2019 Recruiting Thread

[Mikey 16,640]

4 hours ago, abw0004 said:

@ellitor any concern we should have with us dipping back into the JUCO ranks?  Are guys not developing like we expected?

The reason we need the linebacker is because our 2016 class, which should be juniors in 2018, was a washout. We signed only one that year and now he's gone. Ineffective LB recruiting in 2016 plus one poor evaluation left us with a big hole at LB.

[AlaskanFAN 1,666]

3 hours ago, ellitor said:

Well he in actuality is not a TE. He's a WR. Also since TEs are being used less & less at a lot of levels comparing the "#1" Juco TE is not necessarily the same as the #1 LB or SDE. Every team needs LBs & SDEs. Not every team needs a TE anymore.

Also Sal was the #2 Juco TE, not #1.

[ellitor 33,108]

The Tigers like Diabate at Sam linebacker. https://t.co/Gml6tCW54M

— Benjamin Wolk (@benjaminwolk) June 15, 2018

[The Plainsman 948]

1 hour ago, ellitor said:

Glad to see him finally get that offer.  Do dudes from the Ville pull for my baby tigers E?

[ellitor 33,108]

7 hours ago, The Plainsman said:

Do dudes from the Ville pull for my baby tigers E?

If you're asking about Prattville I do. Not sure about others though. It's a Bama town overall.

[The Plainsman 948]

3 hours ago, ellitor said:

If you're asking about Prattville I do. Not sure about others though. It's a Bama town overall.

Are Prattville and Auburn High still in the same region?   That is why I was asking,  do you pull for AHS players to potentially sign with AU?  

[ellitor 33,108]

33 minutes ago, The Plainsman said:

Are Prattville and Auburn High still in the same region?

Yes

34 minutes ago, The Plainsman said:

do you pull for AHS players to potentially sign with AU?

I pull for AU to get the best players the staff sees fit. It's cool when they come from AHS though.

[ellitor 33,108]

 

Quote

 

Rivals250 WR has surprise, 'eye-opening' visit to Auburn

Jeffrey Lee

AUBURN | Rivals250 wide receiver

Elijah Higgins hasn’t heavily considered Auburn, but that might have changed after Thursday.

Higgins, from James Bowie in Austin, Texas, made a stop in Auburn on his way from USF to Ole Miss.

“(The visit) was kind of out of nowhere,” Higgins said. “I just called told them I was going to swing by and see how it went.”

Higgins is glad he did.

“I am,” Higgins said. “I’m really glad I came. It went great. I had a great time. I’m really glad I made the stop here. It was a really great experience and eye-opening.”

Higgins spent a lot of time with Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and wide receivers coach Kodi Burns.

“Coach Burns is a great dude, an amazing guy,” Higgins said. “I really enjoyed talking to him. He showed me how they would use me in the offense, as a mismatch guy.”

Higgins plans to announce his commitment before the fall and could return to Auburn before he makes his choice.

“I’ve been really considering making my decision before August or September, before we start high school ball, so I’d like to come back for the Cookout in July,” Higgins said. “That’s something that I’ll really consider. Auburn is definitely a school I’m going to consider and look more into.”

Higgins next will visit Ole Miss and Arkansas before returning to his home in Texas.

Rivals ranks Higgins, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 215 pounds, the No. 20 wide receiver in the 2019 class and No. 128 in the Rivals250.

 

 

[McLoofus 35,182]

Huh. Cool!

[AuburnNTexas 7,157]

It seems like everyday we have another great WR who is thinking about Auburn. The problem is we can only take a few.  For those who used to say Mr. Burns can't recruit I believe he has shutdown that argument. Now I want the next step in Mr Burn's progression a couple of great WR's and Slot receivers showing out this year.

[ellitor 33,108]

13 minutes ago, AuburnNTexas said:

For those who used to say Mr. Burns can't recruit I believe he has shutdown that argument.

He has grown a lot from his 1st year struggles no doubt but he is getting help with most of his targets from Porter & Chip..

[Beaker 2,457]

I think equally significant in getting attention from top flight WR talent is our QB pipeline.  I am sure some will argue with me, but we haven't had a "pipeline" of talented QBs like this, ever.  Yes, we have had talented QBs, but nothing that rivals: Stidham, Willis, Gatewood and probably the #1 DT QB in the country.....Nix.  

