Two of Auburn's top targets for the Class of 2014 are uncommitted five-star linebacker Rashaan Evans and Florida State four-star athlete/quarterback commit Treon Harris. Both were on the Plains over the weekend for official visits. Are the Tigers any close to landing either?
From what we're hearing, Evans' visit went really well. He enjoyed being able to see the campus and spending a weekend with his possible future teammates, just as if they were in college. He spent more one-on-one time with Gus Malzahn, a good thing because Evans really likes the head coach. Evans should be back in on campus Wednesday night for the Auburn-Alabama basketball game, which will give him another opportunity to hang out with Malzahn.
Position on the field appears to be a pretty big deal for Evans. Auburn wants him to play the linebacker/safety hybrid "star" position in Ellis Johnson's 4-2-5, and Alabama would like him to play the outside linebacker "jack" position in the 3-4 base. The belief on the plains is that he's more intrigued by the star, and that he is getting along better with Auburn players and coaches. If position ends up being the deciding factor -- which is a possibility -- it looks like the Tigers have an advantage.
Harris is still committed to Florida State, but Auburn and wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig have piqued his interest. The two have formed a close bond. The Seminoles are recruiting Harris as a quarterback, and Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee have said he'll have a chance to play QB, but Auburn is recruiting him as an athlete. Harris wants to play quarterback, but he's willing to change positions if that doesn't work out. Florida State still has a significant lead for Harris' services, but the Tigers have closed the gap a bit.