AUC Recruiting Chat (8/17/20 Chat Added)

[Mikey 16,545]

How can anyone be dissin' Graceville? Home town of the Graceville Oilers and made famous by AU grad Paul Hemphill's baseball novel, "Long Gone". Life in the Alabama-Florida league, late 1950's. It's worth the read.

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Gone-Novel-Paul-Hemphill/dp/1566634172

[AuburnTiger4Life 2,225]

 

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Auburn football recruiting chat recap 6/8/20

By Keith Niebuhr 3 hours ago

Q: Which recruits are scheduled to commit this month or have the potential to pop this month?

A: Linebacker Raheim Sanders of Rockledge (Fla.) announces today (Monday) and I'm leaning Arkansas there. With Auburn having only one or two spots, the Tigers haven't pushed with Sanders even though they seem to like him a good bit. I think the feeling is they could always jump back in later on if they need to.

Receiver Christian Leary had set a date for June 6 but that's off. The 4-star target from Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater now says his commitment will happen when it happens. We continue to see this as an Auburn-Alabama battle. Things apparently looked pretty good for the Tide a few weeks back and then Auburn made a significant move. A summer decision still remains likely -- and he could still do something in June. But Leary has been unpredictable in that regard, so who knows.

Tight end Landen King of Texas continues to be someone to watch. Still feels like Auburn is in good shape there, but he hasn't talked publicly about a commitment date.

Five-star linebacker Smael Mondon of Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County has talked in the past about maybe doing something in June, but as of Saturday some at Auburn felt like it might now be later in the summer. Auburn-Tennessee-Georgia are battling hard there.

Those are the ones that come to mind off the top of my head.

Q: Have you heard any potential plans for opening up campuses for recruiting or for coaches to be able to visit recruits? I know it's still probably too early but just curious.

A: No, not really. Everything obviously is shut down through the month of July.

With teams beginning practice in August, in my opinion it's hard to imagine they'll let prospects back on campus during what is the busiest time of the year for college coaches -- unless it's on a very limited schedule. In August, almost all of their energy is on getting their teams ready for the season.

But that's just my opinion. Not sure what the NCAA is thinkings.

Of the college coaches I talk to on a regular basis, none seems to know in which direction the NCAA might go.

Q: If AU strikes out on the trio of Barrett Carter, Smael Mondon and Xavian Sorey at LB, where do you think they go next? Especially with Ian Jackson committed to Bama & Dumas-Johnson committing soon

AU a factor at all with Ahmari Harvey?

Still taking the over on 11 commits in AU class by end of month?

A: 1. At linebacker, Auburn would still have some options. For starters, they could ramp things up again with Ian Jackson, the Alabama commit who grew up in an Auburn family. Also, you have another Tide commit, Deontae Lawson, that continues to communicate with Auburn. Then, they could turn up the heat on Raheim Sanders of Florida. Also, you have Trevin Wallace from south Georgia. He's a guy Auburn seems to like a lot who has flown under the radar. That's just a few guys. If Auburn plays well this fall, then you'd see guys committed to other schools reaching out to the Tigers. Happens all the time. With Auburn only having one or two spots open at linebacker, I don't think there is any great concern just yet.

2. With Ahmari Harvey, the 4-star safety in Tallahassee, it looks mostly like a Florida-Florida State battle. But apparently, Auburn is at least somewhat in this. I think this is one of the guys quarterback commit Dematrius Davis is working on.

3. Got a chance. But it's hard to know what a bunch of teenagers will do -- especially during this wild and crazy year.

Q: Does auburn have a better shot with Koolaid or Nyland Green?

A: Tough call ... but I'd guess Nyland Green, the 4-star corner from Covington (Ga.) Newton. We wrote the other day that Auburn had made a big move and probably has as good of a shot of landing him as either Clemson or Georgia right now. He loves the staff in Auburn and his best friend -- 2020 signee Dre Butler -- just arrived at Auburn last week.

Here's what Butler told me: "I'm going to try my best to get him here but at the end of the day it’s whatever fits him -- I'm going to still be proud of him."

With 5-star corner Ga'Quincy McKinstry of Pnson Valley (Ala.), I'm not saying Auburn won't get him. There's just not a lot of solid intel out there. Auburn and Alabama have to be the favorites, with LSU also in the mix.

Q: Several questions below..

Out of the big time OT’s left of Byrd, Brockermeyer, and Mims who do we have the best shot with?

Who is our top competition for Byrd?

Does Uga leading for T. Ferguson while already having Morris and Fairchild committed help us any with Mims or does that just make him landing at Bama more likely?

A: 1. Supposedly, there are some at Auburn who think the Tigers have a real shot with 5-star tackle Amarius Mims of Georgia -- mainly because he tells Auburn he wants a chnace to star in Year 1. But others aren't so sure. I'm in the "not so sure" camp. This feels a lot like the Broderick Jones deal in the last cycle. Jones kept saying Auburn was right there (and maybe it was), but at day's end, he bailed on a last-minute official and signed with Georgia. With Mims, there is no question Georgia is the team to beat. To me, Alabama is the favorite for 5-star tackle Tommy Brockermeyer. But he does communicate (along with his brother, James, a 4-star center), a lot with Auburn. Still feels like AU is behind there. That leaves Savion Byrd, the 4-star tackle from Texas. Auburn did that virtual visit with him recently that we reported on last week and took an actual campus visit with the Tigers earlier this year. If they can get him back, then I think Auburn would have a real shot. So he's my pick of the three.

2. Everyone seems to think it's SMU. But apparently you've also got to watch out for Oklahoma.

3. Georgia is recruiting Ferguson at guard, so I don't think that would really impact things if I'm understanding your question correctly. Also, I think Micah Morris will be a guard. And truthfully, my gut says Fairchild ends up there someday, too.

Q: What three prospects would you put on potential *flip alert' to Auburn?

Do you think we sign or attempt to sign a grad transfer punter? Do we even have a scholarship available?

Do you anticipate Auburn signing a juco this cycle? If so, at what position?

A: 1. Four-star Dylan Brooks of Roanoake (Ala.) Handley would be the one to watch. Auburn intends to work on him until the very end. Same for linebacker Ian Jackson -- should he have a good fall on the field. Other than that, nobody comes to mind.

Today, linebacker Raheim Sanders of Rocklege (Fla.) will make his choice. I do think Auburn could circle back to him if it misses on some other guys -- or another linebacker spot opens up.

2. Haven't heard anything in months about a punter. Not sure the direction Auburn plans to go there. If you need a spot, though, you usually find one -- so I wouldn't worry about that so much.

3. If Auburn is going to sign any junior college guys this cycle, it would probably be on the defensive line. The Tigers are recruiting a few guys, perhaps most notably Jimmori Robinson, an end/buck from Monroe College (NY.). There are others, though. It's a real possibility Auburn could take a junior college prospect here.

Q: Do we have a shot with receiver Deion Colzie he put out his top school recently and Auburn made the list?

A: People seem to think Auburn has a shot, but he lives in Athens and Georgia apparently wants him -- so I don't.

I wouldn't get my hopes up if i were you.

Q: Out of our current commits who would you say is the most solid? Maybe top 3 that you would shocked if they decommitted?

A: I don't really know how to answer that.

To me, offensive tackle J’Marion Gooch of Tennessee would maybe be the one to watch. He committed to Auburn somewhat out of the blue over Tennessee. That program is close to home so I think that is something we -- and the Auburn coaching staff -- will be tracking. I think some in Knoxville believe he might be flippable.

If offensive tackle Caleb Johnson ultimately visits Notre Dame, that could be a concern. Think Miami is fighting to be relevant there also.

Q: Thanks Keith for that info. Which commits would you say are most committed? As in locked in and couldn’t see them decommitting?

A: Probably the other guys I didn't mention. I'm not even saying those two aren't solid. Just passing along what I've been told. That's a diffcult question to answer. I really have no way of knowing. Nobody does.

Q: Keith on TE recruiting do you feel like Auburn would take 2 in this class and and who do you predict Auburn to land at TE?

A: It sounds like it is possible. A couple weeks ago, I reported that one target, Lake McRee, told us Auburn could take two. Now, another target, Michael Trigg, has told us the same thing. So, it seems like maybe it could happen. For now, I project Landen King of Texas to Auburn. Very good pass-catching tight end.

 

 

PS I called the Ian Jackson recruitment not being over after it happened lol 

[ellitor 33,062]

18 hours ago, AuburnTiger4Life said:

PS I called the Ian Jackson recruitment not being over after it happened lol

You weren’t the first or the only one. The reason the Jackson thread has not been moved to the rivals section is because we are still recruiting him.

[AuburnTiger4Life 2,225]

57 minutes ago, AuburnTiger4Life said:

Free VIP recruiting article today on the recruiting. https://247sports.com/college/auburn/LongFormArticle/AuburnTigers-football-football-recruiting-chat-recap-147980113/

PS I called the Ian Jackson recruitment not being over after it happened lol 

Didn’t see anyone else mention it on his thread but my bad lol 

[ellitor 33,062]

35 minutes ago, AuburnTiger4Life said:

Didn’t see anyone else mention it on his thread but my bad lol 

I wasn’t speaking just for this site. LOL

[AuburnTiger4Life 2,225]

2 minutes ago, ellitor said:

I wasn’t speaking just for this site. LOL

Well I don’t really look at any other board and I don’t have VIP lol 

[ellitor 33,062]

37 minutes ago, AuburnTiger4Life said:

Well I don’t really look at any other board and I don’t have VIP lol 

I will reiterate one thing though. I know the Jackson family and do not see him flipping no matter how much we try. Going to be a very tough pull.

[ellitor 33,062]

@AuburnTiger4Life Just noticed your post is one of the AUC Free recruiting chats. Thank you for posting it. I pasted the article in your post.

[auburn4ever 1,266]

How many is Gus looking to sign in Dec. then in Feb.

[toddc 13,194]

16 hours ago, ellitor said:

You weren’t the first or the only one. The reason the Jackson thread has not been moved to the rivals section is because we are still recording him.

If y’all keep telling the recruits we’re “recording” them we will lose many of them! This is supposed to be above even VIP stuff, it’s Hush Hush level stuff!.  @ellitor, you should know this above any of us. 😝 

[Mikey 16,545]

1 hour ago, toddc said:

If y’all keep telling the recruits we’re “recording” them we will loose many of them!

Who will we loose them upon? Will we record the loosing of the recruits, or will it be a top secret event? I hope we don't lose any of them after they are loosed.

[ellitor 33,062]

8 hours ago, auburn4ever said:

How many is Gus looking to sign in Dec. then in Feb.

It’s actually looking like we may not have a December signing day. If there is one though the goal is always to try to get all commitments signed early if possible. From what I gather the staff is looking to sign 21 to 25 in the class.

[ellitor 33,062]

4 hours ago, toddc said:

If y’all keep telling the recruits we’re “recording” them we will loose many of them! This is supposed to be above even VIP stuff, it’s Hush Hush level stuff!.  @ellitor, you should know this above any of us. 😝 

Outside of Keith’s opinions I wasn’t talking about VIP. I don’t read regular user posts on VIP boards. Remember I go to the SECRant to and all their posts are free.

[toddc 13,194]

5 hours ago, ellitor said:

Outside of Keith’s opinions I wasn’t talking about VIP. I don’t read regular user posts on VIP boards. Remember I go to the SECRant to and all their posts are free.

I’m messing with you about the word “recording “ instead of “recruiting “. I should have put the yellow font in there. 😆 Spellcheck, right??! Sometimes it saves me but in my joke at you it put “loose” instead of “lose” and @Mikey got me back.

[ellitor 33,062]

1 hour ago, toddc said:

about the word “recording “ instead of “recruiting “.

1 hour ago, toddc said:

Spellcheck, right??!

I didn't even look at my post til your explanation.

[ellitor 33,062]

Here's the recap of last night's chat

 

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Auburn football recruiting chat recap 6/14/20

By Keith Niebuhr 18 hours ago

Q: Is there a guy Auburn is in it with much more than people think?

A: In the spring, we told you all that guy was 4-star cornerback Nyland Green. A couple weeks ago, we then reportedd we had started to hear Auburn had a shot with 4-star offensive tackle Savion Byrd. Now, Jason Caldwell and I are being told some at Auburn think ithe Tigers are very much in it with 5-star offensive tackle Amarius Mims of Georgia. Now, that said, we still see Georgia as the favorite. But quarterback commit Dematrius Davis has been recruiting Mims extremely hard. Also, he really likes the Auburn detph chart. And, Mims has visited Auburn twice this year. Will this be a tough get? Absolutely. But maybe, just maybe, Auburn has more of a chance than many people seem to think.

Q: Was the recruiting of our grad transfer QB anything that was known previously? It seemed to come out of the blue, but he mentioned being in talks with the coaches for some time.

A: No, didn't know it was coming. Our national reporter, though, Chris Hummer, was aware it could happen. But he was sworn to secrecy.

I like the pickup. Auburn absolutely needed more depth at quarterback. Grant Loy, formerly of Bowling Green, can provide that. The 6-foot-5, 223-pound Ohio native started seven games for the Eagles last season. He threw for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns. But he was arguably most effective using his legs. Loy rushed for 427 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Remember, quarterbacks are penalized in college because rushing totals are not sack adjusted.

From what we are told, Auburn sort of sold him on the idea he could be used how Taysom Hill is with the Saints -- basically as a utiliity guy who can line up in different spots.

Q: Easiest position you feel to evaluate? Most difficult?

A: Honestly, there is no easy one. That's because there are no sure things. You take a look at every position and there just aren't any slam dunks. I hate the term ”bust” but when you go up and down each position, there have been dozens upon dozens of highly rated guys at each who didn't pan out ... Kids that were no-brainer 4-star types and above.

The hardest to evaluate? It has to be quarterback. Just look at the NFL ... Aaron Rogers were a junior college guy. Carson Wentz went to North Dakota State. Are there a lot of former big-name recruits who now are stars in the NFL? Yes -- and there also are other starters who were 3-stars.

You could really make an argument for every single position being the toughest to evaluate. Seriously.

But I'll go with quarterback since so much is riding on the line. Just look at Auburn. Jeremy Johnson was thought by some to be elite. Meanwhile, Nick Marshall -- probably the best quarterback so far since Gus Malzahn got to Auburn as head coach in 2013 -- started college as a defensive back.

It's such a crapshoot.

Even the experts have missess here -- and lots of them.

Q: Keith have you heard anything about 4-star receiver Deion Colzie wanting to get out of Athens?

A: I have not. Doesn't mean it's not the case but I personally haven't heard that.

Georgia has just a couple (two) receiver spots open this cycle per Rusty Mansell of Dawgs247. Where does Colzie sit on the Georgia board? I'm not sure.