 

I give Burns all the credit, but look at what he has to work with as he sells Auburn vs. his first year.  

[ellitor 33,108]

 

Quote

 

Auburn offers local standout after 7-on-7 tournament

Jeffrey Lee

AUBURN | Auburn extended an offer Thursday to local standout Mohamoud Diabate

The Tigers offered Diabate, who is a senior at Auburn High, after an impressive performance during Gus Malzahn’s 7-on-7 Passing Tournament Championship.

“It felt great,” Diabate said. “I’m glad that it finally happened.”

Malzahn, defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and linebackers coach Travis Williams all watched Diabate throughout the day.

“Coach Malzahn said he was glad to see me work in 7-on-7 so he could see my versatility,” Diabate said. “It meant a lot to me for them to use their time to come watch me because they could have been watching others.”

Auburn is recruiting Diabate to play strongside linebacker.

“I talked with Coach Malzahn a lot,” Diabate said. “And (Williams) said they like me at the ‘Sam.’”

Diabate doesn’t list any favorites and plans to return to Auburn before making a decision.

“I’m taking my time,” he said. “I’ll be back for sure. I only live 10 minutes from here.”

 

 

[ellitor 33,108]

I think we got one folks...

? pic.twitter.com/PQstkNDhio

— Patrick Suddes-AU (@PatrickSuddes) June 15, 2018

[WFE12 9,191]

7 minutes ago, ellitor said:

I think we got one folks...

Possibly someone from the 7-on-7?

[bigbird 60,573]

9 minutes ago, ellitor said:

I think we got one folks...

I love his tweets

[ellitor 33,108]

3 minutes ago, WFE12 said:

Possibly someone from the 7-on-7?

Na. My guess is Jamond Gordon who is at AU but not doing 7 on 7.

[fredst 9,064]

4 hours ago, ellitor said:

I think we got one folks...

I wonder if Mikey is going to be busting Suddes’ balls about using gifs?....

[augolf1716 21,221]

1 hour ago, fredst said:

I wonder if Mikey is going to be busting Suddes’ balls about using gifs?....

[fredst 9,064]

34 minutes ago, augolf1716 said:

Mikey’s gonna be pissed that you did that but it does look like Suddes. Well played...

[CR 2,446]

7 hours ago, ellitor said:

 

 

Any idea why AU offered now? WDE had said earlier in the year that AU was getting nowhere with Diabate and AU offered way later than the other big schools. Just seems like odd timing. Would love to have him he's a hell of a player.

[The Plainsman 948]

10 hours ago, CR said:

Any idea why AU offered now? WDE had said earlier in the year that AU was getting nowhere with Diabate and AU offered way later than the other big schools. Just seems like odd timing. Would love to have him he's a hell of a player.

I like the idea of offering the local kids later.   They have their entire lives to think S out playing for AU.  Maybe a late offer makes them want it more??  Also,. AU likes to see the guys camp so it means something to AU to have Diabate come over and show what he can do.     Who knows,. But I am glad we offered him.   I think he is a real talent.  

[ellitor 33,108]

11 hours ago, CR said:

Any idea why AU offered now?

Yes. It's in the article...

18 hours ago, ellitor said:

Coach Malzahn said he was glad to see me work in 7-on-7 so he could see my versatility

From his high school film I gather AHS rarely uses MD in coverage & mainly uses him as a pass rusher. I think the AU staff has seen everything they wanted to from him as a pass rusher & thought other guys were better at that like Derick Hall & Colby Wooden. At 7 on 7s D players aren't rushing the passer. They are strictly in coverage. AU finially got to see & liked MDs coverage skills. That's why we offered him as a Sam backer instead of a Buck pass rusher like many assumed.

[ellitor 33,108]

 

Quote

 

Auburn recruiting snapshot

By Keith Niebuhr

 

Saturday's commitment from defensive end Jamond Gordon of Meridian (Miss.) was a big one for the Tigers. Not only is he the first defensive lineman to jump in the boat for the 2019 class, he's also Auburn's first 2019 pledge from the state of Mississippi. For Auburn, Gordon is commitment No. 10 and it moves the Tigers to No. 19 in the recruiting team rankings.

To say the least, Auburn is well ahead of where it sat a year ago at this time. In fact, in mid-June the Tigers didn't even have a top-50 class. They ended up at No. 12.

