re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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Coynis Miller sets decision date

One of the nation’s top defensive tackles is ready to commit.

Coynis Miller, a 4-star DT from Jackson-Olin High School (Birmingham, Ala.), plans to annouce his decision on Oct. 14. His finalists are Alabama, Auburn and Florida.

The 6-foot-1, 300-pound Miller is ranked the No. 15 defensive tackle and No. 162 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite.

SEC Country recruiting reporters Zach Abolverdi (Florida), Chris Kirschner (Alabama) and Benjamin Wolk (Auburn) break down the chances for each school below.

Why Coynis Miller picks Alabama

Kirschner: “While Coynis says Florida leads, I’ve always thought that he would choose either Alabama or Auburn when he committed. Miller has told SEC Country that Alabama was the school that was recruiting him the hardest. The Tide need several interior defensive linemen in this class, and Miller is near the top of the team’s wish list.

“Miller visited Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s game against Fresno State and will return this Saturday for the team’s game against Ole Miss. In recruiting, the phrase “follow the visits” is important. He will have gone to two out of three home games now. That’s significant. This weekend will give the coaching staff a big chance to lock in his commitment just two weeks before he announces, and I think the coaching staff can get it done.”

Why Coynis Miller picks Auburn

Wolk: “Relationships are everything in recruiting, and at Auburn, Coynis Miller has many. It started with the Tigers being the first Power 5 team to offer back in June of 2016 when Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner was recruiting now-Tigers defensive lineman TD Moultry. As other programs have caught on, Garner and Auburn have always been there. Garner is one of the most proven closers on the recruiting trail, and he’s never an easy position coach to turn down — especially for someone like Miller who has been so close to Garner for two full recruiting cycles.

“On top of that, Miller’s former high school teammate Moultry ended up at Auburn. Moultry isn’t the type to tell Miller what’s in his own best interests, but the connection won’t hurt. Neither will the fact Miller’s high school coach Tim Vakakes — someone Miller respects and trusts dearly — is an Auburn grad. Last but not least, Miller has a long-standing friendship with Auburn running back commit Asa Martin dating back to his time in Decatur, Ala., before moving to Birmingham, and Miller seems to like the Tigers’ chances of landing their top defensive prospect remaining. In the end, Miller’s many connections to Auburn will be too tough to overlook.”

Why Coynis Miller picks Florida

Abolverdi: “The Gators have recently had some success on the recruiting trail in Alabama, signing four prospects from the state in the last two recruiting cycles. A pair of those players, sophomore running back Lamical Perine and freshman receiver Kadarius Toney, have huge roles this season. Their presence and production on the team should help Florida’s chances with Miller, who named UF his No. 1 school in August after visiting the school for the first time.

“He sees an opportunity for early playing time with coaches who aren’t afraid to play underclassmen. The Gators are still searching for a defensive tackle in the Class of 2018 and Miller may be their best bet at a quality prospect. Pulling him out of that state won’t be easy with Alabama and Auburn both being finalists, but Florida has legitimate shot. I don’t think the Gators lead by a large margin, but right now Miller says they’re the team to beat.”

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