4-star Auburn Tigers 2027 quarterback target Israel Abrams is either tipping his hand to what should be an eventual signing with AU, or is leading Alex Golesh, Joel Gordon, and Co. with lip service on Saturday.
After his second visit to East Central Alabama, the Montini Catholic (IL) product boldly claimed that he kept seeing reasons why Auburn is the most logical choice in his recruitment, which also includes the Miami Hurricanes, Florida State Seminoles, Kentucky Wildcats, and Purdue Boilermakers.
“I just feel like they keep showing me reasons why this is the place I should be,” Abrams said. “Auburn coach Alex Golesh and OC Joel Gordon were awesome. I felt the same type of love that I got last time I was here. So, that’s what it’s all about.”
Sounds signed, sealed, and delivered, right? Well it depends on how you take his next statement.
“Auburn is making their future, and it looks like something that I would want to be a part of,” Abrams said. “All my options are in a good spot right now. I’m not going to look at anybody less because of their names.”
Is that implying the Tigers lack the name value of the Hurricanes and Seminoles? Or is it saying that smaller brands like the Wildcats (on the gridiron, anyway) and the Boilermakers are the ones with the real chance?
We'll find out soon enough. But Abrams has shared similar statements in the past.
Israel Abrams and Auburn's coaching staff have strong relationship
The way Abrams described Golesh and his staff in February, which also included a shoutout to assistant QB coach Hayden Kingston, who will work with Gordon closely this season, hinted at a strong bond with the Tigers' coaching staff that's presumably missing with other schools. Unless Abrams lives on his phone.
“I just think talking to Coach Golesh over time, getting to know him and his family I feel like that’s a type of man I want to be coached under ... He has the same values my dad has so that obviously translates over and that’s someone you want to play for ... The coaches they show so much love. They’re always reaching out. They’re always there. I probably talk to Coach Hayden Kingston and Coach (Joel) Gordon at least three times a week, both of them. The connection is definitely building and getting better," Abrams said.
We may never truly know if money will end up being the deciding factor in Abrams' recruitment. If the actual relationship-building aspect is, it sounds like Golesh and Co. have it in the bag.