Auburn Football Recruiting Could Still See Fireworks in July

When wide receiver target Brandon Martin out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College pledged to Auburn on the first day of July, it appeared that would be the start of a big month on the recruiting trail for the Tigers coaching staff and football program. However, Martin would rescind his verbal less than a week later, setting the 2017 Auburn football recruiting class back a notch.

And then there was Tre’ McKitty. The Tigers were long believed to be the leader for the tight end before Big Cat Weekend in early June, and, after that strong visit, not much seemed to change. The primary opposition, though, appeared to be Oregon and, at The Opening on July 11, it was the Ducks that emerged with his commitment.

Auburn football would not let all their potential pyro be smothered, however, they did land one major pledge that would help get the Tiger train back on track.

At the same event McKitty verballed elsewhere, the Tigers landed physical offensive lineman Nick Brahms (No. 68/247Sports), giving Auburn football three bonafide elite prospects along the offensive line in its 2017 class. Brahms, who will likely play center or guard at the collegelevel, joins offensive tackles Calvin Ashley (No. 21/ESPN) and Austin Troxell (No. 84/ESPN).

And now, just when things were looking like — in total — the month may not live up to its one-time lofty expectations, multiple fireworks for Auburn’s class may yet be nearing liftoff.

More from Fly War Eagle

• Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
• Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
• Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
• Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
• Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’

One of the better athletes in the country, Tray Bishop (No. 98/247Sports) out of Dawson (Ga.), appeared to have Auburn football in the lead but battling against the home-state Bulldogs. Whereas the Bulldogs plan to play Bishop at receiver, the Tigers are offering him the opportunity to be a quarterback at the college level. But after visits to Georgia and Florida in the last 10 days, momentum seemed to shift toward Gainesville, where the Gators hoped to sign him as a defensive back. Bishop himself tweeted that his college choice, once set to be announced July 25, had been delayed:

But after visiting for Auburn’s first War Damn Barbecue recruiting event this weekend, the commitment date is once again on, and that certainly has to be taken as a great sign for the Tigers — especially since Bishop says that his parents would likely name Auburn as the preferred destination for their son.

Make no mistake, landing a player that is athletic and versatile enough to be coveted by Auburn football, Georgia, and Florida at three different skill positions would be a home run. The Tigers staff and fans will find out Bishop’s decision today, on Twitter, around 11 a.m. Auburn-time.

Another opportunity to add tremendous athleticism to the roster could come on Thursday, as it’s rumored that running back Devan Barrett (No. 71/Rivals) out of Tampa will announce a decision on that date, possibly on local television. Needless to say, Barrett would provide yet another huge boost to the Tigers class. Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee are also contending, but the Volunteers may be the top competition.

Next: Football Recruiting: Auburn Could Get Huge Boost from 4-Star RB

So, looking back, the early July fireworks weren’t as plentiful as Auburn football coaches or faithful hoped — even with the enormous Brahms pledge. But, now, nearing the end of the month, the old cliché has never been more true:

Better late . . . than never.