I do know that Auburn seems to like him a decent bit. And the Tigers should get an official visit.

Q: How many defensive linemen does Auburn want on board this cycle?

A: In May, I was told by someone who would know that the number is either four or five right now. Always subject to change. Maybe a guy transfers. Maybe (let's hope not) an injury happens. Also, if you can get a truly elite guy, sometimes you shift the numbers to make that happen. Or maybe you come up short at another position.

But again, at last check, it was four or five.

Q: Don’t mean to put words in your mouth, but I think you said there was some optimism on AU’s part about flipping Dylan Brooks from Tennessee in one of these chats a few weeks back. Does Auburn slow things down with him if Jeremiah Williams commits, or do we recruit him as more of DE and still try to flip him?

A: Jeremiah Williams, the 4-star defensive end/buck from Birmingham (Ala.) Ramsay, told me Friday he doesn't plan to announce a decision any time soon for what it's worth. I don't think his recruitment will impact 4-star end/buck Dylan Brooks of Roanoake (Ala.) Handley too much. Auburn would take both if it has a chance. Also, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and defensive line coach Rodney Garner are known to play with a big rotation on the line -- and have no problem lining up the best players in multiple spots. Both of these kids know Auburn is recruiting the other.

Not sure it matters.

As for Brooks, he liked my Tweet about Rodney Garner on Friday.

Q: Keith, what’s your prediction on Christian Leary? I saw that Dakota Mitchell posted about them being a “package deal” and then Mitchell didn’t include AU in his final five today. Thoughts on if Auburn is going to land Leary?

A: As of right now, I'm still learning toward Auburn. With Alabama right there. And I still say you can't rule out Florida -- even though the Tigers have seen this as an Auburn -Bama battle for a few weeks,.

The so-called "package deals" hardly ever seem to pan out, do they?

That said, should the Gators land Mitchell, a 3-star defensive back from the Orlando area (like Leary) than it's not something you can ignore.

Leary has been all over the map the past three or four months. But at least check, there was some optimism on the Auburn side -- including the commits.

I'm still not ready to make an official pick one way or another. Some people we're saying he'd already be committed to Auburn by now. I took a more cautious approach and continue to do so.

Q: Keith, is there any new news regarding Kinchens or is it still a Miami-Auburn battle. Any team you believe has a lead in his decision?

A: Still seems like a two-team race for 4-star safety Kamren Kinchens and the confidence level seems to be fairly high at Miami.

Over the weekend, the 'Canes picked up a commitment from receiver Romello Brinson, a teammate of Kinchens. One of Miami's assistants is a former Northwestern assistant and I don't think that hurts Miami here.
Kinchens, though, has said he's a quiet kid and that he really vibes with the energy and atmosphere in Auburn. Can that be enough for the Tigers here?

Right now, it's too close to call. But again, Miami feels really good.

Q: In what ways has Chad Morris changed Auburn's recruiting?

A: Well, just look at what Auburn is doing in Texas. That's not all Chad, of course -- but does anyone think the Tigers would be on the verge of picking up their third commit from the Lone Star State this early in the cycle if he wasn't on the Auburn staff?

Then, think about this: Tight end Landen King, who announces his decision Monday and is a Tigers lean, was at one time committed to Texas. Who'd have thought Auburn could steal an in-state kid away from the Longhorns?

Chad is so well-respected in that state and has so many connections, the timing for Auburn to hire him couldn't have been any better. And from what I'm told, the Tigers think they really might be just getting started out there.

 

 

[bigbird 60,368]

1 hour ago, ellitor said:

And from what I'm told, the Tigers think they really might be just getting started out there.

East Texas and Alabama are extremely similar.

[JFDTiger80 790]

53 minutes ago, bigbird said:

East Texas and Alabama are extremely similar.

Yea, except that Houston’s population is

bigger than the entire state of Alabama.

[bigbird 60,368]

11 hours ago, JFDTiger80 said:

Yea, except that Houston’s population is

bigger than the entire state of Alabama.

Houston is its own animal. I'm talking from I-45 to the Sabine

[SumterAubie 3,031]

10 hours ago, bigbird said:

Houston is its own animal. I'm talking from I-45 to the Sabine

And up to Tyler. Rolling farmland, with timber.  Beautiful countryside. Small towns. Good people

[ellitor 33,062]

 

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6/21/20 Auburn football recruiting chat recap

By Keith Niebuhr 9 hours ago

QB target Dematrius Davis. (Photo: Brian Perroni, 247Sports)

Q: Best guess on the number of defensive linemen in this class?

A: Was told back in April it would be four or five -- and that's what I reported then. I haven't heard anything to suggest that has changed. So I will stick with that until I hear otherwise.

Now, if you can get an extra "elite" guy, obviously you'd try to figure out a way to get that player in the class. Sometimes you have to take a spot away from somewhere else.

Q: Any names to watch at the center position other than James Brockermeyer?

A: You know, maybe Jake Slaughter, the Florida State commit from Ocala (Fla.) Trinity Catholic. He's teammates with two Auburn commits -- Caleb Johnson and Garner Langlo.

