The new Auburn football staff has been gaining momentum on the recruiting trail as they prepare to enter their 2nd month after the NCAA ended the dead period earlier this month. New linebackers coach Jeff Schmedding has been building relationships with some of the top prospects in the country, but he could have placed Auburn football squarely in the race for a 5-star in the 2023 class.
Drayk Bowen is a 5-star linebacker in the 2023 class out of Merrillville, IN, and ranks as the #25 overall player and #1 LB in the 2023 recruiting class. Bowen has produced at an extraordinary level in his first two years at Andrean High School, in which he has racked up over 130 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in his short career.
Bowen was on the Plains this Thursday for an unofficial visit and caught up with Steve Wiltfong after his visit and had this to say about his visit to Auburn:
"“The Auburn visit was awesome. I got to meet pretty much the whole coaching staff because I got to sit in a meeting. That was honestly very cool and unique because I got to see how the coaches and players all interact with each other in one room. They were going through what they call is “The Check Up From The Neck Up” which is all about the mental side”"
Bowen was also asked about his impression of Bryan Harsin and Jeff Schmedding:
"“Coach Schmedding was very fun to be around all day and I enjoyed getting to learn from him for a little bit when we sat down in his office. He gave us all the details from what he’s learned about Auburn and how he coaches his linebackers. Coach (Derek) Mason and Coach Schmedding work very well together because they took their defenses and combined them.”“Coach Harsin was very cool to talk to and told us about their team’s philosophy and that they want the family atmosphere but the work that comes with it. Overall the visit was great and I’m sure we’ll be back down there for a game.”"
Bowen posted some highlights of his visit to his Twitter and thanked Coach Harsin, Coach Mason, & Coach Schmedding.
https://twitter.com/DraykBowen/status/1408142232809578496
Bowen has multiple 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions to Notre Dame, but the consensus is that this recruitment is far from over. Bowen is continuing his visit tour of the SEC with LSU today and was in Tuscaloosa earlier this week, but has yet to announce his favorites in his recruitment.
Derek Mason and Jeff Schmedding are building strong relationships with the top prospects in the 2022 and 2023 classes, which will pay off as we approach National Signing Day. Do not count the Tigers out as Bryan Harsin and this staff are showing their true potential on the recruiting trail.