The Auburn football “crootin’ finger” strikes again.
Bryan Harsin and co. just got their literal biggest commitment yet, but they also just got one of the figuratively biggest commitments of any class so far as well.
Bradyn Joiner, a 4-star interior offensive lineman from local Auburn High School, is the first major OL recruiting victory of the Harsin era. Remember, these were the exact kind of battles that Gus Malzahn typically lost.
So why did Joiner choose to stay on the Plains? Well, it’s a reason the Auburn family can’t help but have resonate throughout its community: family.
Bradyn Joiner on why he chose Auburn: "Growing up my godfather loved Auburn and he always wanted me to play there. He passed away a few years ago and when Auburn offered me I knew that's where I wanted to go to honor him. Once I got that offer I knew I was gonna go to Auburn."
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) January 1, 2022
Like Bo Nix, Joiner was always destined to be a Tiger. Unlike Nix, he has the chance to be a four-year Tiger at Auburn high and then go another four with the Auburn football program on the biggest stage in the SEC.
Where their stories diverge is that Joiner won’t get the chance to look into the stands and see the inspiration for wearing the orange and blue. But every time Tank Bigsby, Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alston, or whoever is under center scores due to the OL, Joiner can point to the heavens and thank God and his godfather for making him an Auburn Tiger.
So, for those keeping score at home, the OL is now making major strides forward after the DL was beefed up with a transfer portal addition, several landed recruits, and major upperclassmen returns.