But look, Nick Brahms has 2020 and 2021 remaining. In 2019, you signed Kamaar Bell, who some people think can be pretty good. Last year, you got Avery Jernigan.

Also, many guards signed also have the potential to play center.

So, I wouldn't say it's urgent that Auburn signs a center in this class. Now, would they take a kid such as James Brockermer, who is a really physical and nasty player? You bet. But they don't aboslutely have to take one. That's my opinion.

Q: Does Kamren Kinchens teammates going to the U put auburn in a bad spot?

A: For those who don't know, you're referring to receiver Romello Brinson, who recently committed to the 'Canes. He's a teammate of Kinchens, the 4-star safety, at Miami (Fla.) Northwestern.

Answer: You know, each kid kind of does his own thing. But what I can tell you is there is some confidence in Coral Gables. And, one Miami assistant used to be on the staff at Northwestern High. So obviously, Miami has some things working in its favor here.

For Auburn, you've got two assistants with a lot of south Florida juice working this one -- area recruiter Larry Porter and secondary coach Wesley McGriff. And, Kinchens has talked about liking the fact Auburn is a quiet town without many distractions.

The Tigers definitley have a shot. BTW -- he announces July 11.

Q: How many offensive tackles are we going to take? Do we encourage a current commit to look around if we land another?

A: No set number that I know of. Auburn has three right now, and at least one of them (Garner Langlo) could play guard. Heck, Caleb Johnson might be versatile enough to slide over to guard, too. I think the Tigers would like one more. And obviously, they'd like it to be an elite guy. They're in the running for three of them -- Tommy Brockermeyer, Savion Byard and Amarius Mims. Auburn would take all three if it could -- but is hoping for one realistically.

RE: Part 2 ... who would you cut loose?

If you drop Langlo, you can kiss Johnson goodbye. They are practically best friends.

As for J’Marion Gooch, I personally think he's the sleeper of the class. He could be a 4-star at some point.

Q: What area has been de-emphasized with the increased emphasis on Texas?

I get Chad Morris has recruiting ties in Texas, and we have some nice commitments from there to date, but it is a pretty significant change in philosophy, almost overnight.

A: Auburn is just going where the talent is. The state of Texas had far more guys drafted in 2020 than any other state. And with offensive coordinator Chad Morris and offensive line coach Jack Bicknell having so many connections there, it makes perfect sense to be there.

It's not like Auburn is diverting its resources away from anywhere important.

The Tigers still have their tradinional footprint states of Alabama, Florida and Georgia well-covered. And they'll go into Mississippi/Louisiana/Carolinas when they need to.

But they felt like given the strength of Texas and their strong ties there it made perfect sense to strike right now.

Q: Any chance Auburn is able to convince James Brockermeyer to commit even if his twin, Tommy, goes elsewhere?

A: It's always possible, but most people seem to think they'll end up at the same school. Their dad even told me that was pretty likely a few months ago. But again, anything is possible. They just want the best fit for each of the brothers. James may want to forge his own path. Never know.

Q: Secondary coach Wesley McGriff usually goes about things pretty quietly and this year seems to be no different. The only real name I remember hearing about consistently at safety has been Kamren Kinchens. How do things stand with him? Also a quick side question, but 247 has Phillip O'Brien listed at safety. Is that correct or are we looking at him at corner?

A: -If you scroll up, I just posted a note on Kinchens ...

-I think O'Brien would be a safety at Auburn. My opinion. But some of that may depend on how his season goes, how he grows, develops, ETC. But I've always believed he would be a safety in college. We'll see.

Q: Not much Mississippi movement this cycle.

A: Not really a particularly strong year in Mississippi. Auburn only has 11 offers out there and after taking a quick glance at the list I doubt even half are committable. But we all know there will be some 3-stars over there who end up being total studs.

Q: If you had to put in a new CB for someone to AU right now who would it be?

A: Maybe defensive end/buck Jeremiah Williams. Got a real shot with him. Maybe cornerback Nyland Green. Got a real shot with him. It seems to be close with Auburn and Miami for safety Kam Kinchens.

Here's another one for you -- Adonai Mitchell, the receiver from Tennessee. I know for a fact Auburn is very much in the hunt for him -- and absolutely has a realistic chance.

Thankfully, I don't have to put them in until I'm ready ... and I'm not ready. I just like being cautious when I can.

Q: What, if anything, is going on with Armoni Goodwin?

A: If I knew more, trust me when I say I would already have posted it. LSU offered earlier this year and apparently hasn't given up. Armoni, the 4-star back from Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) is close with Auburn running backs coach Cadillac Williams. So is his mother. Auburn has a lot of good young backs. Maybe that is something LSU is bringing up. I don't know. I do know that as good as freshman back Tank Bigsby is, there is a chance he could make an immediate impact. Some high school players would welcome that. Some would be intimidated by it. When I learn more, I'll share with you all ASAP.

Q: Heard we are aiming to sign a total of 20-21 this class is this true?

