One thing is certain. Despite coming on late down the stretch to grab another top 10 recruiting class in 2012, Auburn coaches have no intention of falling behind this year. Auburn put together a solid Junior Day over the weekend and walked away with its fourth commitment for 2013.
Four-star wide receiver Earnest Robinson from Pinson, Ala, got the day off to a fast start when he chose Auburn over Alabama, Florida State, Miami, LSU and Oregon. Robinson (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) credited Auburn assistant Trooper Taylor with getting him to commit.
"I really love Troop, says Robinson. "He's like my family, like my dad. He'll take care of me and be on me hard about my education." Robinson says giving the news to Taylor and fellow assistant Tommy Thigpen was special.
"He (Taylor) was jumping around crazy," he said. "Coach Thigpen picked me up. It was great."
Robinson is Auburn's fourth commitment for the 2013 class joining linebacker Trey Johnson, punter Jimmy Hutchinson and defensive lineman Dee Liner.
The Robinson commitment wasn't the only news of the day. Auburn made huge gains with four-star running back Trevor Dye (Elberton, Ga), four-star quarterback Jeremy Johnson (Montgomery) and three-star tight-end Standish Dobard (New Orleans).
Before I came to Auburn, it wasn't in my top five," said Dobard. "Now, they're definitely in my top two (along with Georgia).
"I like the offensive coordinator and tight end coach and how their offensive coordinator is bringing new things around the tight end. He's revolving the offense around the tight end. I like that," he said.
Dobard is also considering Georgia, LSU, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Texas Tech and Colorado.
Auburn's commitment to a full, four-year scholarship instead of the typical single year commitment appears to be paying off. Dye says it makes a big difference.
"The years I would be here, if I signed, they offered me a full ride, a 4-year scholarship," he said. "They won't take it from me because they are true to their commitment. That's what they promised me."
The 6-foot, 208 pound Dye said he enjoyed his time with Auburn coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Scott Loeffler.
"They made it sound like I was the guy they wanted," Dye said. "They said a lot of their linemen are freshmen coming up and it's going to be set by the time I get in if I decide to commit. (Curtis Luper) told me what he liked the most about me was my size. I can get real mean with the ball. I'm a physical back and he said he liked it that way. When I get ready to make contact I lower my shoulders."
Dye also has offers from USC and Tennessee, but says for now Auburn's at the top of his list.
The 6-foot-5, 215 pound Johnson made quite an impact while playing at Carver-Montgomery. He caught Loeffler's eye from the moment he arrived at Auburn.
"He (Loeffler) said I was ridiculous but there's a lot that he can show me to improve myself and my skills," said Johnson. "He's looking forward to me coming up for spring and watch them practice and sit in on a meeting. I'm looking forward to doing that.
"It (Junior Day) was great. Coach Loeffler is a great coach to be around," he said. "He's been through it. He told me he knows how it feels to be in my shoes. He's great at developing quarterbacks. That's mainly what he's about."
Johnson says Auburn remains at the top of his list.
"Auburn is still No. 1," he said. "It's mainly the family and tradition. They have great coaches. I love being around them. They're funny and they're nice people. I feel real comfortable here."
Robinson has offers from Auburn, LSU and Ole Miss. He plans to make decision following his senior season this fall.