In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, a former linebacker commit will make his way to the Plains for Big Cat Weekend and Payton Thorne talks about reuniting with high school teammate Sam Jackson V.
There have been a few ups and downs in Auburn football's recruitment of class of 2025, from massive commitments to a couple of decommitments. Tight end Hollis Davidson committed and uncommitted to the Tigers before finally locking things in on July 4, and now Auburn is looking to get another recruit back into the fold.
4-star linebacker Tyler Lockhart committed to Auburn football in early May but chose to reopen his recruitment after an official visit with in-state school Mississippi State at the end of June. Despite walking back his pledge to the Tigers, it appears that Lockhart still has interest as he has confirmed his attendance to Big Cat Weekend. Overall, Lockhart's recruitment has been pretty unpredictable, and there's no telling what could happen this weekend.
Payton Thorne talks about reuniting with high school teammate Sam Jackson V
Payton Thorne and Sam Jackson V were high school teammates, but they have not been strangers in their college careers. Last season Jackson played quarterback at Cal, and the pair faced off on the west coast. This season, Jackson is a wide receiver for the Auburn football team, and will be a target for Thorne on the field.
While chemistry between the wide receivers and Thorne is improving due to increased talent, it's also improving due to Thorne and Jackson's familiarity.
“He’ll be a best friend of mine for the rest of my life,” Thorne said of Jackson, per Auburn Athletics. “He’s my roommate. An awesome guy with a great heart and a desire to win. He wants to win desperately. I’m extremely excited that he’s here and I’m going to have a chance to throw him the ball this year.”