Auburn football: Darrius Clemons on why he chose Michigan over AU, UO

With early national signing day finally here, many of Auburn football’s top targets are making their college decisions all over the country. While the Tigers have had a successful day in recruiting, adding multiple signees to the roster and skyrocketing in the ranks, not all of the decisions have gone in favor of Auburn.

Long-time Auburn wide receiver target Darrius Clemons was one of the prospects that disappointed the Tigers today when he officially committed to Michigan over Auburn and Oregon.

Clemons’ recruitment was a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, trending towards the Tigers early on before changing his tune when the Oregon Ducks lost two of their major wide receiver commits for 2022. It looked like Clemons was locked in with the Ducks until it was announced that head coach Mario Cristobal would be jumping ship and heading south to Miami, and suddenly Michigan was recruiting Clemons hard.

After a late official visit to Ann Arbor, Clemons’ decision was made:

According to 247Sports, the 4-star receiver lived in Michigan until he was 10 and regards his commitment as a homecoming. But that wasn’t the only draw to the program:

"“This was a 40-year decision and not a four-year decision,” said Clemons. “The academic position there really impressed me. And playing football is a lot more fun when you’re winning and them being in the college football playoff helped.”"

With Cristobal out and Michigan making a late push, coupled with the Wolverines’ selection to the college playoffs, Auburn football was no longer the choice for Clemons. In addition to their upcoming title run, Clemons also credited Coaches Harbaugh and Gattis for staying on him until the last minute:

"“Coach Harbaugh and coach Gattis for sure did a great job recruiting me,” said Clemons. “The depth chart wasn’t something I looked at, I’m confident in myself and I just want to come in and compete and bet on myself.”"

Even without Clemons, Auburn football’s recruiting class of 2022 only continues to get better and is currently right outside of being a top 10 class in the nation.