Auburn football: In-state OL speaks highly of offensive asst. Joe Bernardi

With most of Auburn football’s offensive line returning to the Plains for another year, bringing in lineman from the transfer portal or even signing them in the 2022 class is likely to be a challenge for the Tigers. However, head coach Bryan Harsin and the rest of his staff are already working on securing offensive linemen for the recruiting class of 2023.

Currently, the only athlete committed to the 2023 class happens to be an offensive lineman. Auburn native Bradyn Joiner, a 4-star IOL, officially committed to Auburn football on New Year’s Day, choosing the Tigers over Penn State and Georgia.

Now, the offensive staff is turning their attention to another in-state offensive lineman in Patrick Screws, who hails from Eufala, AL. Screws has visited the Plains more than once already and was present in Jordan-Hare for the 2021 Iron Bowl.

According to Jeffrey Lee of Auburn Live, Screws has been forming a relationship with the Tigers’ newest offensive assistant Joe Bernardi, who is working to get the offensive lineman on campus next month for another visit. Screws spoke highly of Bernardi, and the pair spoke on the phone about his next visit on Monday night:

"“He was trying to get my up for a visit as soon as possible,” Screws said. “I plan to get back and revisit and see everything again. I like Coach Bernardi. He’s a nice guy, real genuine.”"

Fly War Eagle reported last month that Bernardi, who has key SEC experience, was expected to join Bryan Harsin’s staff:

"Bernardi spent two years as the offensive line quality control coach with the Tennessee Volunteers and worked with the offensive line and tight ends at Oregon from 2013-2015. He’s expected to hold a similar role with the Tigers, working closely with Will Friend’s position group."

Though a date has not yet been set, Patrick Screws is expected to be on campus for another visit sometime in March. Auburn football’s spring practices will begin on March 15.