps looking toward an end-of-season decision. Bentley wouldn’t mind waiting until National Signing Day, but he mentioned the uncertainty of being able to wait that long because of numbers restrictions his top schools might have at linebacker. In other words, he wouldn’t want to wait so long his school of choice didn’t have an open scholarship for him.
Still, Bentley hopes to check out a few more schools, namely LSU, Tennessee and Ole Miss.
As he closes in on his decision, the relationship between Auburn and Jackson-Olin will be the key. TD Moultry and Miller have started that pipeline the last two recruiting classes. Bentley confirmed that can only help Auburn come decision time.
“I’d say as far as Auburn, it does help. We can catch up with the players that are down there. We can hear how Auburn really is and what they like about it. We’re in touch with TD and Coynis, so that’s going to help with other players from J-O,” Bentley said. “It’s always going to be an advantage when you can talk to one of the players who’s already down there. You can learn why they like it, which I can tell why they like it because those coaches are pumped up and have fun while still handling their business.”
Glad we turned up the heat on this kid. Him and Pappoe would make an insane LB duo in this class
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:20 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
2020 Hoover (Ala.) QB lands Auburn offer
With its 2019 quarterback recruiting shored up, Auburn finds itself in the enviable position of being able to look ahead.
Many of Auburn’s SEC competitors are in search of their 2019 quarterback. The Tigers have that in Bo Nix. Now, Auburn is able to scour the 2020 quarterback market that is rich with talent — both in-state and out-of-state.
As far as in-state prospects go, Hoover (Ala.) quarterback Robby Ashford may be the one who generates the most buzz in 2020. Ashford picked up an offer from Auburn on Thursday to become, by my count, the fifth uncommitted quarterback offer for the Tigers in the 2020 class.
Ashford passes the eye test at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds. He also passes the high school program test as a member of Hoover’s state championship history. Despite it being his sophomore season, Ashford had several standout performances on the way to the Buccaneers’ state championship. It likely helped having Auburn signee Shedrick Jackson and Tigers commit George Pickens as receivers.
Ashford has visited Auburn several times in the last year, most recently for a spring junior day.
Think chances are really good this kid is our QB in the 2020 class
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:22 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Quick update on 5-star LB Owen Pappoe
As 5-star linebacker Owen Pappoe told SEC Country, he was going to take Athens and Auburn visits before his May 1 commitment.
Pappoe took care of part of that this week.
The 5-star linebacker from Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.) visited Georgia on Wednesday with his mother, SEC Country confirmed. This didn’t come as a surprise to the Auburn staff who has stayed in regular communication with Pappoe as it pertains to his visits elsewhere. It’s important to note the Tigers aren’t being caught off guard by this visit because it shows a streamlining of communication between the two sides.
With that said, it’s important for Auburn to be weary of Georgia.
The Bulldogs have been the odds-on favorites to land Pappoe since he started getting recruited at a high level in ninth grade. Auburn has come on strong here. Pappoe will be the first to admit that even if he isn’t tipping his hand prior to the May 1 decision.
So the question I know I’ll be asked: Does this do anything to your Auburn prediction?
Not for now. As I’ve said in the past, Georgia won’t go away quietly in this one. The Bulldogs have been a favorite for a while, and in the eyes of many, that narrative hasn’t changed simply because of the recent Auburn interest. Still, my sourcing supports the belief the Tigers will be the choice on May 1.
But, needless to say, this won’t be the last Pappoe update in the next two weeks.
Man hope Wolk's sources are good on this one. He seems to be more confident than KN AU gets both Pappoe & Morris
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:28 am to TigerPaw1
'Sky is the limit' for Auburn defensive back signee Roger McCreary (AL.com)
Breaking up questions & answers in following posts
quote:
With his focus now solely on playing one position, Auburn signee Roger McCreary's potential could be unlimited.
The 6-foot, 190-pound former Williamson High standout is expected to settle in at defensive back for the Tigers after playing all over the field in high school. He will officially report in late May.
"It wouldn't surprise me to see him go in and contribute right away," Williamson coach Dedrick Sumpter said. "The sky is the limit. I don't think conditioning will be an issue. He could find his way into the rotation quickly. He will have to refine some things as a cornerback because he was such a two-way player for us, but that won't be an issue for him."