A: Awhile back, we reported Auburn had well under 20 spots available at the time. And of course, it didn't get the attrition that sometimes comes after spring practice. But attrition comes. It always does. The people I talk to would prefer I be vague about the numbers, because it's intel you don't want other schools to have.

But I've been saying over 20 for sure. And when all is said and done I bet it'll be closer to 25 than to 20.

Q: Other than Nyland Green and Ga'Quincy McKinstry, what are some names to watch for at corner?

A: Definitely Kamari Lassiterof Tuscaloosa (Ala.) American Christian. We've been writing about him for awhile and there's a reason for that. He communicates with the Tigers all the time -- like every day. And that's telling. Really solid player who grew up in Georgia before moving to Alabama.

Past updates on him:

Feb. 28: https://247sports.com/college/auburn/Article/Tuscaloosa-DB-has-high-interest-in-Tigers--144372173

April 28: https://247sports.com/college/auburn/Article/Tigers-a-big-factor-with-in-state-DB-146597675

June 18: https://247sports.com/college/auburn/Article/Thoughts-from-the-road-Seeing-2021-and-2022-football-prospects-148287301

Q:  Can you give top three recruiters on staff in order?

A: I've never given it much thought.

Also, you do realize I have to have a working relationship with people on staff at Auburn right? Hahahah.

Seriously, though, it's just not something that's really run through my head. All of them have solid track records. They really do. That's why they're at Auburn.

I have given thought to who the most underrated is: That would be Kodi Burns, in my opinion. He gets a lot of heat on the board -- but look at the 2020 class he signed. And, he's the reason Auburn landed Seth Williams.

Q: What are your thoughts on the Gadsden City (Ala.) kid? What boxes does he check? Which boxes does he not? What is your gut on why Auburn is slow-playing him?

A: Rod Orr, the offensive tackle? I personally haven't given him any type of eval -- but I know 247Sports likes him and has made him a 4-star. Big kid, but other than that, I haven't really watched his film. Oh, also very smart. High IQ. So that's two good things going for him.

With in-state kids it can be delicate. If you offer, what do you tell him if he wants to commit on the spot? You have limited spaces in the class and you're still in the running for a couple elite tackles.

Also, you don't absolutely have to take another tackle. Also have three who can play tackle in the class.

So I don't have any problem with what Auburn is doing. They probvably just want to be absolutely sure he's an offer guy. Then, if and when the Tigers do offer, he'll probably be able to commit at any time.

My guess is, they don't see the point in offering right now since they're clearly not ready to take him.

So they're talking to him and keeping him warm. He knows they want to see more. Like I said, smart young guy.

I don't know what Auburn's evaluation of Rod is. So I can't say for certain if that is the gameplan .... But that's my best guess.

Q: Will Auburn take another quarterback in this class? Ty Keyes was mentioned in the Florida article you pointed out.

A: At this time, it probably doesn't need to. If someone transfers or there's an injury God forbid, then maybe Auburn could add someone late. As long as Bo Nix, Chayil Garnett and Cord Sandberg are back, there doesn't seem to be a big need to add a second one to the class. Even if only two of those three return, there's still no need because you have Dematrius Davis coming in. Also, you have Sawyer Pate, a preferred walk-on in the 2020 class. Seems like there would be more pressing needs.

Plus, the 2022 quarterback class is loaded. Why risk scaring off those guys?

 

 

[auburn4ever 1,266]

If we can't get the boys, I'd be thrilled if we could get either James or Tommy. However, I wish we'd get both guys.

[toddc 13,194]

4 hours ago, auburn4ever said:

If we can't get the boys, I'd be thrilled if we could get either James or Tommy. However, I wish we'd get both guys.

It would possibly be the biggest recruiting coup in our history!

[ellitor 33,062]

 

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Auburn football recruiting chat recap

By Keith Niebuhr 72 minutes ago

QB target Dematrius Davis. (Photo: Brian Perroni, 247Sports)

Q: Any news on how the coaches plan to fill the punter spot?

Any movement on the DB board behind kool-aid, Green, and Lassiter?

A: -I haven't heard zip about the punter situation since about two or three months ago, when the folks at ProKick Australia told me something could be in the works. Since then, I haven't been able to make contact with that group. A coach at another college said his team was bringing in a guy from Australia later this summer -- so perhaps it's still possible. But I haven't been able to find out very much.

-Status quo. Really think Nyland Green is the best long-term corner prospect of the three. Auburn obviously is very much in it, along with Clemson and Georgia. Absolutely wouldn't rule out Georgia. If the Dawgs miss on 5-star corner Tony Grimes on Tuesday like many suspect, you know they will really turn up the heat on Green.

Auburn is very much in it with Kamari Lassiter -- a guy I've been saying was a big target of Auburn's for a couple months. People are acting like he came out of nowhere, or that I may have reported he was a backup plan at some point. They need to get their facts right. Not once have I ever said that. For Kamari, Georgia Tech and LSU are a couple other teams to watch. Alabama may be looking in another direction at the moment. With Ga'Quincy McKinstry, the consensus seems to be Alabama could be the favorite. But even in interviews, he doesn't say much. Auburn and LSU are the other two that probably have a shot.

