Auburn football: UCLA transfer edge talks visit, relationship with coaches

In the midst of recruiting the class of 2023 after spring training and heading into the summer, Auburn football coaches are also combing through the NCAA transfer portal to find talent to add to their 2022 roster.

The Tigers have secured four transfers already since the end of the 2021 season in quarterbacks Zach Calzada (Texas A&M) and Robby Ashford (Oregon) as well as defensive lineman Jayson Jones and cornerback DJ James, both from Oregon.

However, the Tigers are in need of extra depth at the edge position, and Roc Bellantoni has zeroed in on a target from across the country in Los Angeles, California. Auburn football extended an offer to UCLA transfer Odua Isibor quickly after he entered the transfer portal, and they’re sticking out to the edge among other programs.

Isibor made it to the Plains this past weekend for a visit, getting the chance to see Auburn’s campus and picture himself playing on the level of the SEC. Auburn Undercover reports that one of the most important parts of Isibor’s visit was the opportunity to sit down with his would-be position coach and the rest of the staff:

"“He’s a really nice guy,” the UCLA transfer says. “They’re all really nice guys. They are very loving. These are all guys that have experience. That definitely showed when we talked about scheme and football. They all seemed really intelligent.”"

When it comes to choosing the program where he will use his last year of eligibility, Isibor noted that he intends to play somewhere that will allow him to excel and play a role on the field:

"“I’m definitely going somewhere to compete, but I’m not looking for a school that just needs depth or a place-holder,” Isibor says. “I’m trying to come in and make an impact early and make the best opportunity for myself.”"

The edge plans to take a few more visit before making his decision in the coming weeks, but plans to be at his new school for the summer.