re: 2017 Football Recruiting Thread ["N$D Bryant" Edition]

Posted on 1/23/17 at 5:38 am to TigerPaw1

Posted by TigerPaw1

Chattanooga, TN

Member since Apr 2011

16979 posts

Posted on 1/23/17 at 5:38 am to TigerPaw1

Report: Auburn target Thomas Johnston eliminates Tigers (SECCountry)

quote:
Thomas Johnston is reportedly down to three schools, and Auburn is not one of them.

The 3-star linebacker from Spanish Fort (Ala.) High School told Ole Miss Spirit’s Ben Garrett that he has dwindled his list down to Ole Miss, Iowa and Arkansas.

Johnston took an official visit to Auburn on Jan. 13 where coach Gus Malzahn asked him to commit as an H-back — a hybrid fullback/tight end position.

“Everybody else is looking at me as a linebacker. I also told them if I did play H-back in college, it would be at Auburn just because of what they do with them,” Johnston told SEC Country’s Benjamin Wolk. “Coach Malzahn told me that he wants me to play for his team. He wants me just to be around. He said I’m a fit for Auburn and I mean that says a lot. He asked me to commit this morning and asked where I stood. I know I’m at the top of their list right now so I’m excited about it.”

Despite Malzahn’s pitch, it appears that Johnston has had a change of heart. Alabama’s all-time career tackles leader wants to play linebacker at the next level, which is a possibility at each of his three finalists — not at Auburn.

Not sure if we missed on Taylor if we called & say we would take him as LB if he would jump on board but I don't doubt we would try at least

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Posted by TigerPaw1

Chattanooga, TN

Member since Apr 2011

16979 posts

Posted on 1/23/17 at 5:40 am to TigerPaw1

Auburn 5-star commit Calvin Ashley completely shuts down recruitment after official visit (SECCountry)

quote:
During his visit, Ashley talked extensively with offensive line coach Herb Hand and met new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. The 5-star offensive tackle said he is impressed with Gus Malzahn’s new hire.

“Coach Lindsey just came in, just talked to him,” Ashley said. “We’ve got a great relationship. He’s a great coach. His background speaks for itself. I can’t wait to get back to work here in the summer. It’s going to be a great season for Auburn.”

Ashley might play an important role in Lindsey’s first season on the Plains.

Hand sees him as a left tackle, and he could compete for a starting job as the Tigers look to replace two seniors on their line in 2017. It’s rare for true freshmen offensive tackles to play immediately in the SEC, but Ashley is ready for the challenge.

“I know Coach Hand is going to give me plenty of opportunities to prove myself,” Ashley said. “I’m going to work. I’m going to come in working and try to earn a spot. I just can’t wait to get here.

“I’m trying to work very hard to come in and play early as a true freshman. That’s big for me. I want to make a name for myself early in my career. It’ll be good.”

Before he arrives in Auburn this summer, Ashley finally can relax after a long recruiting process. He’ll spend the final few days before signing day completely focused on Auburn.

“It was very important (to shut the recruitment down early),” Ashley said. “Recruiting sometimes is very stressful, you know? I love Auburn. I love it. It’s a great place.”