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2021 Recruiting Board (Finished 5/19/21)


Zeek

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2 hours ago, Sizzle said:

Nah he ain’t picking us. Wouldn’t make sense to get our hopes up with Goodwin

You may be right but I am still hoping we land him as he would fit in any system a new coach puts in.  I also hope some of the ones thinking about transferring will wait till new coach is picked and have a chance to talk with new coach. That is why we need to do it quickly. Longer we wait better chance to lose those who put off till February and those thinking about transferring.

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22 minutes ago, Win4AU said:

Any guesses where this class will finish if Auburn is able to sign the 5 holds in February?  

#131 ?

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Auburn Football

Auburn signs another solid defensive line class to help replace graduating starters

Updated 7:04 AM; Today 7:04 AM

Blount defensive tackle Lee Hunter chooses Auburn during an early signing day ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, in Eight Mile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/preps@al.com)

By Giana Han

For the fifth year in a row since Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson joined the team, Auburn brought in a strong class of defensive linemen.

Four linemen, including two four-stars and two three-stars, solidified their commitment to Auburn on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period. It is the fifth time in six years that Auburn has signed at least two four-star recruits, and it’s the fourth time in six years it has signed at least four defensive linemen.

The new signees will go a long ways in helping replenish a defensive line that may be losing senior starters Big Kat Bryant, Daquan Newkirk and Tyrone Truesdell to graduation. All three could come back if they want to because the NCAA has granted all players an extra year of eligibility, but they are all seniors.

The four new defensive linemen don’t just give Auburn more bodies to help create depth in a tough league. They also fulfill some specific needs.

Four-star defensive tackles Lee Hunter and Marquis Robinson help add size on the inside.

“We needed some big, strong, powerful, athletic guys inside there,” interim coach Kevin Steele said. “They answer that.”

Hunter, who is from Mobile, is Auburn’s highest-rated recruit in its 2021 signing class. He was also one of Auburn’s earliest signees. When Auburn fired coach Gus Malzahn, he was thrown off for a bit, but those deep connections, as well as his lifelong fandom of Auburn, helped him to stick with the school. Keeping the 6-foot-5, 292-pound recruit was a major score for the Tigers.

“He’s a very, very athletic defensive lineman,” Steele said. “His skill set is very high. He has the ability to be an exceptional player in this league.”

Meanwhile, Robinson stayed quiet after Malzahn was fired but signed with Auburn anyways. He is currently Auburn’s fourth-highest rated signee. He made 25 tackles, including seven for loss and three sacks, in the 2020 season. He measures in at 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds.

Three-stars Tobechi Okoli and Ian Mathews are a bit smaller and add a different element. Steele described them as “more athletic, edge-type guys.” They both will more likely play as defensive ends.

Okoli was an unusual score for Auburn. He hails from Kansas City, Mo., which is outside Auburn’s normal recruiting grounds. The pandemic allowed the Tigers to stretch their search, and they were impressed with the skillset Okoli showed on film. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound high schooler was “intrigued” by SEC ball and committed early on.

Mathews’s commitment was the opposite of Okoli’s. Hailing from Columbus, Ga., Mathews was right in one of the hottest spots of Auburn’s recruiting area. But Mathews didn’t commit to the Tigers until the day he signed, instead taking time to weigh the benefits of Georgia Tech in addition to Auburn.

All four players were recruited by defensive line coach Rodney Garner, the man Brown and Davidson attribute a lot of their success to. Garner’s defensive line was not as dominant this season as it has been in the past, but it dealt with injuries and a lack of experience. Towards the end of the season, some young players, like Derick Hall and Colby Wooden, really stepped forward. Their progress helped each of them to earn SEC weekly honors.

Auburn currently has three bucks, six defensive ends and six defensive tackles who aren’t seniors. Steele said Auburn’s still looking for more players it can use at the buck position. But with two defensive tackles and two defensive ends coming in, Auburn will have plenty of linemen.

In fact, Auburn may have so many linemen, it could switch some over to the offensive line to help a position group that only has one 2021 signee so far. However, that’s a decision for whoever takes over as head coach, Steele said.

Even with 11 spots left in the class of 2021, Steele feels the line is in a good place, especially since he expects another defensive line commit by Friday. The four (or five) new Tigers have the skill and attitude to carry on the Auburn defense’s traditions.

