re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition

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Ashley, Sammons, Tega, and Troxell all have the physical potential to play tackle at a high level.

Who from the 2013-2015 classes can you say that about?

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You are depressing me with the thread title changes

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What Quay Walker visit change means for Auburn

Quay Walker will change the order he takes his visits.

The 4-star linebacker from Crisp County (Ga.) took an official visit to Tennessee over the weekend. He left with a new visit schedule in place. Instead of going Georgia next weekend as originally planned, he’s going back to Alabama next weekend, which will coincide with the Crimson Tide’s national championship celebration. That’s great news for Alabama and unsettling news for the rest of his suitors.

That visit change moves Georgia to the end of his schedule on Feb. 2

Auburn’s position on his schedule won’t alter. The Tigers will host Walker on Jan. 26, as always planned. And I think that perfectly describes Walker’s relationship with Auburn and its coaching staff, specifically Travis Williams. Things have often changed between Walker and other programs, but his connection to Williams and the Tigers hasn’t wavered since the beginning.

Williams is close to the family, so Auburn will be a major factor in this one until the end.

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This has been a common question since Dec. 20 when Coynis Miller didn’t sign. In fact, it was addressed on Dec. 27 in a previous Auburn Recruiting Question of the Day. I suppose those are the questions I should expect when the top-ranked defensive lineman in Alabama — who was heavily recruited by the Crimson Tide — elects to not sign during the early signing period.

Rest easy, however.

Since the post on Dec. 27, not much has changed. Miller has a more set-in-stone official visit plan. He’ll go to Oregon (Jan. 19), Tennessee (Jan. 26) and Florida (Feb. 2). Just the fact that Alabama isn’t one of the programs Miller will visit should be enough to settle the Auburn fan base. All three of Miller’s visits will be to schools with new coaches, but staffs with which he had prior relationships.

Miller has the right to take those official visits. It makes sense to see what those programs have to offer under Dan Mullen, Jeremy Pruitt and Mario Cristobal — three coaches Miller knows from previous jobs.

Miller’s first official visit coming out of the dead period was to Auburn, just like his last unofficial campus visit before the dead period. He hasn’t necessarily come out publicly and said all the things that will ease the Tigers fan base, but he’s been to Auburn twice in as many weekends, as he was permitted. That alone speaks volumes to where things stand.

Miller stands by the fact that he feels just as passionately about the Tigers as when he committed on his birthday. Both of his parents were on his official visit, and it’s nothing new to note that his Auburn fan mother enjoys the opportunity to take jabs at his Alabama fan father. It’s all in good fun, and that family dynamic, at least in my opinion, lends credence to the confidence that he sticks with the Tigers.

But perhaps the most interesting interchange with Miller after his visit should give Auburn fans more confidence than any that his commitment is strong. The Tigers coaching staff is letting these visits happen (hence why Alabama won’t get an official visit). If Auburn told Miller it didn’t want him to take a visit elsewhere, he’d grant that wish.

But he’s had these conversations with Rodney Garner. Auburn feels confident enough that Miller will stay to let him enjoy a few official visits. You should, too.

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In-state DB ‘considered’ committing on official visit

Roger McCreary remains on commit watch.

The 3-star cornerback from Mobile, Ala., entered his official visit weekend as one of the most likely candidates to join the 2018 class. He enjoyed his visit, including a last-minute surprise meeting in Gus Malzahn’s office, something that often ends in a commitment.

It didn’t happen, but it crossed McCreary’s mind.

“I had considered it. I loved it. I was thinking about it,” he said. “I spoke to my mom, and we had a discussion to just let it play out. They didn’t try to pressure me. They understand that I love it around here, but my process came late, so I’m going to visit other schools.”

McCreary has two other official visits set up — to Alabama and Tennessee.

He’ll take an official visit to Tuscaloosa this weekend, which will coincide with a national championship parade. With Jeremy Pruitt and Derrick Ansley gone, it’s unknown at this time where McCreary stands among remaining Crimson Tide cornerback options. McCreary will go to Knoxville the following weekend, on Jan. 26.

Those two programs have yet to offer, but they’ll be behind Auburn regardless as the process comes to a close.

“Oh, Auburn stands at the top. They’re No. 1. It’s just that my recruiting process came late. That’s why I have to go to Alabama next week and Tennessee after to see how I feel. Auburn is No. 1,” he said. “I love the coaching staff and how they explained why they needed me. I loved everything they explained to me. … They just kept telling me they needed me. [Kevin Steele] was explaining how they need me and what I can bring to the team.”

McCreary spent most of his time with Steele and new defensive backs coach Marcus Woodson.

His relationship with Steele has been the integral component to his interest in Auburn. Shortly after offering, Steele went to McCreary’s school to talk to him about position fit, need at corner and how his skill set can help the Tigers.

“When he came to my school, that’s when I knew Coach Steele was the important person in my recruiting process. He explained why he really needed me. He showed me the depth chart and what I can bring to the table,” McCreary said. “With Woodson, I drove with him almost everywhere we went. We had the connection. That’s what I love about it. I have the connection with the coaches. He recruited me at Memphis. When he heard about me coming, he came and spoke to me throughout the week.”

Auburn will drop in to see McCreary later this week. Steele plans to go see the in-state cornerback this week, and Woodson will visit him next week.

The Tigers aren’t rushing McCreary. They have other uncommitted defensive back options remaining who will officially visit in the coming weeks. Also, in McCreary’s case, he wants to take his time with a few visits since this is new to him, given his recent de-commitment from South Alabama.

Even though McCreary isn’t rushing, he’ll have a choice soon after the visits.

“I’m not waiting until signing day. I know I’ll make my decision before signing day,” he said.

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Offensive tackle target off the board

One of Auburn’s offensive tackle targets is off the board.

Jalen Goss was a potential early-signing candidate for the Tigers. That didn’t happen. Goss’ patience resulted in a change of plans for the athletic offensive tackle. The Valdosta, Ga., native will stay closer to home. He committed to Florida State on Monday afternoon.

Auburn has other tackle targets. But since Goss was considered the reliable backup plan, the Tigers will take a greater sense of desperation into offensive tackle recruiting leading up to signing day.

The focus will be on Dylan Wonnum (already visited officially), William Barnes and Richard Gouraige. The latter two — Barnes and Gouraige — have official visits set up, but Auburn is likely in second place for both prospects. In Wonnum’s case, the Tigers are chasing South Carolina.

The offensive line situation isn’t dire, but the staff has about a month to fix a problem that could get worse.

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