McCreary's overall stats in 2017 across a number of positions are hard to match. The Class 5A All-State and All-Coastal Alabama pick made 100 tackles and eight interceptions on defense, and that was just the start.
He also rushed for 802 yards and eight touchdowns on offense, caught 65 passes for 702 yards and seven scores and completed 50-of-60 passes for 675 yards and six TDs.
"Roger will be a great defensive player and he was for us," Sumpter said. "A hundred tackles and eight picks is nothing to take for granted. A lot of people saw him as an offensive guy because he was so dynamic there, but he was special on defense as well."
McCreary and teammate Jamal Hickbottom were committed to their hometown school, South Alabama, for several months. However, as McCreary, continued to pile up stats during the fall, other teams became more interested. Auburn, Duke and N.C. State all offered. Ole Miss and Vanderbilt also were in talks with him.
He de-committed from South and eventually picked Auburn. It seemed only appropriate since his high school has a history of sending stellar defensive players to the Plains. That list includes Williamson's current defensive coordinator, Antonio Coleman, and Nick Fairley.
Hickbottom remained committed and signed with the Jaguars.
AL.com caught up with McCreary this week to talk about his high school career and future with the Tigers.
Breaking up questions & answers in following posts
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:28 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Since signing day, have you heard any more about what position you will play at Auburn and how early you might play?
"I think it's the same as before. They want me to play cornerback. They love my speed (4.43 in the 40). They have told me they don't show favoritism. The coaches have told me that if I come out and work hard there will be a spot for me, but I have to earn it."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:28 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
You never left the field as a senior at Williamson. Are you OK settling for playing just one position?
"I think it actually will help me. If I can focus on one position, I think I can really improve rather than trying to balance several different duties. At cornerback, I can play man and get up in the receiver's face. I like that. It's more of a 1-on-1 deal, and that's a challenge."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:28 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
What was your biggest takeaway from the recruiting experience?
"It was great. It can get overwhelming, but you just have to realize how fortunate you are to be offered college scholarships to do something you love. Not everyone has that chance. I loved the experience."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:29 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Did you ever get frustrated during the season when bigger offers weren't coming?
"When I got the South offer, coach Coleman said there would be plenty more to come. As the summer went on and those Division 1 offers didn't really come, I just tried to stay patient. I thought by the end of the year there would be some other schools interested because of my statistics. I didn't let it get to me. I was willing to let the Lord lead me down the right path."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:30 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
When did you know Auburn was the right place for you?
"When I went to visit. I loved the staff. Coach (Travis) Williams was the first to speak to me. Coach (Kevin) Steele told me he really liked me and that he was going to offer me and, a couple of days later, he did. I really have a good relationship with the coaches and especially my position coach (Larry Woodson???). I liked the atmosphere. I was there for the Georgia and Alabama games, and it was unbelievable. It really is like a big family."
@ AL.comPosted on 4/20/18 at 7:30 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
You and Jamal were both going to South Alabama for a long time. Did it bother you to make the switch?
"We really wanted to play together on the next level, but we knew we might have to go different ways. It was a little weird that he stayed at South and I didn't, but he knew I had to do what was best for me. I'll follow him and his career, and he'll do the same for me I'm sure."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:30 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
Do you have any regrets about the recruiting process?
"No regrets. I'm happy with the decision I made. I'm just going to remain humble and do what I do best."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:30 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
What are your early impressions of Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele?
"Coach Malzahn really was able to speak to my mom and dad. They really liked him. I think they feel comfortable with him being my coach. He's a great guy.
With coach Steele, that is really the relationship that helped me pick Auburn. He was really honest with me about everything. He came and visited a couple of times and that is when I knew they were really interested."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:31 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
What has Antonio told you about Auburn that could help down the road?
"He's helped me just to get ready for the summer semester. He said it's going to be a tough adjustment so just be ready to go and be who you are. The rest will take care of itself."
Posted on 4/20/18 at 7:31 am to TigerPaw1
quote:
How well do you know former Vigor star and current Auburn linebacker DeShaun Davis?
"I've spoken to him. I saw him when I went up for the spring game. He told me he would take care of me. I've also talked to (former Vigor QB) Devin (Adams). It's comforting knowing I've got those guys from Mobile up there to lean on and help me adjust."
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