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Auburn Football

Meet Auburn’s newest Tigers, the class of 2021

Updated Dec 16, 2020; Posted Dec 16, 2020

From left, running back Jarris Williams (Troy), defensive back Armani Diamond (Auburn) and defensive tackle Lee Huner (Auburn) are recognized during an early signing day ceremony at Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at Blount High School in Eight Mile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/preps@al.com)

By Giana Han

After Auburn fired coach Gus Malzahn, nobody could have guessed that the football program would still be able to hold onto its recruits, interim head coach Kevin Steele said.

While it lost one and had a few hold out on signing, Auburn still managed to bring in 12 recruits, including two new players who weren’t previously committed. The signing day success said a lot about both the staff and the players, Steele said.

“The staff did a great job the last couple days, relentless in their pursuit of trying to keep the class together and represent Auburn in terms of a way people at Auburn would be proud,” Steele said. “These guys, these 12, they showed a commitment to Auburn University that is the kind of commitment you want in the fourth quarter in the Iron Bowl.”

The new group of Auburn Tigers includes five new offensive players and seven new defensive players. It also may add a few more in the coming days, Steele said. As of right now, there is room for 11 more players to sign. That will be something for the new head coach to focus on.

For now, here is a brief introduction to your newest Auburn Tigers:

Three-star offensive guard Garner Langlo:

Langlo was the first player to sign with Auburn on Wednesday morning. His letter came in bright and early at 7 a.m. Langlo never wavered from his commitment to Auburn, despite his respect for Malzahn. “He stood in the paint,” Steele said. After the news broke, he simply said “War damn Eagle.” Langlo said out of all the schools who offered him, Auburn was the one that would challenge him the most. With Jaeden Roberts’ decommitment, Langlo becomes even more important as the only offensive lineman in the class of 2021.

Four-star quarterback Dematrius Davis:

Offensive coordinator Chad Morris went to work as soon as Malzahn was fired to keep Davis in the class. Davis confirmed his commitment before signing day and then was the second player to sign with Auburn. “Replacing a quarterback is hard to do in a class,” Steele said. “So we’re glad that he stayed with his commitment.” Steele said Davis has the ability to hurt teams with his arms or his legs, and he knows how to win championships.

Four-star defensive tackle Marquis Robinson:

Wednesday was the day Robinson changed his life, according to his Twitter. Wednesday was the day he became an Auburn Tiger. As a “big, strong, powerful, athletic” guy, Robinson helps fill a need along the defensive line, Steele said.

Three-star tight end Landen King:

Another recruit primarily targeted by Morris, King decided to stick with the Tigers. Steele said Auburn had both its tight end targets :in the boat.” King had 53 receptions for 853 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019. He is one of four Texas recruits in the class of 2021.

Three-star wide receiver Hal Presley:

After King and Davis, Presley brought the number of Texas signees to three. He’s a player Auburn feels has a good future. “Very, very good football player,” Steele said. “Electric with the ball in his hands. Good, strong hands.” Presley had 45 receptions for 874 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019.

Three-star JuCo defensive back Kamal Hadden:

The cornerback from Independence C.C. decided to stick with his commitment to Auburn, which was positive because Steele said he is a “very, very talented football player.” He was the first defensive back to sign with Auburn on Wednesday. When his letter came in, Auburn described him as a guy with “sticky coverage skills” and a high football IQ.

Four-star defensive tackle Lee Hunter:

Hunter is the highest-rated player in the class, as well as one of the oldest commits. Since he committed so early, Auburn had developed a strong relationship with him. Steele thinks that’s ultimately what allowed Auburn to keep Hunter despite the change. “He has the ability to be an exceptional player in this league,” Steele said. “His personality fits Auburn.”

Three-star cornerback Armani Diamond:

Hunter brought a surprise with him. His teammate Diamond was not previously committed to Auburn, but he announced his intention to become a Tiger on Wednesday. He was a guy Auburn had its eyes on, Steele said. When he did well in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game, they decided to add him.

Oklahoma transfer Grant Calcaterra, tight end:

The All-Big 12 player was tight lipped ahead of signing day about whether he would stick with Auburn after it fired Auburn. But then his letter came in at 11 a.m. Monday morning. His message didn’t imply permanence — he tweeted “for now, War Eagle,” but he put his signature on the line. He will add more experience to the tight end room.