Q: Who is Auburn trending for?

A: -Receiver Adonai Mitchell of Tennessee is the big one. We've been writing about him since late May and now we project the Ole Miss commit to end up with Auburn ... I'm told the confidence level with the Tigers is very high. I think a final decision is likely to come in July.

-Defensive tackle Marquis Robinson of Milton (Fla.) has Auburn in front and if the Tigers continue to push, they could be tough to beat. Big, strong, physical kid who has visited the Tigers multiple times.
***
Another to watch has to be Kamren Kinchens of Miami (Fla.) Northwestern, the 4-star safety. Very interesting recruitment. A source with knowledge of Auburn's recruiting says the Tigers absolutely have a realistic shot of landing him when he announces July 11. Also, 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong has a source who thinks Auburn leads. But ... the guys on our Miami site like the 'Canes chances and apparently that staff in Coral Gables, Fla., feels quite good. So, Kinchens certainly is going to dissapoint someone.

Q: Which player has been your favorite to interview thus far?

A: In the whole class? Probably 5-star linebacker Smael Mondon. Just a really smart young guy with a lot going on. I also like that he works a part-time job at Little Caesars. You repsect a kid who carries a 3.5 GPA, is a 5-star athlete AND works a part-time job.

He's going places?

Q: Who are the schools trending for MJ Morris?

A: Feels like 2022 QB MJ Morris of Carrollton (Ga.) is fairly open. Has a lot of people after him, but what he does this fall will play a role in how hard some schools pursue him. He's a terrific talent -- and Auburn probably would have a chance if it heavily recruits him. Also another player with a great head on his shoulders. Very smart.

Right now, I get the feeling the Tigers may be zeroing in a little bit on Ty Simpson of Tennessee. His dad is the head coach at UT-Martin.

Q: Do you think Dawson is going to end up being the slot receiver for this class? He fits the profile for what AU wants in a slot target. I feel like AU is in it for some high level DBs... McKinstry, Green, Brown, Lassiter, Kinchens, Harvey etc. Also the other slot targets appear to be heading to other schools in Smith and Leary.

A: In my opinion, 4-star athlete commit Tar'varish Dawson probably ends up at corner or nickel long term. That type of speed (he's in the 10.5-second range in the 100 meters) is so valuable to the back end of the defense. But look, it's up to him. If he shines early at Auburn on offense he may stay there.

And .... you could be right. If there are no other slot options with his skills, maybe he takes that spot.

Right now, Auburn intends to give him a shot on both sides of the ball.

Q: Hey Keith is there any update on the Rod Orr kid from Gadsden?

A: Nothing new from the Auburn end on 4-star offensive tackle Rod Orr of Gadsden City (Ala.). We wrote about him a little more than a week ago and he said the Tigers tell him his film is offer worthy but they want to see him in person. The question is, when will they get that chance?

The Tigers certainly won't get to work him out in camp this year. And, who knows if there will even be a high school season.

To me, this may simply come down to how Auburn feels about its big tackle targets (see Amarius Mims and Savion Byrd). Recruiting is a constant game of chicken. If you offer Orr now and take him, you may not get one of the big fish the fans on this board desperately want. But if you wait on those guys, you could miss there -- and miss out on Orr.

People act like it's an obvious move to offer him now. The Auburn staff knows more than most of us -- not just in terms of a player's talent but what's going on behind the scenes. If they haven't offered, they probably have their reasons.

He's a good player and he would love an Auburn offers. If it comes, the Tigers would have a shot. But he won't wait forever.

Like I said, tough calls to be made by AU.

Q: When do you think Mondon commits? Do you think GA still leads, if not who leads?

A: I still think a summer decision is possible for 5-star linebacker Smael Mondon of Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County. Late summer maybe.

Not sure who leads, but I don't like Georgia's chances as much now as I did a couple months ago. Could it still land him? Oh sure, it's absolutely possible. So let's not act like I'm writing Georgia off.

But it just feels like Auburn and Tennessee have gotten to know him so well on a personal level that they're very much in it right now. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if Auburn ends up being the choice.

“I’m real big into relationships — I’m a relationships type of guy," Mondon told me Saturday.

Because he's so close to Auburn linebackers coach Travis Williams, that aboslutely gives the Tigers a shot.

Q: Keith I know he’s beyond hard to read.. but if Mondon were to commit today where would you guess? Seems the relationship with TWill is huge.

A: Again, though call.

He did tell me that in his head, he was leaning in one direction. But he didn't give any hints about that.

If he had to commit today, I would think AU would absolutely have a chance.

Q: If Auburn were to land a 5 star prospect in this class, who would you say is the most likely candidate?

A: At this point, it seems like the best chance would be with linebacker Smael Mondon -- for all the reasons I listed above.

Q: Any update on Shambre Jackson? He appears to be showing AU a lot of love on twitter? I feel like he could fit the profile of a SDE. Is AU being patient with him or are they pushing?

