Auburn recruiting target Hugh Freeze is battling Lane Kiffin for talks Plains visit
Hugh Freeze’s Auburn football program and Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels are the final two contestants in the Gerquan Scott sweepstakes, as the Southern Miss transfer announced he has told everyone else on his trail to stand down.
“I actually called every other coach and told them I wasn’t going to come,” said Scott (h/t Rivals). “I’m going to make a decision in probably the next day, next day or two.”
Scott said he has an idea of where he’ll land but doesn’t want to say anything about it. But what he did have plenty to say about was the Tigers’ state-of-the-art Woltosz Football Performance Center.
“I ain’t gonna lie, last night after seeing everything I went in the room and started talking to my girl about everything,” Scott prefaced before saying, “It’s always been like a dream. I was reminiscing about everything I’ve been through and everything it took to get here. Wherever I end up, I will not take nothing lightly.”
Scott also had rave reviews of Auburn’s OL coach, Jake Thornton.
“Great coach, man,” Scott said of Thornton. “We were in the film room yesterday and I started learning immediately. I was in there taking notes. He’s a smart guy and I like everything they’ve got going on. I like the way that o-line plays and takes on everything.”
Ole Miss offers more stability in 2024, but Auburn football offers higher ceiling
When it comes down to Scott’s options, they’re both good ones.
On one hand in Oxford, Mississippi, there’s the star running back Quinshon Judkins coming back for a third year. Ditto for former USC transfer Jaxson Dart, who had the Rebels at 10 wins; with just losses to Alabama and Georgia.
Auburn also has a star running back in Jarquez Hunter, though. Ulysses Bentley IV may return, but AU is deeper with Damari Alston, Brian Battie, and Jeremiah Cobb all going for over 100 yards. The run game is probably on par between the two teams. Quarterback is a position that could elevate Auburn here, though. Land a Cameron Ward-caliber player, and the Tigers have the edge here.
Scott’s success will be tied to those behind him, so if Freeze can have a headline QB name to entice the Southern Miss product with, AU can continue what has been a strong offseason of recruiting.