Three-star defensive end Ian Mathews:

Mathews was another surprise on signing day. He never announced his commitment as he decided between Georgia Tech and Auburn. Then, on signing day, he shared that he would be wearing orange and blue in the fall. Mathews gives Auburn another “athletic, edge-type” guy on the defensive line.

Four-star safety Ahmari Harvey:

Despite saying he didn’t know what to do after Malzahn was fired, Harvey decided to stick with Auburn. He said he was going to let his announcement be a surprise. He sent his letter in at 11:15 a.m. and became Auburn’s second-highest rated recruit. He made 94 tackles with 10 pass breakups and six interceptions in 2019.

Three-star defensive end Tobechi Okoli:

Normally, Auburn doesn’t recruit guys out of Kansas City, but COVID-19 helped it snag Okoli. Steele said once his high school coach connected them, Okoli sounded intrigued by the idea of playing SEC ball. Steele said they liked his skillset, and he’ll be another athletic guy on the edge.

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23 hours ago, aubiefifty said:

Oklahoma transfer Grant Calcaterra, tight end:

The All-Big 12 player was tight lipped ahead of signing day about whether he would stick with Auburn after it fired Auburn. But then his letter came in at 11 a.m. Monday morning. His message didn’t imply permanence — he tweeted “for now, War Eagle,” but he put his signature on the line. He will add more experience to the tight end room.

This quote is, of course, from the article. What the devil does "for now, War Eagle" mean? If you don't want to be here, don't sign the paper. That shouldn't be complicated even for an Okie. With his medical situation it's possible he had no other offers anyway.

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1 minute ago, Mikey said:

This quote is, of course, from the article. What the devil does "for now, War Eagle" mean? If you don't want to be here, don't sign the paper. That shouldn't be complicated even for an Okie. With his medical situation it's possible he had no other offers anyway.

i just posted the info mikey i never thought anything about what he was thinking.i am more interested in who will be our new coach.

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Obviously we have to find a coach first but this NCAA investigation at Tennessee can't hurt us lol 

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On 12/16/2020 at 6:58 PM, Win4AU said:

Any guesses where this class will finish if Auburn is able to sign the 5 holds in February?  

Not worth calculating as well will still add guys to.

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On 12/17/2020 at 4:58 PM, tigerman1186 said:

Who do they expect to sign on Friday???

@tigerman1186It was juco DE Byron Young but he signed with the Vols near the beginning of the #StopSteele movement.

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On 12/20/2020 at 1:35 PM, Zeek said:

Obviously we have to find a coach first but this NCAA investigation at Tennessee can't hurt us lol 

Yup. Will be interesting to see if Harsin & Co want Roc Taylor & Dylan Brooks.

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Just now, ellitor said:

Yup. Will be interesting to see if Harsin & Co want Roc Taylor & Dylan Brooks.

I'm curious if any kid would follow him from Boise. Unrelated he only follows 84 people on Twitter and Lee Hunter is one of them. 

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3 minutes ago, Zeek said:

I'm curious if any kid would follow him from Boise. Unrelated he only follows 84 people on Twitter and Lee Hunter is one of them. 

Coaches don't usually poach their old clubs.

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I don't have VIP but good to hear Harsin is putting in the work. 

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On 12/23/2020 at 7:50 AM, ellitor said:

Coaches don't usually poach their old clubs.

After seeing his obvious love for Boy-C come through in his presser I could never see him pulling a Franklin

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On 12/23/2020 at 7:50 AM, ellitor said:

Coaches don't usually poach their old clubs.

But if he poaches one or two of BSU Assistants, one or two players may want to follow their position coach. Not likely but possible I would think, depending on where the kids are from.  Lot of unknowns right now with CBH being just a one man staff. Hope we get Coordinators on board shortly after Bowl Game. Transitions being  more difficult now with the early signing date.  In the past coaches would have two or three weeks to put a few coaches in place to salvage the recruiting class.

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44 minutes ago, autan said:

But if he poaches one or two of BSU Assistants, one or two players may want to follow their position coach. Not likely but possible I would think, depending on where the kids are from.  Lot of unknowns right now with CBH being just a one man staff. Hope we get Coordinators on board shortly after Bowl Game. Transitions being  more difficult now with the early signing date.  In the past coaches would have two or three weeks to put a few coaches in place to salvage the recruiting class.