With Auburn off to a strong first half of the 2019 recruiting cycle, there is great optimism by the Tigers that this ultimately could be one of the better classes the Tigers have put together during the Gus Malzahn era. In fact, Malzahn himself said last week he's excited about what this group will look like come National Signing Day next February.

But obviously, there is a lot of work to do.

And a lot of spots to fill.

All told, we estimate Auburn will sign somewhere in the 23-24 range ... but the final number never is known until singing day. Programs don't like that info to leak -- plus, transfers and injuries can alter things.

Here's a snapshot at where things stand for the Tigers as of today ….

SLIDE 1 of 10

 

Bo Nix is an Auburn commitment. (Photo: 247Sports)

 

QUARTERBACK

Committed: 1 -- Bo Nix

Spots to fill: 0

The 411: Auburn is done here, unless something drastic happens -- like a transfer, injury or suspension. The Tigers are thrilled to have Nix, a 4-star recruit, on board. He has had a big year thus far on the camp circuit. He won quarterback MVP honors at The Opening Atlanta regional then performed well earlier this month at the Elite 11 finals in California. Next up are The Opening finals this July in Texas. Of course, Nix also led his team to a state championship and perfect record in 2017. He was Auburn's top quarterback target in the class and could compete for the starting job in 2019.

SLIDE 2 of 10

 

Noah Cain (Photo: Steve Helwagen, 247Sports)

 

RUNNING BACK

Committed: 0

Spots to fill: 1-2

The 411: There does not seem to be much doubt that 4-star recruit Noah Cain of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy is Auburn's top running back target. He already has visited the Tigers twice this year and likely will return at some point for an official visit. Look for Cain to release a top five this summer, probably in July. LSU, Ohio State and Texas are three other programs to watch. Kenny McIntosh and Tye Edwards, both of Florida, are two other targets to keep an eye on. Both attended Big Cat Weekend at Auburn in early June. Miami is the team to beat for McIntosh, but Edwards apparently is fairly open.

SLIDE 3 of 10

 

5-star WR Jadon Haselwood. (Photo: Keith Niebuhr , 247Sports)

 

WIDE RECEIVER

Committed: 2 -- George Pickens and Ja'Varrius Johnson.

Spots to fill: 1-2

The 411: Auburn appears to be in a great spot at this position. Pickens is a top-100 recruit. Johnson was Auburn's top slot target. The Tigers could add one or even two more receivers to the class. Five-star Georgia commit Jadon Haselwood is their biggest target. He already has visited Auburn three times this year, most recently for Big Cat Weekend when he brought along about 10 family members. Another one to watch: Four-star recruit Jalen Curry of Texas. He officially visited Auburn earlier this week and the Tigers are trending up. He potentially could have a decision in the next week or two.

SLIDE 4 of 10

 

Tyler Fromm will be a Tiger. (Photo: Keith Niebuhr , 247Sports)

 

TIGHT END

Committed: 2 -- Luke Deal and Tyler Fromm

Spots to fill: 0

The 411: The Tigers cleaned up pretty well at tight end and it was greatly needed after not signing one in the 2018 class. They wanted two and that's what they got. And each was a big target. Fromm, younger brother of Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm, was the first to join the class, doing so in early May. He had 43 catches as a junior. Deal, a former quarterback, committed in late May. What Auburn likes about both is that each is versatile enough to line up in multiple spots. Already, Fromm and Deal have become friends.

SLIDE 5 of 10

 

Xavier Truss was back on the Auburn campus on Friday. (Photo: Inside The Auburn Tigers, Scout.com)

 

OFFENSIVE LINE

Committed: 1 -- Jakai Clark, center

Spots to fill: 3-4

The 411: This probably is Auburn's biggest question mark right now, especially at tackle. At that spot, it doesn't seem as though the Tigers lead for anyone just yet (that we know of). Five-star recruit Devontae Dobbs of Michigan is on his official visit this weekend. Four-star recruit Xavier Truss visited Auburn on Saturday and said he would return in the fall for an official. At guard, the Tigers appear to be the front-runner at the moment for 4-star prospect Keiondre Jones of Georgia. They're also very much the mix for 4-star recruit William Putnam of Florida.

