Auburn Recruiting: Offensive Targets

Yesterday, we looked at the defensive side of the ball. Let's look at the offense, now.

Over on the offensive side of the ball the coaches appear to be going all in for a select few high profile players to round out the class. With a pair of QBs and RBs already in the fold there isn't much need there. With the departure of Sammie Coates for the NFL they may want to add a WR or two to go with D'Anfernee McGriff. The Tigers already have a pretty solid offensive line class committed, and partially enrolled, but there's still a big fish out there they would love to land.

Torrance Gibson - QB/ATH - 6'4" 204 - ****

Ok, so we said there isn't much need at QB, but Gibson's style is a lot like Nick Marshall. He would fit in Malzahn's offense very well. The Army All-American is also a good enough athlete that if quarterback didn't work out, he could probably make a smooth transition to WR and make an impact there. The problem is, he's currently committed to Ohio State. He was another visitor for Big Boom Weekend and has also visited LSU in the past couple of weeks. It's not clear how solid his commitment to the Buckeyes are, but Gibson began looking around not long after Cardale Jones announced he was not going to the NFL after 3 starts. Gibson may not see an easy path to playing time at his desired position there. Either way, he'll be one to watch leading up to signing day.

Terry Godwin - ATH - 6'0" 170 - *****

Godwin is the top athlete in the country and could play receiver or defensive back, but most believe he's being recruited for the offensive side of the ball. His elusiveness and speed could make him dynamic in the open field with the ball in his hands. The Under Armour All-American is currently committed to Georgia, but recent trips to Auburn during Big Boom Weekend and Alabama have people wondering how solid that commitment is. Godwin visited the Plains numerous times during the season and is very close to WR coach Dameyune Craig. Is that relationship is enough for a big signing day surprise? The Tigers would love to steal this one.

Darius Slayton - WR - 6'1" 182 - ****

Slayton is another current Georgia commit who's super secret visit to the Plains last week caused a stir. The Army All-American is another who could play on either side of the ball, but many believe is being recruited as a WR. He is a player to watch between now and signing day to see if the Tigers can steal one away from the Dawgs.

Ray-Ray McCloud III - ATH - 5'11" 175 - ****

This would probably be a longshot, but rumors are swirling so we'll mention it here for the hell of it. Ray-Ray is currently committed to Clemson, but the coaches have reached out to him and are trying to get him on campus this weekend. Anything can happen if they can get him on campus.

Ryan Davis - WR - 5'10" 167 - ****

Another Davis, another Florida product, and another Big Boom Weekend visitor. Davis is small, but very quick. He would fit the slot position in Malzahn's offense very well and could possibly fill the Quan Bray role. He is part of the group of Forida players that many expected to end up with the Gators before Muschamp was fired. He has a good relationship with Champ. Will it be enough to pull him away? He is down to Auburn and Florida and plans to announce on signing day.

Devante Peete - WR - 6'6" 195 - ***

Peete is another south Florida prospect who's name has recently popped up after Muschamp and T-Rob joined the staff. He is tentatively scheduled to visit Auburn this weekend, but we're unsure whether that actually happened. He recently visited Louisville as his only other official visit, however he has visited Miami unofficially. His height is the first thing that jumps out, because who wouldn't want a 6'6" receiver? This one could be interesting to watch unfold if he makes it up to the Plains, but it is unknown just how high he is on the coaches' board.

Camion Patrick - WR - 6'2" 215 - ***

Originally from Tennessee, Camion is currently at East Mississippi CC. He will reportedly have three years to play two wherever he ends up. He has taken an official visit to Louisville and is expected to visit Indiana on the final weekend. He visited Auburn last weekend despite not having an offer from the Tigers. He appears to be a backup plan, and could be one to watch if Gus decides to extend a late offer.

NO CRYSTAL BALL PREDICTIONS

Dominique Reed - WR - 6'4" 185 - ****

Reed is another JuCo receiver that Auburn is taking a look at. He is originally from Arkansas, but is currently at Coffeyville CC. His size and speed would make him someone who could potentially step right in to the spot vacated by Sammie Coates. He has taken visits to Arkansas and, more recently, Texas. He was supposed to visit earlier in the month but rescheduled and is now tentatively listed as a visitor for the final weekend. It's uncertain whether Gus will push for a commitment, or how interested Reed is, but he's a name to watch for come signing day.

Martez Ivey - OT - 6'5" 275 - *****

Ivey is the number one offensive tackle in the country and one of the top overall players. He is a guy that could come in compete for the RT spot right away. He was originally slated to announce his decision during the Army All-American game, but decided at the last minute to put it off until signing day. That was good news for Auburn as it gave the coaches a chance to get him back to campus for an unofficial visit during Big Boom weekend. He spent a lot of time that weekend hanging out with his high school teammate and best friend, Chandler Cox. This is a Florida v. Auburn battle. Florida is the home state school and childhood favorite, while Auburn has everything he's looking for, plus his best friend enrolled. Auburn would love for this one to go their way on signing day.

Numbers-wise it's hard to say exactly what the breakdown the coaches are hoping for. Based on the current roster and current list of commitments, though, you would think that they would like 2-4 more on the defensive line, and 1-2 more corners. They may not need another linebacker, but Holland may be a player they can't turn away if he wants to become a Tiger. Best guess, right now, on the defensive side would see the Tigers landing Cowart, Prince Tega, Holland, and Carlton Davis. That would take up 4 of the remaining 7 spots in the class if that were to happen. You have to like the coaches' chances having the last visit with Arden Key. They would certainly find room for Jefferson if the package deal is really a thing, and you would have to think that Beckner Jr would have a spot as well if he wanted to come. Space is very limited, but players like Godwin and Ivey would have a spot no matter what.