You make a good point, but the flip side is are there any kids in that class he'd actually want to bring here? His highest ranked recruit in the current class is the 651st best player in the country according to 247. We only have 2 commitments (counting the guy that's not nationally ranked)  ranked below that. In our worst class in a decade. 

Not saying that none of those guys would come down here and compete, but he's probably not going to burn any bridges for guys who aren't sure fire stars. 

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4 minutes ago, McLoofus said:

You make a good point, but the flip side is are there any kids in that class he'd actually want to bring here? His highest ranked recruit in the current class is the 651st best player in the country according to 247.

Yup! Coach Hars just went from shopping at Wal Mart to Neiman Marcus.

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On 9/18/2020 at 1:12 PM, Zeek said:

Total Spots (roughly 23-25):

Signed NLI (12)

Dematrius Davis || 4* Dual-Threat || 5'10.5" 200 lbs. || Houston, TX

OU Transfer Grant Calcaterra || 4* || 6'4" 227 lbs. || Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Landen King || 3* || 6'5" 220 lbs. || Humble, TX

Garner Langlo || 3* || Guard || 6'7" 270 lbs. || Ocala, FL

Hal Presley || 3* || Wide Receiver || 6'3" 190 lbs. || Arlington, TX

Lee Hunter || 4* || Defensive Tackle || 6'5" 292 lbs. || Eight Mile, AL

Marquis Robinson || 4* || Defensive Tackle || 6'3" 300 lbs. || Milton, FL

Tobechi Okoli || 3* || Defensive End || 6'5" 250 lbs. || Kansas City, MO

Ahmari Harvey || 4* || Safety || 5'10.5" 171 lbs. || Tallahassee, FL

Kamal Hadden || 3* || Corner Back || 6'2" 185 lbs. || River Rouge, MI

***Oscar Chapman (Aussie Punter) counts to the 2021 Recruiting Class and Sawyer Pate (blueshirt QB) likely picks up a scholly***

 

Confirmed Harsin Targets:

Tar'varish Dawson || 3* || Athlete DB || 5'10" 175 lbs. || Lehigh Acres, FL

Still technically committed but not signed. Another priority by coach Harsin and one Auburn is hoping to keep. 

Eric Wilson || 3* || Guard/Center || 6'4" 315 lbs. || Minneapolis, MN

Formerly committed to Auburn but decommitted after Gus' firing. He is open to coming but admitted he's started building a connection with LSU. OL coach will play a big factor.

Trevin Wallace || 4* || 6'2" 225 lbs. || Jesup, GA 

One of the first phone calls coach Harsin made. Likely waiting to see who the LB coach will be. Asked Harsin whether or not TWill would stay.

 

Others to Watch:

Jimmori Robinson || 3* || Buck || 6'6" 248 lbs. || Rochester, NY || JUCO

Dontae Balfour || 3* || CB || 6'2" 170 lbs. || Starke, FL

Roc Taylor || 3* || WR || 6'2" 212 lbs. || Oxford, AL

Known Transfer Targets:

N/A

Updated to the best of my knowledge! 

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1 hour ago, Zeek said:

Updated to the best of my knowledge! 

 @ZeekWhere have you seen Sawyer Pate is a blue shirt? I haven't seen that anywhere. Everything I saw was he was a walk on & they aren't guaranteed a scholly. Plus Blue shirts have to go on scholly either in their current class or the next class. There's no likely go on scholly for them It's part of the contract. Lastly AU hasn't talked to Jimmori Robinson in a long time per JLee.

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1 minute ago, ellitor said:

 @ZeekWhere have you seen Sawyer Pate is a blue shirt? I haven't seen that anywhere. Everything I saw was he was a walk on & they aren't guaranteed a scholly. Plus Blue shirts have to go on scholly either in their current class or the next class. There's no likely go on scholly for them It's part of the contract. Lastly AU hasn't talked to Jimmori Robinson in a long time per JLee.

I'm sorry I thought Pate was. Can't remember where I saw it but it was a while ago. 

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5 hours ago, Zeek said:

Updated to the best of my knowledge! 

DE Ian Matthews, Columbus, Ga. and DB Amarni Diamond, Mobile, both signed on 12/16/20. Should be added to your list of signees. :)

 

 

Edited by Mikey
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