SLIDE 6 of 10

 

Defensive end Jamond Gordon. (Photo: Keith Niebuhr , 247Sports)

 

DEFENSIVE LINE

Committed: 1 -- Jamond Gordon, end

Spots to fill: 3-4

The 411: Gordon committed Saturday. The Tigers need a big haul on the defensive line in this cycle and history shows that usually is when defensive line coach Rodney Garner is at his best. Defensive end Colby Wooden of Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer could be the next closest to joining the class. It's between Auburn and Clemson right now and we think Auburn probably has the edge -- but it's not over. Jarren Handy of Mississippi, who could play end or tackle, is another to watch. So is end/tackle Justin Eboigbe of Georgia. Auburn is very much in contention with both. At the buck, Derick Hall of Mississippi is the top target. It's an Auburn-Mississippi State battle for his commitment.

SLIDE 7 of 10

 

5-star LB Owen Pappoe is one of the top players in the country. (Photo: Inside The Auburn Tigers, Scout.com)

 

LINEBACKER

Committed: 1 -- Owen Pappoe

Spots to fill: 2

The 411: Pappoe is a 5-star recruit and landing him May 1 was huge for the Tigers. Not only is he a really good prospect but he's also an active recruiter for the Tigers. Who will join him in the class? That's a mystery right now. Auburn likes 4-star Georgia commit Trezmen Marshall a lot and he has visited twice in the past month. Additionally, Marshall is very close with Pappoe. Five-star linebacker Nakobe Dean of Mississippi plans to officially visit the Tigers next weekend. Right now, Alabama, Georgia and Texas A&M all appear to have a shot. Auburn will need a strong official to stay in contention. Four-star backer Christian Harris of Louisiana is another to watch. Ditto for Auburn High product Mohamoud Diabate, who Auburn offered Thursday.

SLIDE 8 of 10

 

5-star DB Andrew Booth. (Photo: @andrewbooth21)

 

CORNERBACK

Committed: 2 --Cordale Flott and Jaylin Simpson

Spots to fill: 1-2

The 411: Auburn wanted a big group at cornerback and it looks like that will happen. Flott and Simpson each got on board this spring. Now, the Tigers are after some big fish to complete the class. Five-star corner Andrew Booth of Georgia has visited Auburn three times since late March. It's an Auburn-Clemson battle that really could go either way. Some think it'll be Auburn. Some think Clemson. He should have a decision this summer. Zion Puckett of Georgia is another player Auburn really likes -- and right now the Tigers lead. Also keep an eye on Warren Burrell of Georgia.

SLIDE 9 of 10

 

4-star athlete Jashawn Sheffield. (Photo: Inside The Auburn Tigers, Scout.com)

 

SAFETY

Committed: 0

Spots to fill: 1-2

The 411: Auburn did extremely well at safety in the 2018 class. For 2019, though, it's still an important spot. Four-star recruit Jashawn Sheffield of Georgia is a strong Auburn lean. He could officially visit the Tigers next weekend. If that happens, it wouldn't be a surprise for him to join the commit list. Jammie Robinson of Georgia, another big safety target, will visit Auburn next weekend. Georgia and South Carolina lead right now, so the Tigers have some work to do. Robinson probably would be a nickel safety. Zion Puckett, who we have listed with the cornerbacks, also could play safety.

SLIDE 10 of 10

 

Anders Carlson is a redshirt freshman for the Tigers. (Photo: Adam Sparks, Inside the Auburn Tigers/AUTigers.com, Scout.com)

 

KICKER/PUNTER

Committed: 0

Spots to fill: 0

The 411: Unless something big changes we don't expect Auburn to take a kicker or a punter in the class. There really isn't a huge need right now for either. Kicker Anders Carlson is a redshirt freshman. Also, Auburn just signed a punter in the 2018 class -- Arryn Siposs of Australia.

 

 

[Rednilla 5,391]

On 6/15/2018 at 12:49 PM, Beaker said:

I think equally significant in getting attention from top flight WR talent is our QB pipeline.  I am sure some will argue with me, but we haven't had a "pipeline" of talented QBs like this, ever.  Yes, we have had talented QBs, but nothing that rivals: Stidham, Willis, Gatewood and probably the #1 DT QB in the country.....Nix.  

 

I give Burns all the credit, but look at what he has to work with as he sells Auburn vs. his first year.  

Well, I hate to be "that guy", but the 1993 team included Stan White, Patrick Nix, and Dameyune Craig...