One of the first big events to take place will be in Auburn this weekend, where the Tigers will be having their annual Big Cat Weekend.
Auburn currently has six commitments in its 2016 class—which carries a modest ranking of No. 32 nationally.
But this weekend could set the foundation of what could eventually become a top-10 class by next February.
So who are some of the primary targets that will be on the Plains this weekend and which faces are ones that coach Gus Malzahn and his staff will need to make a positive impression on during the event?
Let's take a look at those things and more in this preview of Auburn's huge recruiting weekend.
Star Power
Between the 2016 and 2017 classes, as many as five 5-star prospects are scheduled to be in attendance this weekend, according to Keith Niebuhr of 247Sports.
The 2016 contingent includes all six of the Tigers' current commits plus former Tigers commit and 5-star receiver Nate Craig-Myers and 5-star Georgia defensive tackles Derrick Brown and Julian Rochester.
The event will also have a good dose of Georgia flavor to it as Peach State studs such as 4-star quarterback Jawon Pass, 4-star running back Elijah Holyfield, 4-star defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson and 4-star linebacker Tre Lamar will make the trek just over the state border.
Auburn is comfortably in the lead group of schools for each of these prospects.
Among the noted 2017 visitors to keep an eye on include a pair of out-of-state studs who currently rank among the nation's top 10 juniors overall in offensive tackle Calvin Ashley and corner Deangelo Gibbs.
It's clear that Malzahn and his staff will have a group of prospects from which they hope the bulk of their 2016 and 2017 classes are built.
Potential Commits
This weekend could also prove fruitful for the Tigers in the form of potential commitments.
At the top of the list of players close to joining the Tigers class is 4-star Florida receiver Eli Stove.
Niebuhr notes that Auburn's staff is optimistic that Stove could potentially commit during this weekend's festivities.
Another huge visitor, literally and figuratively, is 4-star JUCO offensive lineman Garett Bolles.
The 6'5" 290-pounder backed off a commitment to BYU earlier this month, and his trip to the Plains this weekend will be an official visit, as noted by Niebuhr.
The fact that he will make the cross-country trek for a pivotal event on Auburn's recruiting calendar is a clear signal of his interest in the Tigers program. Malzahn and his staff would love to earn a pledge from him before he heads home.
Guys Auburn Needs to Impress
Given the amount of talent that will be on hand, Auburn is hoping to make a strong impression on a few recruits who may be on the fence with regard to the Tigers or may be leaning elsewhere.
It's no secret that the Tigers have a huge need at defensive tackle, and getting talents such as Brown, Jackson and Rochester on campus is a big deal.
However, Georgia appears to be in the driver's seat for Brown and Rochester, and the Bulldogs are also a major player for Jackson.
According to Kipp Adams of 247Sports (via Niebuhr), Brown will arrive a day early to "meet with coaches and tour the facilities." Brown has consistently had the Tigers as No. 2 for his services behind Georgia, but perhaps this weekend could be their best chance to cut into Georgia's lead.
Jackson, who is already very familiar with Auburn's campus having visited multiple times in the last two years, is another priority recruit. While it's unlikely Auburn can show him anything he hasn't already seen, simply getting him back on campus will be a positive step in helping the program regain momentum in his recruitment.
Another player Malzahn would like to impress is Pass, who is the nation's top remaining quarterback who has yet to commit. According to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports, Alabama and North Carolina appear to be trending for the 6'5" 220-pounder.
Pass presents an intriguing fit in Malzahn's system and could be the Tigers' potential quarterback of the future should he elect to cast his lot with the Tigers.
While signing day is still more than eight months away, this weekend is a critical one for Malzahn and his staff in their quest to land another class that rates among the nation's best.
Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Read more Auburn Football news on BleacherReport.com
from Bleacher Report - Auburn Football http://ble.ac/1AuC5yq
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment