re: Inactive recruiting thread

quote:

---

Q: Is Kason Boston someone we push harder for if we whiff on a few guys or is he an absolute take if we offer him in the near future? Is the staff just waiting to see how he does senior year or are they close to offering him?

A: For those wondering, Kason Boston is an unranked defensive end at Birmingham (Ala.) Jackson-Olin. I honestly haven't heard his name much. My hunch is the Tigers are in evaluation mode there.

Not having spring practice -- or summer camps -- did him no favors. Every year, that's when sleepers emerge from the crowd and become big targets.

This year, we got none of that. That means there are some hidden gems out there ... we all know it. True hidden gems who will be big-time college players.

Auburn has one defensive lineman committed and will probably try to add three or four more. Miss a few and we'll see what happens.

Jason Caldwell: I believe he's going to be a guy that big schools want to see play this season because he looks so different than he did as a junior. If Auburn offered they would have a great shot IMO.

---

quote:

---

Q: Are there any recruits out there that Auburn is evaluating that has a DJ Williams recruitment feel to it, where the kid blows up skill and rankings wise before the signing period?

A: I haven't heard of many to be honest. There may be some, but I haven't heard many names. With no spring practice or summer camps, every school in the country has essentially poured through the same highlights from 2019.

They're all doing the same thing. And basically recruiting the same guys.

That's a question you'll have to ask late fall.

Auburn didn't even know about Williams until very late in the cycle. And that was with a spring practice that year.

Obviously, a guy we just mentioned potentially could be one of those guys -- defensive end Kason Boston of Birmingham.

Not sure people realize how much spring practice changed the dynamic of this cycle. That's usually the time of year when boards shift A LOT - and when many new names emerge.

Now, guys that would have shot up the recruiting boards are still hidden somewhat. So this fall, there could be numerous new faces emerge.

---

quote:

---

Q: July is closing fast. Will we turn to Aug. before we land our next public commitment?

A: Since no big targets have announced specific commitment dates in July, maybe.

---

quote:

---

Q: Losing out on Wiliiams would seem to be a real gut punch, given the time and energy invested in recruiting him and being an in-state guy. IF Auburn misses, where do they go then to fill that spot?

A: Well, for starters, Auburn still is working on 4-star Vols commit Dylan Brooks. The two sides continue to communicate so he would be someone to watch.

Also, Auburn is far and ahead the team to beat -- if it pushes -- with junior college player Jimmori Robinson of Monroe College (N.Y.). He's not a fall-back plan, but on the defensive line the Tigers typically like to wait until later in the cycle before adding someone form the junior colleges. He's listed at 6-feet-6, 248 pounds.

Meanwhile, Auburn continues to heavily recruit LSU commit Keanu Koht of Florida.

Jabril McNeill of North Carolina could be another to watch. Right now, the Crystal Ball favors NC State.

---

quote:

---

Q: What about cornerback Nyland Green? The Georgia board seems pretty confident right now regarding his recruitment.

A: Well, like we reported recently, Clemson is fading and Georgia and Tennessee now are Auburn's biggest competition. I talked to someone the other day who really likes Georgia's chances, but just a couple weeks ago I was told the Bulldogs really hadn't recruited him as consistently as some other schools. Having missed on some corners, Georgia no doubt has ramped things up. It had to. And he likes that program a lot.

But Auburn is right there, very much in contention. The chance for early playing time is appealing. He's close with numerous members of the Tigers staff. One of his vey best friends already is on the team.

Yeah, the Tigers have a solid shot here.

Tennessee has emerged as a darkhorse and can't be counted out either.

---

quote:

---

Q: Who was the first Auburn recruit you ever interviewed when you got into this business? This is a question for Jason and Keith.

A: Robert Baker ... He was a special high school player.

Jason Caldwell: Wow. I'll have to think way back on this one. I believe Travaris Robinson was one of the first guys I remember talking with. DeMarco McNeil and Deandre Green were a couple more. Also Michael Owens, a RB from Deshler.

---

quote:

---

Q: Would we take both Shambre Jackson and Marquis Robinson or is it one or the other?

A: Different positions. Jackson probably is a strong-side end. Robinson is a tackle. Jackson told 247Sports this week Alabama and FSU were recruiting him the hardest.

I like Auburn's chances with Robinson.

Would Auburn take both? If spots were open, I don't see why not. I know they're pushing for Robinson. Not sure with Jackson. Don't know right now.

---

quote:

---

Q: Time seems to stand still in this COVID fog. Feels like a year since AU received our last commitment. Heck, feels like 9 months since we got a crystal ball.

If Williams signs up that would be a huge boost, but every day it sounds like things are getting tighter with UF. Starting to feel like the Tri-Lams, Keith. What’s you best pep talk for your AUC brethren? Make it up if you have to!



A: Be patient. That's all I can ever say ... but history has proven that in time Gus Malzahn and the Tigers should have a pretty good class.

His worst finish is No. 12.

---