A: This is an interesting recruitment. For starters .... the defensive end is listed at 6-feet-4, 243 on his profile. On his HUDL page, it says he is 6-6, 260. And at a camp earlier this year in Florida, he was 6-2 and 229. So what is his actual height and weight? I have no idea. He told me a couple weeks ago, the doctor said he's 6-4. How wild is that to have all these different sizes for opne guys?

Additionally, I've heard some schools aren't crazy about his frame. Others think it's just fine.

All I know is he can play. He makes a lot of big plays at Orlando Boone down in Florida. To me, he's a strong-side end all the way.

He says Auburn is recruiting him fairly hard. And, we know he has visited the Tigers a bunch. They don't seem to have very many strong-side end targets right now (They'd love to flip Georgia commit Jonathan Jefferson) so Jackson definitely is someone to watch.

Q: Based on how things are going so far.. what position group do you think ends up being the best in this class?

A: I'll say quarterback. Because Auburn really needs 1. depth there and 2. someone capable of pushing for the starting spot once Bo Nix leaves (after Year 3 or Year 4).

So current commit Dematrius Davis gives you that. Then you factor in his ability to recruit and that's the big bonus.

His commitment certainly has been the turning point thus far for the class.

At day's end, my guess is we'll also be talking a lot about Auburn's defensive line class again. But that's just a guess.

Q: Have you heard anything new on Michael Trigg -- the 4-star tight in Florida?

A: Nothing new. But with Auburn already having one very good tight end commit with Landen King, I think the Tigers could live with just him being in the class. Not ruling out Trigg, but now schools are offering him a chance to play both football and basketball -- and the Tigers have not offered him a scholarship in hoops.

Just reading some tea leaves -- things obviously change fast for the better and the worse. So I'll keep tracking him. But right now, I'm leaning toward him not being in the class. Let me get more solid intel and get back to you. Hard to know the pulse of every recruitment at once.

Q: How much is AU in it for 4-star offensive guard Dietrick Pennington?

A: This is one guy I truly don't have a lot of intel on. A Top247 offensive lineman from Evangelical Christian School in Cordova, Tenn., he has continued to indicate he’s not likely to make his college decision any time soon, adding that he wants to take more visits. He probably is Tennessee's top in-state target and that certainly is noteworthy.

Auburn, though, is in his top five.

Here's what GoVols247 recently wrote: "Sources said Tennessee has been recruiting him harder than anyone, particularly over the past couple months during the dead period, and Georgia currently appears to be the Vols’ main competition for him. Clemson once was viewed as one of the early favorites for him and still isn’t out of the picture, according to sources, but recently hasn’t been as much of a favor."

One key is for Auburn to get him on campus this fall -- if visits even return. I personally think they might not. But supposedly, he would like to visit -- if he can.

Q: If Auburn misses on Kinchens at safety, who would they likely turn to?

A: Not entirely sure. But some think the priority should be more at corner if that happens. Because you can make a corner a safety. But 99.9% of the time, you ain't turning a safety into a corner.

It's still only June. That's actually fairly early in the cycle.

Ahmari Harvey is a safety we continue to hear Auburn likes a lot. Four-star kid in Tallahassee, Fla. Right now, Florida and Florida State are the favorites. But supposedly, he knows Dematrius Davis and Davis is recruiting him. He's showing interesting in Auburn and would like to visit.

Jah'von Grigsby is Louisiana might be someone else to watch. Talked to him earlier this month: https://247sports.com/Article/Louisiana-defensive-back-Jahvon-Grigsby-high-on-Auburn-147908458/

Q: I’ve seen it mentioned that the ‘22 class is supposed to be a special group nationally. How important will it be to land one of these top QB’s in that class to capitalize on the amount of talent that may be available? Only reason I ask is because ‘22 is gonna be a big QB year for Bama, Clemson, Tennessee, and Florida, with LSU already landing an elite guy for that class. If we can’t pull a top guy how do you think it impacts that potential special class?

A: Obviously, you want an elite quarterback in your class. And in terms of assembling a class, it's great to have a leader there. Just look at what Dematrius Davis has done this cycle for the Tigers. But I don't think it means everything. Kids just want to know there will be an elite quarterback on campus when they get there. Since Auburn has a top-100 guy for 2021, it probably wouldn't be a crusher to miss 2022. When you think about it, all the top skill guys in a class feel like they're three-and-out types anyway. And how many true freshman quarterbacks will start in Year 1 or even Year 2? 

That said, as long as Chad Morris is offensive coordinator at Auburn the Tigers are probably going to be fine recruiting quarterbacks.

 

 

[AuburnNTexas 7,127]

One thing I love about what Keith writes.  Is his honesty when he doesn't have current information he says I don't have current information. Unlike a lot of the guys in the field he does not create a smokescreen trying to convince you he knows everything.  As he gets new information he passes it on even if it disagrees with the information he originally gave us. He recognizes that he is dealing with 17 and 18 year old young men who change their minds, he also doesn't judge them when they do.  I have followed him for a while now and I trust him which is a compliment to Keith.